The first Majors tournament of the year is underway at Augusta National and Columbus is well represented in many ways, from a player, to a volunteer, and a caterer.
For golf fans, it’s impossible to mention the Masters and Columbus in the same breath without recalling the 1987 tournament. The drama involved a playoff between Columbus golfer Larry Mize, Greg Norman, and Seve Ballesteros. It was the chip shot from around 140 feet that won Mize his prestigious Green Jacket.
Another Columbus player would love to replicate that feat. Russell Henley is the brand ambassador for Pinnacle + Synovus banks. More than 8,500 members of the financial institutions are cheering him on this week.
The food
The Masters pimento cheese, egg salad, and chicken salad sandwiches are at the top of the list for patrons. Not only do they get rave reviews, but they are also cheap at a $1.50 each. There is a reason for the low cost.
Augusta National prioritizes attendee experience over concession profits, often leaving millions of dollars in potential revenue on the table to keep a prestigious, “non-commercialized” atmosphere.
Thousands of corporate clients come in from across the country and around the world. They rent homes for the week, and caterers address their culinary requests. That is where Jamie and Melissa Keating, owners of Epic restaurant in Columbus, and their team come in to deliver a food experience equivalent to the tradition like no other.
On a side note, Splash Fine Gifts and Interiors in Lagrange, once again, partnered with Epic for gift bags to present to their catering team.
Owner Cathy Winslow explained that the Keatings sons went to school with her sons. They’ve been providing the gift bags for the four years that Epic’s crew has catered for the Masters.
“This year, we did a pampering bag with eye masks, lotions, and slippers. Our bags get to go, but we don’t. It’s a little Splash for the Masters,” said Winslow.
The volunteers
Approximately 700 volunteers work at the Masters Tournament each year, primarily serving to manage crowds and assist patrons. These volunteers, who often return annually, are crucial to the event’s operation and are rewarded with benefits such as the opportunity to play the Augusta National course in May.
Jack Warden is a veteran volunteer and an avid golfer. This is his 23rd Masters tournament.
He trades his President and CEO of Goodwill of the Southern Rivers hat for a Masters cap.
“I’m here in Augusta for 10 to 12 days. Each day starts with a 3:45 am alarm. It’s worth every minute. I love helping the golfers, their family members, and patrons. Just the other day, I helped a little boy who got separated from his mom and dad,” said Warden.
Warden also described the unique experience and the beauty of the course. “It’s stunning. TV doesn’t do it justice.”
Moving Day at the Masters is always on Saturday and the third round of tournament week. It is considered the most crucial day for players to aggressively improve their position on the leaderboard to be in contention for Sunday’s final round and the Green Jacket. Columbus is hoping Russell Henley moves on and comes home with a win!
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