Really sorry everyone for the delayed posts. America's Best Hotel in Augusta has a fair way to go to live up to it's name. A half reasonable internet connection would be a good start.
This is what we are here for, the 2016 Masters Tournament. Here we see the first level of security. You pass through 3 rows of security and sniffer dogs before you get to the airport style scanners.
Here at the gates, all pockets are emptied, and you are scanned as you would be when boarding a plane. Remember, no phones are permitted.
As you enter, you are greeted by the tournament practice range. An incredible addition in the past few years, based entirely on the feedback from the players. Players were asked what they would like on the range, and that is what was built.
Two fairways, replicating the first and fifth, and a replica of the 2nd green directly in front. Almost all shots from the course can be reproduced here.
This is the caddy shack. Home normally to the 100 full time caddies, but this week is home to the tournament caddies. Here they are treated like kings, with catering the same as the corporate hospitality suites. It also houses a fireproof room, where players can store their equipment in total safety.
Henrik Stenson practicing his putting prior to his practice round.
We were very fortunate to have Honorary KHGC member, Ian Baker - Finch spend some time with the group on Wednesday morning. Ian talked all things Augusta, answered member questions, and gave us a greater insight into the event.
Ian had just finished a shoot for channel 7, and was heading off to prepare to play with Marc Leishman and Steven Bowditch in the Par three tournament. We really appreciated him sparing some time for us, here in front of the Butler Cabin. The Butler Cabin is where the winner is presented his green jacket by last year's winner.
This is the right side of the first fairway.
Dustin Johnson pitching onto the green on the Par 5 second hole.
Rory McIlroy smashing a driver down the Par 4 third. Note the crowd here for practice.
The following group, Danny Willett, number 12 in the world, on the third, with about 10 people following him.
The view into the Par 5 fifteenth green, over the pond, with the Sarazen Bridge behind.
Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee driving down the par 4 fourteenth.
From the corner on the par 5 thirteenth.
Looking toward the green on the Par 3 twelfth.
Irishman Darren Clarke firing one into the 12th. The matting on the tee is there to prevent players hitting from tournament tee locations.
Unlike regular events, equipment reps are prevented from being on the driving range. Here we see the Ping rep delivering a new driver to Lee Westwood on the 12th.
Food pricing at events is always a source of pain here in Australia. Not at Augusta, everything is really good value.
Most items are Masters logoed, and the whole process is really fast and smooth. What is also very impressive is that there is no rubbish anywhere. The patrons are all very respectful when it comes to this.
These bright drinks are only available at the 12th hole concessions stand. Called the "12th stand", they are a layered combination of Blue Gatorade, Pink Lemonade and Sprite. Plenty of sugar, which was just what was required to walk up the hills!
This is one such hill. The view here is from behind the Par 4 tenth hole, looking up to the tee. I mean up, as the fairway has a huge fall from tee to green. Even more than you think from seeing it on TV.
Another shot from behind the 10th.
The view for the tee shot on the Par 4 eleventh. This is a lot tighter from the tee than you think.
Another look across the 10th green.
This is out on the par three course. It was a record setting day here. 9 holes in one, and Jimmy Walker shooting a record score of 19.
Another shot from the Par three event. In the Par three, Jordan Spieth played with Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas. On one of the holes, Justin Thomas had the honour and scored a hole in one. Rickie was next, and he holed it as well. Jordan was third to go and got booed by the crowd when he hit his shot to 6 feet!
The fleet of mowers trimming the fairways late on Wednesday. Operating in a V formation, the 14 mowers are lined up by one of the staff, and complete the task very quickly.
The view from behind the par 3 sixteenth.
From the 16th tee looking toward the green, with the par 5 fifteenth green on the right. The 15th green has16 people on it. They are all of the officials checking and setting the pin placement for the following day!
A shot of the Augusta National pro shop.
The concessions, restroom and shopping areas located between the entrance and the first hole.
I mentioned before that we were outside the Butler Cabin with Ian Baker - Finch. Here we are inside the Butler cabin. The only thing missing is the green jackets!
This is what it looks like from the other side, it really is a TV studio, full of screens, lights and electrical equipment.
This years event has started with two very difficult days of wind and fast greens. It should make for a great weekend!
