Now Boarding!
After a four-hour flight to Charlotte, a two hour layover in Charlotte Airport, a puddle jumper into Augusta, and a short drive in an Avis Rent-A-Car, I was officially part of the Tiger Woods Masters Media Frenzy. On assignment for Golf Digest/Golf World as a supplement to their staff photographer’s coverage, I was excited and also a bit wary of the crowds and vibe that I was going to run into at Augusta National. I pitched the idea of coming a day early on Monday to the Golf Digest Director of Photography Christian Iooss to shoot some features well before Tiger’s camp broke word of his return to competitive golf. Unfortunately due to my flight time, I would not only miss the first half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship Game between Duke and Butler (Go Bulldogs!) but also would land in Augusta several hours after Tiger’s anticipated interview with the media. Digest Senior Staff photographer Dom Fuore would be there covering the presser, and I was just curious into how much Tiger would actually open up to the media or as Arnold Palmer put it “let them take shots at him”.
Funny thing is I had little interest in following the Tiger Woods parade and gallery but was more interested in just doing an offbeat view of the Masters, the greatest golf show on earth. For those of who have ever been to Augusta or have even watched it on the tube (it is the most-watched golf tourney even before Wood’s return) you can attest to the pure grandeur and mystique of the place. With no commercials allowed on the grounds, no media allowed inside the ropes, very slight course changes over the years, and the classic chicken and tuna salad still at a very reasonable buck fifty, I liken it to the land where time stood still. I am looking forward to my week here and hope to catch some a glimmer of that Masters’ magic in my camera…
Shot of my boarding ticket and beer during my layover at Atlanta Airport…
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