The azaleas and dogwoods are in bloom and it is Masters week at Augusta National Golf Course.  

Golf is not one of my high priority sports. I’m not particularly good at it. And if I really want to take a nap on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon all I have to do is turn on a golf match on the TV.  

Despite my lack of enthusiasm for golf, I have to admit that the Masters is a spectacle on so many levels that it always piques my interest. 

 I have been lucky enough to attend two Masters events on the first Thursday of the tournament.  

Like so many who have boxes at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration people who live in the Augusta, Georgia area have Masters tickets which have been passed down through families for many years. That was how I was able to obtain my tickets.  

The number of flowers and trees that line the fairways are almost too many to mention in this short space. The azaleas and the yellow and white dogwoods usually get the most attention.  

Many may not know the Augusta National Course was built on the site of the Fruitland Nursery which closes in 1910. The nursery had bought flowers and trees from around the world and their legacy still remains.  

The beauty of the course is difficult to describe in words or to see on TV. It has to be experienced. And that is what the Masters is an experience.  

Unlike most sporting events where every power play, first down or home run has an advertisement attached to it you want find any advertising at the Masters. No banners or signs mar the landscape.  

Candy bars sold at the concession stands are wrapped in green wax paper. Chips are sold in a green pouch. Soft drinks and beer are served in plastic cups with only the Masters logo printed on them. The concessions are one of the more interesting areas.  

Ticket prices for the event may be high, but you can eat your fill without spending a lot of money. The pimento cheese sandwich, a signature meal at Augusta can be purchased for $1.50. If you really want to splurge you can buy a barbecue sandwich or a chicken sandwich for $3.00.  

Need something to wash that down? Iced tea, water and soft drinks are $2.00. A beer is $5.00.  

Where your pocketbook takes a beating is in the pro shop. Masters apparel can only be purchased there and it is pricey. The counters are always crowed with customers.  

Yes, the Masters is an experience on many levels. You get to see the top golfers in the world play in the most prestigious tournament. I was standing between holes when Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, walked within five feet of me. That was an impressive experience.  

If you are fortunate enough to go be careful who you stand with, especially at the 18th green.  

I came back to town after my day on the course and several people asked me how I liked the Masters. They said I had a lot of face time on TV.  

By the time you read this the real competition will have begun for the green jacket. Catch a glimpse or two if you can.