It’s amazing how quickly 25 years can pass.
That was how long ago it was for my one and only time to step on the grounds at Augusta National and compete in the Masters. It was one of the unimaginable perks I received as the runner-up in the 1996 U.S. Amateur.
Prior to the numerous technological advancements in equipment, the golf course was still under 7,000 yards long in 1997. It measured 6,925 yards to be exact, but now it has ballooned to a massive 7,510 yards for this year’s edition. My appearance was prior to the new and beautiful practice area. It preceded the first cut of rough. It was before they Tiger-proofed the course. Or Tiger-enabled it.
