The Blogette loves The Masters, and always has. Once they start playing the theme music to advertise in February, she starts getting ramped up for 4 days of Augusta and all things green. This year, we were watching on Friday afternoon, and she got out a copy of Augusta National and The Masters: A Photographer's Scrapbook, which belonged to her late father. As we reminisced about our own Masters memories, we decided to drive over to Augusta on Saturday to see if we could by any chance score some tickets. If not, we would just be part of the crowd and check anything of interest that might be happening on Washington Road. Upon arrival, we noticed a huge white tent and signs proclaiming "Sports Illustrated at the Majors". The tent was co-sponsored by Southwest Air and Macy's, and seeing lots of folks milling about and a chance for free t-shirts, we investigated further. Several attractive young ladies holding clip-boards were offering free water and copies of Sports Illustrated magazines. The t-shirts were yours for signing up for Southwest Air rewards points. The far side of the tent was set up with a stage and four SI writers doing a live talk show. Another area featured a Top 100 golf instructor giving a lesson to a beginner trying to improve her game. Suddenly, I heard the lead man for Sports Illustrated speak up and ask for volunteers to play Masters Trivia for a "very nice prize". I nudged a reluctant Blogette to the front of the crowd with her hand up. I know that the Blogette loves to play trivia games almost as much as she loves the Masters, so I figure with her brains, we have a good chance at going home as winners. Well, the next thing I know she is on stage with two other competitors, I-Pad in lap, ready for the first question. But...wait a minute....there are introductions. Each trivia player is asked where they would like to go if they win the prize, which happens to be two round trip tickets to anyplace that Southwest Airlines flies. (What??! Wow!!) The Blogette announces she would like to go to San Francisco if she wins. Where did that come from? I'm thinking. Of course, it's the site of the next major, The US Open at Olympic Club, she goes on to explain. As I'm standing in the audience, I'm expecting questions like Who is the defending champion from 2010?, What does the trophy depict? and so forth. The questions were much more difficult. Do YOU know what green at Augusta National is built on an Indian burial ground? or what year Augusta National opened? What is Bobby Jones best score in tournament play at the Masters? Who won the tournament on their first visit? What was located on the property before it was a golf course? Those were the questions the Blogette got right. There were 8 questions in all and the competition was blown away with her six correct responses. She said looking at her dad's old book did help on a couple of the questions....answers to follow. I won't forget that big smile of surprise on her face when they presented her with those tickets. And to think we were hoping just to get in across the street. Now we can fly anywere in the US! If you are in the vicinity of one of golf's remaining majors you must stop by the Sports Illustrated at the Majors tent. They will be at Olympic Club for the US Open, Royal Lytham & St. Annes for the British Open and Kiawah's Ocean Course for the PGA Championship. You will find a great group of people who will make you feel right at home. Southwest Air's sponsorship added a lot to our experience at Augusta and is a memory we will never forget. Tell 'em John and Sara sent you!
 |
| SI representative, The Blogette, The Director, Ramiro Rodriguez (SWAir) Photos by Kelly Grant
|
Trivia Answers: Number 12, 1934, 72, Fuzzy Zoeller, a nursery.
Do you have a suggestion for a vacation destination for us? Send a response to johnsara@bellsouth.net.
