Smith: The old oak tree the most exciting place to be
AUGUSTA - The big tree which stands between the clubhouse and the first tee is said to be at least 150 years old.
Continue reading the rest of "Smith: The old oak tree the most exciting place to be" by Athens Banner-Herald
The giant live oak (Quercus virginiana) with limbs sprawling about is a gathering place for golfers, media, the golf industry and VIP guests, a who's who in a sport which has always attracted the rich and famous.
It was from this spot or near here that prompted founder Bobby Jones to recall " ...when I walked out of the grass terrace under the big trees behind the (manor) house and looked down over the property, the experience was unforgettable. It seemed that this land had been lying here for years just waiting for someone to lay a golf course upon it."
That view is still available for us today, and the big oak endures. Like most of the Masters traditions.
"When you drive down Magnolia Lane, you get excited thinking about the beauty and hospitality of this place," said Bob Goalby, the 1968 champion. "Walk out back to the big tree and you see all the important people in golf. A lot of business is done under that oak tree and that has been the case for years. In the old days you would see Bing Crosby out there. It is an exciting place to be."
Wayne Player, Gary's oldest son is in conversation with Tony Jacklin, who won both the U. S. and British Opens but never was a big threat at the Masters.
John Hopkins, the versatile golf writer for the London Times, informs an American journalist the bad news about Seve Ballesteros, two-time Masters champion, who is suffering from a brain tumor. "Sadly," Hopkins said, "it doesn't look good."
Earlier in the week, Jack Nicklaus appeared behind the ropes, near the big tree, and immediately a throng of fans eased up to him for a photo op.
You wonder what he is thinking, now that he is no longer a competitor.
More than likely he apprec
© 2009 http://onlineathens.com - Athens Banner-Herald - All rights reserved.
Comment on "Smith: The old oak tree the most exciting place to be"
