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Columbia Golf Report for April 13, 2008
By George Bryan

Columbia Golf Academy

GOLF STARS NOT THE ONLY STORY AT THE MASTERS!

My trip to Augusta for the Monday Practice Round was fun and inspiring. While most of my time was spent around the short game practice area, reviewing how the best in the world sharpened their scoring skills, I did venture out for a beautiful walk around the course. Golf was very difficult to see because there were only a few players practicing and many spectators, and I knew this would be the case! My purpose was to enjoy the beautiful pines, azaleas, dogwoods, and scenery.

Augusta National does not need golfers to enhance the beauty. During the various telecasts, I heard a number of references describing the rolling hills covered in glowing emerald green grass and seemingly every gorgeous plant, flower or tree in our climate, but none of the descriptions suited. There is nothing out of place. It’s like walking in nature’s magical museum. In addition to having the stunning visual quality, there is an equally astounding acoustical element. As the course winds down into the bottom of the valley, where holes 11, 12, and 13 are located, tones of the chirping birds seem to vary. They seem to play happier songs! All the notes and tones seem to be not only clear and distinct but louder. I like to think this is their favorite part of the course, too!

While I enjoyed the walk and my observation of the players refining their scoring skills, I cannot help but remind myself of how lucky we are here in the midlands. At just 60 miles away, the terrain is identical and a number of our courses exhibit the tall pines and meandering hills. Number 13, a par 3, at Mid-Carolina Club has a definite Augusta feel. The final hole at Timberlake Golf Club may be the most popular Par 5 ever, because even average length players have the option of going over part of Lake Murray to reach this green in 2, making an eagle 3 a possibility. This hole gives a similar appearance to No. 15 at Augusta. The elevation and look are very similar. Number 10 at Persimmon Hill in Saluda is a straight away slightly downhill Par 4 that has the “Augusta” look and feel.

Mid-Carolina, Timberlake, and Persimmon Hill are certain to be on my schedule in the very near future! 

To learn more about George Bryan III, click here.
To read the Columbia Golf Report for January, click here.
To read the Columbia Golf  Report for Feb 11, Click here
To read the Columbia Golf  Report for Feb 18, click here.
To read the Columbia Golf  Report for Feb 25, click here.
To read the Columbia Golf Report for March 3,click here
To read the Columbia Golf  Report for March 10, click here.
To read the Columbia Golf  Report for April 1, click here.