I’m back! And all I can say is, if you’re ever lucky enough to get the chance to attend the Masters, grab it with both hands, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. I was there on the Thursday and it exceeded every expectation. It’s easily the most perfect place I've ever seen. In fact, the grass is so flawless it looks artificial. I’d heard the course is far more undulating than it appears on TV, but I never expected the slopes to be quite so extreme.
I was also completely obsessed with getting my hands on one of the famous gnomes. When we arrived early in the morning and saw people already heading out with them in their bags, I was tempted, but I didn't want to put my friend through an 80-minute queue, especially if it ended with a “sorry, we’ve sold out.” Plus, she couldn’t quite understand what all the fuss was about!
We took a gamble and went back later in the day, and I’m delighted to say I managed to bag a small version of the little fella. I actually read that someone has already sold a large 2026 gnome for almost $30,000. Not that I have any plans to sell mine, but I think my friend understands the rush now!
So, the Masters is done and dusted, the season has officially started, and I’m really looking forward to my next round at my home club this Saturday. It’ll be my first time seeing our new temporary clubhouse after the fire sadly destroyed our original home back in January.
We’ll throw the balls up, and like any group of golfers, we’re a right mix of different personalities. The reason I’m mentioning this is because PGA pro Emma Booth recently wrote a great article for Golf Monthly about the seven things golfers hate, but no one ever says to your face! I can almost guarantee you’ll recognise someone in there, and I have to admit, I spotted one of my own traits, too!
I think we can all be a Captain Obvious. “It’s in the bunker,” or “I think it’s come up a bit short.” As Emma says, there is no malice or ill intent meant with any comments (unless it’s blatant gamesmanship!), it is just people not taking responsibility for their own behaviour and staying in the lane of their own golf.
I’m definitely not a moaner, a control freak, nor am I the person, as Emma puts it, lays up at the bar every time. As she says, golf has a lovely unspoken nature of taking it in turns to pay, but it only works if everyone plays their part. When one person quietly opts out, it shifts the whole dynamic. No one pulls out a calculator, but it doesn’t take many missed turns for people to notice if someone has deep pockets and short arms!
Alison Root
Women's Editor Golf Monthly
