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2. DON’T BE A ROOKIE AND ENTER THROUGH THE MAIN GATE, which is Gate 6,<br />
near Washington Road. Yes, there is the new state-of-the-art practice facility along<br />
the entry way—and it’s unlike any other practice facility in the world. It is also the<br />
reason the main entrance off Washington Road is no longer open to the public. That<br />
new facility is over 20 million dollars worth of grass and trees and sand, and since<br />
most golf courses don’t cost half that to build, it’s definitely worth a look. Heck, it’s<br />
worth two looks. But go back later to check out this 8th wonder of the world, and<br />
when you do, notice the greens the players are hitting into. They are exact replicas<br />
of the ones on the course! This is a wonderful, and I mean a wonderful place to<br />
watch the players hone their game. But, believe it or not, it is only used twice a year:<br />
the Members’ Jamboree—aka the Opening Party—and The Masters. How wild is<br />
that? I also like to spend time on the East Practice Tee, opposite the old practice<br />
area to the right of Magnolia Lane, to watch the players work on their short game.<br />
It’s seldom crowded, as most folks don’t know it is even there.<br />
3. I WANT YOU TO ENTER MY FAVORITE GATE, which is gate 9. Might I suggest<br />
going with Uber, having your driver drop you off at the corner of Wicklow and<br />
Heath, walk 50 short yards to the stop sign on Berkmans Road, take a left, follow<br />
the sidewalk to the tunnel, and keep walking until you are at the entrance of the<br />
course, where they will scan your ticket. Have it in your hand, smile and say “yes<br />
ma’am” and “yes sir.” Then pin it back on your button hole on your shirt, pullover<br />
or belt loop. If you plan on leaving Augusta National with a souvenir or two (and<br />
I reckon you are) I highly suggest shopping early. As I imagine you’ve heard, they<br />
sell stuff out of those pro shops so fast you’d think it had the word FREE written<br />
on it! Well guess what? This gate 9 opens up to, in my mind, the best outdoor pro<br />
shop on the course. And if you’re looking for a certain item but don’t see it, ask<br />
an employee with one of those dangling ear piece “thingys.” They look like secret<br />
service men. He’s<br />
your connection to<br />
every pro shop on the<br />
course, and there’s<br />
a good chance he<br />
can find what you’re<br />
looking for, if it’s not<br />
already sold out. Don’t<br />
hesitate to ask; they<br />
are nice as they can<br />
be. But of course…<br />
they’re southerners.<br />
COMMUNITY<br />
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