Vassallo: Augusta National Driven to Perfection

Most of us have a bucket list, and I may be in a fortunate group that completed his midlife.

While in high school at Nashville Hillsboro, I fell in love with the Masters and was determined to visit the tournament. Following eight trips, I have never regretted this goal. Each hole at Augusta National is named after a predominant tree planted there.

1. Tea Olive
2. Pink Dogwood
3. Flowering Peach
4. Flowering Crabapple
5. Magnolia
6. Juniper
7. Pampas
8. Yellow Jasmine
9. Carolina Cherry
10. Camellia
11. White Dogwood
12. Golden Bell
13. Azalea
14. Chinese Fir
15. Fire Thorn
16. Redbud
17. Nandina
18. Holly

The course, which opened in 1933, is 7,435 yards and is a traditional par 72. All of us have our favorite holes. My four are based upon natural beauty.

Hole 13

First and foremost, Azalea No. 13. The par 5 in Amen Corner is breathless.

Second, Magnolia No. 5. The third par 4 on the front nine is in a picturesque setting that rarely produces birdies.

Third, White Dogwood No. 11. Year in and out this difficult par 4 opens Amen Corner with the supreme challenge. Pars are precious!

Fourth, Redbud No. 16. Arnold Palmer had one of the greatest birdies in Masters history playing alongside Gary Player. The par 3 is protected by a pond too beautiful to be referred to as a water hazard.

This year in April when the Masters begins, the beautiful trees throughout the course will be frequently discussed and when the actual Arbor Day arrives on April 24, an even greater appreciation will realized for the 82-year-old golf course and the memories and legends it has produced.

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. In addition, he is a certified economic and community developer and currently, a highly successful leader in the real estate business with Premier Properties of Oxford.You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.