Meet the Augusta faithful
- Friday, 4 July 2008
- 0 Comments
Padraig Harrington of Ireland watches a shot on the second hole during the final round. (Photo by Getty Images)
We asked the masses the following questions, and most of them answered:
Name
State
How many Masters have you been to?
How did you get your tickets?
Favourite memory over the years?
Handicap
Tip for the title
Charles Harrell & Dan Lacey
From: North Carolina and England, East London
15th time they have been here.
Charles' son won tickets in a raffle for life – as long as he keeps paying for them! He won aged 43 and has four tickets for as long as he wants – something Dad is very pleased about.
Favourite memory: Watching Greg Norman in his pomp.
Handicap: 22 & 20
Tip for the title: Zach Johnson
Keith Lethco & Bill Watters
From: Very local
Been coming to the Masters for 36 and 42 years respectively. Both of their fathers worked at a local plutonium processing factory just outside the gates and were given tickets back in the 1950s. Then having come each year they got put on the now defunct mailing list. The tickets have now passed on to their sons!
Handicap: 12 & 6 respectively.
Tip for the title: Adam Scott and Angel Cabrera.
Steve & Jenni
From: Tennesse but grew up in Augusta.
Jenni's 86-year-old mother has been coming for 45 years – thanks to that mailing list – but has now passed on the tickets to her children. Jenni has come every year since 1972.
Favourite memory: watching the action with childhood sweethearts.
Tip for the title: no idea!
Gary Patton and Bill George
From: Arizona
1st time at the Masters
A friend who has had tickets for 30 years can't make it this year so there are here all four days.
Handicaps: 20 & 14
Tip for the title: Phil Mickelson – well he is from Arizona State!
Laura and Gordon Stricken
From: Florida
2nd time at Augusta
A friend won tickets for all four days in a raffle and gave them a pair.
Handicap: declined to answer!
Tip for the title: Ernie Els – it's going to be his year.
Lenny Hollander
From: New York
1st time at the Masters
Given a spare ticket by a friend who has had them for ever.
Handicap: 27
Tip for the title: KJ Choi
Sharon Wender
From: Florida
1st time at the Masters
Her (very kind) boss got her the ticket and she is loving every minute.
Handicap: 23
Tip for the title: Phil Mickelson.
Jim Lee
From: Colorado
1st time at the Masters
His cousin is best friends with a member and they have been bringing a party here for the last 30 years and he finally got an invite this year.
Handicap: 15
Tip for the title: Phil Mickelson.
Ben & Kitty Chivers
From: Locals
2nd time at the Masters
A friend who has life-time tickets had some spares for the first day's action.
Don't play golf.
Tip for the title: Any of them could do it.
Elias & Debbie Burton
From: Very local
1st time at the Masters
It's been impossible for us to get tickets but a friend of ours from work finally got us some!
Favourite moment: Saw Tiger tee off at 1.
Handicap: only on the computer!
Tip for the title: wait until Saturday and then I'll tell you.
