Augusta Chronicle sports editor discusses what makes Augusta National special |
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For those who have been to Augusta National or just love watching on television and listening to the soothing sounds of Jim Nantz and the easily recognizable theme music that accompanies the Masters broadcasts, the event generates special feelings. Now there is evidence to support what we’ve already assumed. According to a Turnkey Sports Poll in January of 800 senior-level sports industry executives, The Masters was voted the most prestigious event, getting 41.8 percent of the vote, compared with 34.8 percent for the Super Bowl. The World Series (6.2 percent) was a distant third. The poll was published at the beginning of 2008 in the Sports Business Journal. Publishing any and everything Masters is charge accepted by many but owned by one. The Augusta Chronicle, which at the ripe old age of 222 calls itself “the South’s oldest newspaper”, is known for being the source for complete coverage during Masters Week. Sports Editor John Boyette has played a key role in the development and implementation of his newspaper’s Masters coverage over the years. Boyette began covering the tournament in 1986 when Jack Nicklaus won his last Masters and 18th and final major championship. “It was like being in heaven,” Boyette said. A year later, Augusta’s own Larry Mize holed a miraculous chip shot at Amen Corner and went on to capture the Green Jacket. Not bad for the first two tournaments. Boyette says he answers a lot of questions about the Masters but the most discussed topic is how to get in. “I get contacted a lot by people who have never been and want tickets,” he said. “It’s like a pilgrimage. Getting tickets to a practice round is actually pretty easy but nothing beats the tournament itself. You’ve got to have some patience and arrive early. Just take it all in and see the whole course and appreciated the full beauty of it, the elevation and all of the hills.” Boyette’s duties keep him in the office and behind the desk, laying out pages and planning the efforts of his sports department but still takes time to take it all in. “With my responsibility being mainly in the office, I don’t get out too much during the tournament,” Boyette said. “But you do take time to get out and appreciate it especially on a nice day when the weather cooperates. It’s almost like being at church.” There are a million different reasons that one could point to when arguing why or how Augusta is afforded the status and affection it receives. Boyette said a lot of it has to do with one of the most famous golfers in history. “Augusta was blessed by Bobby (Jones),” he said. “He was Tiger personified before Tiger came along; one of the best of his day. “Now when Tiger gives a course his blessing, that is the same effect Bobby had,” Boyette added. “It’s all the little traditions here. It’s not the strongest field of the year but to see people like Arnold Palmer, who was the honorary starter last year, and have the champions invited back is special. You get to see the legends of the game.” Boyette also pointed to the members vigilance in retaining the sanctity and tradition surrounding the event. “It’s just such a thrill to go in through the gates of Augusta National,” he said. “It’s very special, a magical place. It’s extremely pure and there is no commercialism; pure golf. This is the golf tournament that everyone gears up for, the first major. This is where golf starts.” While the commercialism stops once inside the gates, the city, surrounding areas and their residents greatly benefit from the tournament. There are tales of people paying for their child’s college education by renting out their house in the area during Masters Week. High School’s take spring break during the first full week in April to give students a chance to make a little extra money and provide needed helpers for all of those guests. The Augusta Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau stopped calculating an economic impact for the Masters in 1998, when it estimated the event pumped $109 million into the local economy. That was 10 years ago. “The Masters put Augusta on the map,” Boyette stated. “For the economy it’s such a big thing to have an extra income. It’s almost like a second Christmas.” |
