There is something about the Masters. It is a name with gravitas unlike any event in sport. It is partly due to the heritage and lore of crème de la crème of  American golf. One must also consider the legendary cast of players that participate each spring to compete for the green jacket and the prize purse of $11,000,000. It must also be due to the prestige of the Augusta National facilities as well as the difficulty of the course itself. This year’s master brought all of these reasons why the Masters Tournament is the crown jewel of American sport to the fore. And it just happened that Tiger Woods’ thrilling win played out as one of the biggest comebacks in modern sports history.
The Masters is the holy grail for lovers of golf. Either as a player and, if not, as a fan to watch the golf legends and up-and-comers as they triumph over adversity or live through the agony of defeat. To be there, just a few yards away, is a dream come true. Attending the 83rd Masters Tournament was a wish no longer deferred, walking through the Georgia pines of Augusta National to observe first-hand the extraordinary athleticism and mental fortitude of these elite athletes.  From watching lefty Phil Mickelson’s accurate drive from the tee box at the 7^th hole or Dustin Johnson finish the 11^th hole with ease, athleticism is on full display throughout the tournament.  The players’ ability to apply their laser-like concentration is bewildering, with a few well-known and documented exceptions, and to ignore all the distractions of the other players in their grouping and all of the fans that are standing mere feet from them in extreme pressure situations.
Be warned that at any point during the tournament, the peace and serenity of the Georgia countryside can be abruptly interrupted and punctured by the tremendously loud reverberations of the crowd when a player at any particular hole makes an incredible shot.  Known as the “Augusta Roar,” it is always unexpected and lets everyone in attendance know where the action is occurring throughout the course. The grandstands at every hole can be whipped to a frenzy as a result of a tremendous approach to the green of the 18^th hole that hits the flagstick on the green, like the one made by Bryson DeChambeau on the first day of the tournament.  Or, these sounds may actually even be the roar from a Tiger anywhere on the course!

Adding to the seclusion and uniqueness of the atmosphere that is Augusta National is the fact that cell phones are strictly prohibited.  To allow communication with the outside world while attending the golf tournament, Augusta National has a designated area with approximately 20 courtesy telephones available.  These telephones provided in the designated area are throwback push-button, tone-dialing telephones.
The 2019 Masters Tournament was truly one for the record books, literally. Seeing Tiger Woods’ battle through the top echelon of golf talent to take home the green jacket will be talked about for decades. To be at the Augusta National in person and to see it first hand, will be cherished for a lifetime.