The Masters is here. So are the flowers, the dogwood trees, the pristine fairways, the most prolific golfers. The Augusta National as the course is known in Georgia is ready for tee-offs that will neatly make divots and set the event rolling.
But what is it that makes Augusta National the most superlative and sought-after course in the world? What attracts people to a course that is embedded in tradition? I got chatting with Ajay Kaul, chief executive officer of Jubilant FoodWorks, the company that runs Domino’s pizza chain in India, who has played this course on a business trip to the US.
On a fine chilly morning he along with two other executives from the pizza company set course to test the fairways. “I played to my handicap of 16 from the non-championship tees and was putting for par in the first eight.”
That would clearly leave him more than please as the course tames the most gifted of golfers.
“But I must share the trick, follow your caddie blind-folded. They know this course, you don’t. Regular rules don’t work, the caddies know just how challenging the greens are, and the appropriate line.”
What makes The Masters historic in every golfer’s life is the history it is wrapped around in.
“Every room in that place has a story to share.” In July 2010, Kaul spent time playing a round at Pebble Beach and later travelled to the Bobby Jones mecca of golf, The Augusta National, with a member.
“It’s never easy to get in there when the tournament isn’t on. So many famous people have been sent back because they didn’t have tickets or were not guests of members.”
The Masters Tournament is one of the four major championships in professional golf. Scheduled for the first full week of April, it is the first of the majors to be played each year. Unlike the other major championships, the Masters is held each year at the same location, Augusta National Golf Club. The Masters was started by Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones. The tournament is an official money event on the PGA Tour, the European Tour, and the Japan Golf Tour and the winner dons the storied Green Jacket.
Besides playing 18 holes, Kaul and his business partners got a visit around the club house. He distinctly remembers the humble pro shop.
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“It’s not very fancy, it’s in fact quite basic and modest in size. Simplicity is central to the whole National experience. Yet this is where millions of dollars of business gets done as people buy souvenirs when they visit the course.” It’s an electrifying experience and everyone is in awe once inside he shares.
Kaul’s visit was like networking at The National. It’s a brand to be revered with, he avers, given his marketing experience. “In my case, in my present role at Domino’s I play with institutional vendors. We were all part of the Domino’s family playing together.” He insists the shared valued of the foursome give something for all to take back.
“The game itself builds certain values, making you focused. When you play, consistency and pressure is something that you learn to deal with. It’s a game that remains a hallmark of execution and strategy.”
Most people at Domino’s global centres play golf. Golf becomes an integral part of their team building activities.
“We are about 15 top guys across the world. A lot of them in Asia and America mainly and as a result we play often when travelling for work.”
