It’s a rainy day in Flalaland. It is actually our third in a row and we needed it. A good day for contemplation.

Last night we bagged the news and just watched the Golf Channel. For a good many of you, there is the question of why the obsession with golf? For me it is not so much maniacal dedication but rather an experience that takes into account all the senses. A beautiful thing. 

The Masters golf tournament comes around Easter every year. It is one of the “Majors” and to many the most prestigious title one can claim. It is the beginning of the annual golf tour but for many it is the first glimpse of spring. 

Kathy and I were fortunate enough to go to the Augusta National Golf Club for a practice round a few years back. There is something about the place that is surreal. It is the nexus of emotions that span the human psyche. Scenery, demeanor, and competition all rolled into one. 

The scene is set at the front gate. “Good Morning, welcome to the Masters.” We hope you enjoy your day at the Masters”. “Have a wonderful day at the Masters.” This is not staged. Every volunteer and employee gets it. It’s in their blood. Not just Southern hospitality but a love of the place they call home. Good stuff!

Every place on the property looks its Sunday best. Now some will say it is the ultimate reward for aristocracy. Emblematic of the “country Club” culture, strictly for  the rich and famous. Maybe so, but not for these five or six days. You are our guest and you are welcome, no matter who you are. 

The members are a chosen bunch, to be sure. But during Masters week they work. They are seen at different venues in their green jackets assisting anyone and tending to the most unique problems or situations. No matter who.

There are ground rules. No running. No yelling or raucous behavior. No cursing at players or fellow fans. Pushing or shoving, verboten.  It is a quiet acceptance, not a bit of snobbery. Neat but not gaudy. 

We decided to walk the course from tee to green in its entirety. Needed some go juice, so we went the cafeteria. Even at this early hour it was packed with a line around the exterior of the building. 

An unexpected happened. In five minutes we were inside. Grabbed a muffin and a cup of Joe and we were out the door. $4 for the lot. They had at least a dozen cashiers whisking people through. “Have a great day at the Masters,” and “THANK YOU” Nirvana. 

As we walked the course, the sidelines were meticulous. They have two people going up and down each side of a hole picking up bits of trash. 

When you have watched a place like this on TV, it is beautiful. When you see it in person your head is on a swivel. Undulations on the fairways and greens that could not be imagined. This really is a cathedral of sorts. 

The thing that got to me then and especially today is what the place represents. It is tranquil. It is peaceful. It is civil. Sportsmanship  between players and fans abounds. Courtesy is a rule not a concept. It is a home for decency and class. Not bad at all.

Some of you might say, sure TTG that is great if you can afford it. Fair response. But can’t you transpose any of this into your lives? You can walk to a park or beach. Be aware of what is around you. Say please, thank you and God forbid, Excuse me. That doesn’t take money. 

Our world is chaotic right now. We are force fed news of war, AI, shootings, mayhem and a not so classy members of our government. I would hold out that much of that angst does not have to be there. It stokes egos and sells ads but to what end? 

I can’t help but think this is world you and I created. We push and demand. Most of us feel we have been screwed is absurd ways. Rich and poor alike. Very valid in some spots and so vapid in others. 

Is it impossible to just stop for awhile and suck in all we have? We are not getting our homes and places of work blown to smithereens. Some may be hungry at times but is anyone starving to death from malnourishment?

This probably all sounds lofty and ridiculous to some. I get it. Maybe I am getting old but I am really trying to appreciate people and environs. That can be a huge city or a huge strip of farmland. It can be a mucky muck or just a person you meet on the street. Name your poison. 

This may seem like a long way from Augusta National. But is it? They set down rules for decency and order. People adhere to them because they don’t want to get thrown out. Why can’t we adopt that other our everyday lives? Good question. 

Enjoy your day at the Masters or wherever you are. Take a long look and suck in all the good. Turn off the news. Take two of these and call me in the morning. 

As Always

Ted The Great .

Factoids:

Parking at the Masters is free on a first come, first serve basis. 

Menu

Egg Salad: $1.50

Pimento Cheese: $1.50

Masters Club: $3

Pork Bar-B-Que: $3

Chicken Salad on Honey Wheat: $3

Ham & Cheese on Rye: $3

Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich: $3

Compare that to your local stadium. 

Augusta National is not a long course by today’s standards. Holes are sequenced to make you think and present unique challenges. After four days of play the winning score hovers around -10. 

For the rest of us. 

There 95,471 miles of coastline I the US. There are 433 national park sites. Untold numbers of state and city parks. There are 3.66 million miles of rivers. There are 3 million ponds and lakes. Wanna get away?