The front nine: Nine daily facts to master the Masters.
By MICHAEL GIBBONS
Managing Editor.
Hole of the Day
#1 — Tea Olive, Par 4, 445 yards
2008 average: 4.245
About the name: The Tea Olive is an Asian native. The evergreen has small white fragrant flowers from December to March, and can grow to 20 feet tall.
On the web:
http://www.ernieels.com/
The gregarious South African golfer has a host of video interviews on his site, including one in which he reveals his “Dream Fourball,” which brings together three very different characters with whom he’d hit the links. Additionally, you can order his signature wines, which he began marketing in 1999 and describes as “big in stature and gentle in character,” much like Els himself.
Weather
Today’s high is expected to be 64 degrees with a low of 58 and a 30 percent chance of rain. Tuesday’s high will be 55 degrees with a low of 31 and no chance of rain.
When and where
Gates are open today at 8 a.m. and close at 6:30 p.m. Several new parking lots off of Berkmans Road will change the parking from years past, eliminating the jaunt down Washington Road. Patrons will be directed by myriad signage, so the most direct route – get on I-20 West and follows the signs and crowds. Tune to WGAC-580 am for traffic information.
Vegas odds
No shock the Vegas is putting Tiger Woods as a 2/1 favorite to win the Green Jackets. The Field (meaning any other golfer besides Tiger) gets 5/2 odds. Padraig Harrington, who was the top dog while Tiger rehabbed from knee surgery, is pulling 5/1 odds. Phil Mickelson (10/1) and Sergio Garcie (15/1) are the only other golfers south of the 20/1 mark. Current Green Jacket holder Trevor Immelman is at 50/1 odds, just one stop from the lowest odds, the 60/1 being given to Chad Campbell, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Kenny Perry.
eBay
Looking for a badge for the actual tournament? Get in on the bidding now. But, as of presstime, the lowest rate for one badge was around $1,600 for a Thursday-Sunday pass under the Buy It Now option.
Not going?
Put the ball in the hole at lunchtime. But skip the golf. Head to City Billiards on Richland Avenue and sink a few racks. And while you’re there, make sure you belly up to the bar for a slaw dog and a root beer.
What not to bring
Cell phones (and beepers and pagers) are big no-nos at Augusta National. Cameras are allowed during practice rounds, but are prohibited during the tournament. Other items to leave at home:
* Bags, backpacks, purses, packages (Personal bags/belt bags/purses no larger than 10″W x 5″H x 5″D are allowed)
* Weapons of any kind (regardless of permit)
* Alcoholic beverages
* Beverage containers/coolers
* Flags/banners/signs
* Folding armchairs/rigid type chairs or stools
* Ladders/periscopes
* Radios/TVs/Tape recorders
* Strollers
* Walkie-talkies
Merchandise
A few publications and the official Masters movie are available at masters.com. However, if you’re looking for that hat, shirt, belt or golf towel, there is only one place: At the Masters. And unlike last year, there will be no vendors outside of the National. If you’re not going and want an official shirt, you’ll need to find a buddy who is.
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