Memories of The Masters
Rob Taub
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Most of the small cities and suburban towns in America have a street similar to Washington Road. They are all populated by an endless number of strip malls, motel chains, and every fast food franchise imaginable, except that in Augusta, Ga., 2604 Washington Road is the address of the Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the historic Masters Golf Tournament.
Augusta National is one of the world’s most exclusive (and restrictive) golf clubs, yet walking distance from Hooters and directly across the street from a CVS Pharmacy, so I was able to purchase sunscreen before I transcended being a mere golf fan or tournament attendee into a Masters “patron.”
Until now, television was the closest I’d come to seeing the Masters, and although many friends had told me about the tournament, nothing prepared me for the perfection that is the Augusta National Golf Club. The bright green grass looks as if it’s washed and buffed daily, while the white sand in the bunkers belongs in an hourglass and the trees are surrounded by lush deep brown pine needles so pristine that compared to Augusta, Disney World looks sloppy.
The club does not announce gate figures, but it’s estimated that 35,000 people attend the Masters each day of the tournament and rather than engaging in any additional research, I spoke with Jon Ehrlich, a New York attorney known to friends and associates as the Masters Maven.
Ehrlich took up golf at age 10 and immediately fell in love with the game. His hero at the time was Arnold Palmer, who won his fourth Masters championship in eight years by 1964, forever instilling in Ehrlich a sense that Augusta National was a magical place where dreams are brought to life. “Augusta is a horticultural masterpiece,” Ehrlich said. “It’s an oasis of aesthetic design.” Ehrlich and I also discussed how despite Augusta’s elite membership rules, the Masters is remarkably egalitarian. “It’s not unique to golfing events but given the history of this tournament and club, the Masters offers a distinctive inclusivity — an ability to mingle that’s really striking.”
Other than a clubhouse for members and players there are no private boxes or guarded areas found at other sporting events. During Wednesday’s practice round, I walked up the fairway directly alongside VJ Singh separated only by a thin rope. All of the other patrons I encountered were friendly and engaging, especially a group from Australia who flew in especially for the tournament. I found them literally genuflecting over the spot where Bubba Watson hit his famous hook shot out of the woods in 2012, and they insisted I join them, which I did. If this seems odd, Ehrlich has the answer. “The majority of people who follow professional sports are strictly spectators, while golf fans are unique because no matter what their age may be — from 8 to 80 — many of them regularly play the sport. This provides a unique insight and great respect for the remarkable talent and skill one needs to be a professional golfer.”
It’s not all about worshiping the golf idols. Augusta also has a sense of humor. Using the bathroom at The Masters is very entertaining, thanks to James Marshall, a men’s room attendant who colorfully announces the availability of urinals. “I got one on the back nine and three pulling out on the front five,” Marshall announced as I entered the immaculate lavatory. “Fill ‘em up!” he said repeatedly. Theatrics aside, the lines at bathrooms and concessions all move remarkably fast thanks to the helpful aides.
Outside of the club, everyone else on Washington Road is equally gracious, as my friend Andy and I learned from the staff at Denny’s, who treated us like visiting royalty. Yull Wohlmuth, the Regional VP, was visiting from West Palm Beach and he gave us a ride to Wednesday’s practice round in the Denny’s car.
It was better than a limousine.
The Russian Tea Room is serving up a new type of dish…
Located steps from Broadway, the New York institution has been a go-to gathering spot for artists, celebrities, and royalty since its opening nearly 100 years ago and Broadway at The Russian Tea Room is a weekly one-hour AM radio show/streaming/podcast dedicated to productions from Broadway, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and every venue in between.
Host Rob Taub is a devoted advocate of the arts, previous host of radio programs on iHeart Radio as well as a long-time contributor to People Magazine. Rob is also a national spokesperson for Know Diabetes By Heart. Broadway at The Russian Tea Room has created a “safe space” for actors, writers, directors and producers to discuss their achievements, artistic dreams, hysterical off-nights, and continued hopes as they share stories about their careers.
Broadway at The Russian Tea Room is a unique program, with a host who’s been attending a wide range of productions for more than 50 years. We reach a sizable audience across the globe, and we are not here to review or critique, but rather to promote and support the arts.
The program airs Sundays from 5 – 6 pm on 970 AM and is live streamed at www.am970theanswer.com Podcasts can be found here: https://omny.fm/shows/broadway-at-the-russian-tea-room/playlists/podcast
Tune in Sunday at 5pm on 970 AM or livestream here.
Podcasts of past shows!
Rob Taub has enjoyed an eclectic career in film, television, radio and journalism. His work in television has encompassed everything from scripted comedies to producing World Wrestling Entertainment. As a journalist Rob has written more than 200 articles for top tier outlets including People Magazine, Foxnews.com The Cauldron/SI and The Huffington Post. Rob’s distinctive voice can be heard in several of the Coen Brothers most memorable movies including Miller’s Crossing and Barton Fink. Rob has made more than 200 appearances as a political pundit/humorist on Fox News where he shares his unique perspective on the world with viewers. He also plays the role of Russell Carlton on The Onion News Network and is a regular contributor to numerous Sirius XM Radio shows where he offers his opinions on politics, sports and popular culture. Rob hosted Tech Hub, a weekly radio show on WOR-AM and is a frequent speaker/commentator on type 2 diabetes as well as being a spokesperson for Know Diabetes by Heart, a joint venture of the American Heart Association. His new radio program, Broadway at The Russian Tea Room can be heard on AM970 The Answer on Sundays from 5 – 6 pm. Rob serves on the Board of Directors of the Foreign Press Correspondents Association. Rob is a graduate of Ithaca College. Learn more about Rob at www.robtaub.com twitter @robmtaub
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