The Masters Golf Championship 2009

I doubt if there is anyplace prettier than Georgia in April.  This was our second trip to a Masters practice round, this time with friends Sandi and Joel Jaffe from Houston.   We stayed in Atlanta for a couple of days prior to the golf with Joel's uncle Marvin.  He lives in a wooded area on a lake in one of Atlanta's delightful neighborhoods.  We went to Augusta National on a Monday, a day after the completion of the Shell Houston Open, which means we mostly saw players who failed to make the cut the previous week.  We did not see Tiger Woods.  The rumor was that he went to the putting green but found the weather too cold for his liking, so he left after ten minutes.  Too bad.  We did see Angel Cabrera practice his chipping, which as it turned out helped him to win the tournament.

A thorn between two roses.  Here with Pat is her cousin Marilyn who lives in Atlanta with her husband Frank.  They were able to join us one night for dinner at Marvin's house.	The homes in this Atlanta neighborhood never look better than when the dogwood is in full bloom.	The bird feeder on Marvin's back porch attracts many species.  Here are a couple of yellow finches.

Lew, Pat, Joel, and Sandi feature an eclectic range of hats.	Here is the eventual winner, Angel Cabrera.  We gave him a few tips on his chipping technique.	The 16th hole is very popular at the practice rounds as the players try to skip the ball on the water and on to the green.	Anthony Kim plays his i-pod while practicing his putting.  There must be something to it as he had a strong tournament.	There is a par three contest every Wednesday.  Here is one of the holes.

Sandi and Joel in front of the main scoreboard.	There is no mistaking the Great White Shark, Greg Norman.	One of the most impressive youngsters in the tourney was Rory McIlroy, here putting out on the 16th.	Amen Corner comprises Holes No. 11, 12, and 13.  This is the famous Hogan's Bridge on the par three 12th.	Another fine young player on the tour is Camilo Villegas.  Look for him to challenge for a major title soo.