Top10 Masters cheatsheet for Anirban

Anirban Lahiri awaits a special experience when he plays at the Masters this April

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Amen Corner at the Augusta National Golf Club

 

A special feature by Anand Datla

 

March 21, 2015: Anirban Lahiri will be treated to an exotic experience soon as he marches inside the very private Augusta National Golf Club. It is the only club in the world with the privilege of hosting a major championship without interruption. And the Indian will enjoy the scent of tradition and the weight of history that accompanies players as they walk these pristine woods.

 

As we prepare to walk with Anirban on an exhilarating journey this April, here are a list of things to know for both golfer and fan about the great course.

 

Magnolia Lane – Anirban can expect a chill down the spine as he makes his way from Washington Road through to the clubhouse. 60 magnolia trees – 61 until a thunderstorm brought one down in 2011 – line the 330 yard path that leads to the clubhouse. The trees were all planted in the 1850s and stand witness to the many great golfers that make their way to this course.

 

Sarazen Bridge – At the 15th hole, Lahiri will enjoy using a small footbridge to reach the green. The historic little bridge, made in stone to connect the fairway and the green on this hole, was named after Gene Sarazen. It is to celebrate his double eagle here in the 1935 event, one that many believe propelled Sarazen to the title.

 

Record Fountain – Anirban might want to spend a few minutes at the fountain to the left of the 17th tee, during his practice rounds. The fountain was built to celebrate 25 years of the Masters and plays host to a board that displays a list of course records and past champions.

 

Crow’s Nest – It might be worth his time to take a stroll atop the clubhouse to the space that is made available for up to five amateur players who wish to stay on the course for the week. It is a modest accommodation created from a single room, using partitions that provide three single beds and one unit with two beds. The cupola has windows on all sides and the walls are decorated with pictures and sketches of the tournament down the years.

 

Eisenhower Cabin – President Dwight Eisenhower was a regular visitor and the club built one of the ten cabins on the course to accommodate his family. The main porch is adorned by an eagle, standard livery of the US president.

 

A Course in Botany – Anirban is sure to come back from the Masters, having learnt some botany. Each of the 18 holes are named after a plant or shrub. The first is called Tea Olive; the third is a Flowering Peach; the eighth is a Yellow Jasmine, the tenth a Camellia and 13th hole is called Azalea. The course measures 7,435 yards with par set at 72. Nick Price in 1986 and Greg Norman in 1996 made 63, which remains the course record to this day.

 

Amen Corner – The scent of history is strongest here and most golfers walk these parts of the course, acutely aware of the history surrounding this most famous part of the course. The Amen Corner spans from the second shot at the 11th through the first two shots of  the 13th hole. Arnold Palmer’s heroic escapades through this section of the course helped him beat Ken Venturi to win the title in 1958. Many remember with great respect, Byron Nelson’ birde-eagle at 12 and 13  in the 1937 Masters. Sam Snead fuelled his victory in 1949 with a memorable water save at the 12th hole.

 

Smaller Field – The Masters remains an invitational only event to this day. Just 94 players will be playing the event this year, with an opportunity to secure themselves on the Tour as well as engrave their names into the annals of golfing history.

 

Champions Dinner – This is one event that Anirban and many other golfers around him will have no access to. The dinner on Tuesday is hosted by the defending champion, Bubba Watson this year, and is restricted to past winners of the tournament. The defending champion decides the menu and plays host to a room filled with some of the greatest names in the game.

 

Good Food – Finally, Anirban can look forward to a good feast this week. Augusta is known to have treated its guests well over the years. Some of the items served having gained plenty of renown. The Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches are a globally sought after item on their menu as are their Egg Salad and desserts.

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