The Masters

As I'm sure it is for many golf fans too, Masters week has to be our favorite week of the year. Every time you drive up Magnolia Lane, you can't help but sense the amazing history of Augusta National, and obviously it also brings back some very special memories for us of Mike's win here in 2003.
 
The Masters is one of those weeks where you continually find yourself stopping to take it all in and appreciate where you are. The golf course itself is one of the most beautiful places on earth, but it's all of the traditions that make it so unique. I think everyone here, including the players, the caddies and the patrons, know that you are a part of golf history when you walk Augusta National.

Masters week is also a special one for Mike off the course. He's able to share the experience with so many family and friends, and one of the highlights has to be the cooking of Steve Bennett (aka..The Gov), who has been such a big part of Mike's life, at our house. It makes for a great tradition of our own that we all look forward to every year, especially Mike.
 
This week promises to be extra special with the return of Tiger Woods to the game. It has already created an even bigger buzz than normal on the grounds this week, and by the time Thursday comes I'm sure it will be incredible to watch.  I don't think anyone can argue how important Tiger is to the game of golf, and we're happy to see him back. He's received a very warm welcome here this week from the patrons and he seems genuinely touched and appreciative. It's nice to see.

There is always so much to take in around you during Masters week, but for Mike and I, the focus always remains on playing well and we feel very good heading into the first major of the year. The weather here in Augusta has been hot, so the course will be playing firm and fast. This week will also mark the first of three weeks in a row, so we're looking forward to having success here this week and keeping it going.

The condition of the course this week is just as the tournament committee always hopes for. With the hot weather the greens are getting firm and the fairways are getting some roll. These greens get so tricky when they play fast that you have to be putting from the correct side of the hole as much as possible or you will have a tough day with the putter. With so much slope on the greens the shortest of putts are very challenging. No putt can be taken for granted that is for sure.

The par 3 was today and Mike had a friend of ours from Saskatchewan caddy, David Dube. It is always a great experience for anyone to caddy and I know Dave had a great time. Wednesday night is his time to take over the kitchen and see if he can match what Gov has cooked up so far this week!

Thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoys Masters week!

Brennan