"We don't need no stinkin badges"

[wally888]

Although I have owned the book for years, read it many times, spent a couple of hours with Lynn, I can offer little in the way of instruction or interpretation of G.O.L.F. However I have a million stories for each time I have scored below par.
Below is one.
In the early 60's, when you could stand near the landing area of drives on # 13 at Augusta Nat'l. and pick your spot among about 20-30 others picking their spot, it was fairly easy to find someone who would loan you a badge for a day or two. Sometimes even borrow one for all 4 days!
I was stationed at Robins AFB, Warner Robins, Ga., in SAC and regularly was on alert for 7 days of each two or three weeks.
One day while discussing our upcoming matches, we all know matches are won and lost on the first tee but imagine spending 7 days on the first tee, another story, someone mentioned his father had Masters Badges, had received them for years.
The discussion turned to how difficult it was to get on the list, start receiving badges every year. These discussions, lots of bs, always were, no matter the subject, won by the last submission. "First liar doesn't have a chance!"
Suddenly a friend, Walt Loomer, known to have won a lot of discussions , stood up and asked, "O.K., how many of you guys want on the list, want to start receiving badges?" Going along with the joke, eight of us put our names, etc., on a list and he departed for the nearest phone. Upon his return he announced, we would all start receiving badges soon. Yow, sure!
Not long thereafter I received an application from Augusta for 4 series badges, as did all the others! Some years later my allotment was cut to two badges but I still get two.
An explanation? Will never know for sure but some years later I learned Augusta, about that time, maybe 10 minutes before Walt's call, had elected to increase badge allotments, maybe 10,000 more? Or did he lay some alligator tears, military, nom...................
One of us, McSweeny, did die in nom a short time later. stay off those scooters!

[EdZ]

It is indeed a place like no other. I attended in 1996 and treasure every footstep, sight and sound (especially watching Floyd ace 16). It was sad to watch one of my heros miss out yet again on a green jacket, but nothing compares to walking the course and seeing the best accept the challenges of Augusta.

Such a perfectly manicured garden of golf.

[Yoda]

Great story, Wally.

Speaking of #13 and not needing badges, my first entry into The Masters came in 1964 at age 17. And while it wasn't down Magnolia Lane, it definitely was down Memory Lane...

You could buy tickets by mail in those days if you got your letter in early enough, but I hadn't done that. So, bright and early on opening Thursday, I parked my little Bahama-blue Volkswagon off the side of the road near the back of the course and followed the seven-foot chain-link fence until I was out of public view. I found a good spot and climbed over. Had to wait my turn, though. Two older guys (in their late 20s) had beat me to the punch and were already boosting their wives -- one a definite prospect for Jenny Craig -- over the top.

Once over, we all high-tailed it through the woods like one big happy family -- they were carrying picnic baskets! -- until...like Dorothy into The Land of Oz...we found ourselves at the end of Amen Corner, that sacred ground near the 13th green and 16th tee box. Which, of course, at that time I knew absolutely nothing about.

Whoa!

As we emerged from the tall pines, there before us bursting with color lay the bright green panorama that is the Augusta National Golf Club! Having absolutely no idea where I was -- that would change! -- I began the long walk uphill that would take me to the Clubhouse.



There are defining moments in life, those you will always remember where you were and under what circumstances you got the news. Your first visit to Augusta in April is one of those moments.

If you get the chance, go.

You'll never forget it.

[dcg1952]

I was there for the Monday practice round in 1996 and took 5 rolls of pictures. My favorite was standing on the 16th tee and waiting as Norman and Tiger(still an amateur then) walked off the tee with their caddies. I have a shot of them from behind, just as they walked off the tee, with the water and green in the background. Had it enlarged and it's incredible. For those who have never been there, it's a hilly course---TV really flattens it out. Was fortunate enough to get there again last year for the Monday round. Interesting to see the changes in the course from 8 years ago. The place is MAGICAL!

[giantsuckingsound]

I was there a few years back on a Friday after it had rained like crazy and they actually cancelled Thursday play. They had used a manure based fertilizer that year . . . oh my! I mean it was rank with a capital RANK. It was so muddy that people were losing their shoes in the cross walk. Women in heels (can't quite get that) were falling and rolling around in the mud like pigs in slop. You eventually got used to the stench, but he contrast was strange. You're looking at possibly the most beautiful place on earth and it's smelling like hot garbage.

Sorry for the buzz kill but had to tell it.

[Anonymous]

I have never had the opportunity to see the Masters live and in person but shortly after I became aware of TGM and Ben Doyle. I had video taped a number of the masters rounds and during one recording during the 1995 Masters Jack Nicklaus was teeing off the par 3 16th....the shot of Jack was a front view shot so you could see the crowd standing behind him...while re-watching the video of Jack's shot....in the crowd with the little yellow book in hand was Ben Doyle....TGM at work at the Masters....

DG

[Yoda]

I was there a few years back on a Friday after it had rained like crazy and they actually cancelled Thursday play. They had used a manure based fertilizer that year . . . oh my! I mean it was rank with a capital RANK. It was so muddy that people were losing their shoes in the cross walk. Women in heels (can't quite get that) were falling and rolling around in the mud like pigs in slop. You eventually got used to the stench, but he contrast was strange. You're looking at possibly the most beautiful place on earth and it's smelling like hot garbage.

**It happens in the best of families.

[wally888]

I'm back! Now age 78, almost 79, started playing again two years ago. Shoot my age or less 95% of the time=you might be playing the wrong tees!
Anyway I have another Masters story from the 60's or 70's?
GPS's,yardage books, precise golf of the past.
Phil Rogers was analysing his second shot on #18,the pin was on the back. He turned to his caddie and asked, " What do I need to hit those people behing the green?" His caddie replied, "A seven iron" Rogers, "Gimme a 7 iron."
The story sounds better, more realistic w/ 7 iron but actually was a 5 iron! Know why?

[KevCarter]

Welcome back Wally!

One of my members shot his age for the first time last summer. I think that is as HUGE as making an ace. I can't imagine being able to do it regularly, as you do, that's fantastic!

Phil Rogers is one of my all time favorite characters in golf. I don't know the answer to your question, but looking forward to hearing it later!



Kevin

[drewitgolf]

Phil Rogers was analysing his second shot on #18,the pin was on the back. He turned to his caddie and asked, " What do I need to hit those people behing the green?" His caddie replied, "A seven iron" Rogers, "Gimme a 7 iron."
The story sounds better, more realistic w/ 7 iron but actually was a 5 iron! Know why?

His ex-wife and her family were standing right behind the green, waiting to see how much money he was going to make ???

Just a guess.