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In the presence of greatness
Posted: Wednesday April 05, 2000 11:55 AM
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- One of the coolest things about the Masters is how chummy the event is. At most tournaments the players are sequestered from their public, seen only between the ropes and during mad dashes through pen-wielding mobs of hyperventilating fans. Not so around the grounds at Augusta National. A strict no-autographs policy is enforced at the Masters, including during the practice rounds, which makes the vibe endlessly more mellow. When players finish their round they often mill around behind the 18th green, chit-chatting with family and friends. Free of constant harassment from those who want their picture or autograph, or both, the players are at their friendliest and most relaxed. It is even possible for an intrepid fan to stroll up and have an actual conversation. I've seen this happen time and time again, an act of civility not possible anywhere else. During the tournament week the competitors use the member's locker room, which is so tiny some players are forced to share lockers. There is no place to hang out within the room (unlike at the fancy new clubs, where their expansive card rooms and lounges), and the private player-dining area numbers exactly four tables. As such, most of the golfers eat in the clubhouse, like the rest of us (with the appropriate badges).
When not stuffing my face and stargazing, I audited seven press conferences. Masters Tuesday always brings a parade of the most compelling golfers into the cavernous, state-of-the-art press center. In order, beginning at the ungodly hour of 9 a.m.: Darren Clarke, Aaron Baddeley, Duval, Greg Norman, Paul Lawrie, Woods and José María Olazábal all dropped by for half-hour chats (I skipped Lee Elder and Arnold Palmer in the late afternoon, so as to squeeze in a quick 18 at a nearby course; one must maintain one's priorities, even during Masters week). Baddeley created the biggest stir among the assembled reporters, because he's such an engaging kid and he has an interesting story (of course, SI readers have known this for weeks). Otherwise, the biggest topic of conversation is the shaggy new rough -- or "first cut," in Masters doublespeak. Last year it was introduced at 1 3/8 inches, but it is considerably longer this time around. The rough takes just enough spin off approach shots to place them effectively on the rollercoaster greens. Some, like Norman and Duval, love the rough, because it provides sight lines off the tee and places a premium on driving accuracy, a forgotten art at Augusta. Woods, and to a lesser degree Olazábal, provided a shrill counterpoint, complaining that the long grass pinches the traditional landing areas and forces everyone to play the holes in the same uniform, monotonous manner, taking away the creativity that the course has always encouraged. It is an interesting debate, and we'll see how the scores are affected come Thursday. Rest assured, I'll be assiduously monitoring the action from the back porch, a pen in one hand, a fork in the other. Sports Illustrated golf writer Alan Shipnuck's column appears each Wednesday at golfplus.cnnsi.com. He will be filing daily from the 2000 Masters in Augusta. Click here to send Alan a question or a nice, friendly comment.
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