50 years and counting
From the highs of Tiger’s historic comeback win this year and Jack Nicklaus’ record breaking sixth win in 1986, to the low of Jordan Spieth’s heartbreaking 2016 epic meltdown, Daniel Island resident Kathie Harvey has experienced it all. The 83rd edition of the Masters Tournament, which concluded last weekend, marked Harvey’s 50th consecutive year at the prestigious event. The Masters Tournament is the first of golf’s four yearly major championships and is often referred to as the hardest ticket in sports to score.
Tickets are called “badges” and fans are referred to as “patrons.” One has to be “invited” to attend the tournament. Harvey’s first invitation came five decades ago from a golf club professional in Atlanta, where she played golf. But the majority of her badges came from her parents.
“I was really fortunate when my parents, who applied to be patrons, were invited to attend the Masters Tournament,” she said. “They became patrons and received two badges for many, many years.”
After her parents passed away, Harvey started attending the tournament as the guest of a family friend.
The Masters is an old school tournament steeped in tradition. Not a lot has changed over the years, explained Harvey. The caddies dress in white overalls and the scoreboard is still manually operated.
Over the past 50 years, Harvey has experienced many first time thrills on the course. One of her most memorable highlights was watching South African player Louis Oosthuizen. He hit an extraordinary shot, she recalled.
“I was at (hole) No. 2 several years ago and saw the only albatross I’d ever observed, even as much as I’ve been there,” noted Harvey.
The Masters is the first major tournament of the year, but unlike the others, it’s always held at the same location, Augusta National Golf Club. During the tournament, the azaleas are in bloom and, like the green championship jackets, they’re an integral part of the Masters’ experience. “Augusta National is by far the most beautiful of all the courses,” Harvey added.
Harvey adheres to the tournament’s strict rules, including the no cell phone requirement. In case you need to make a call, Augusta National has the largest bank of pay phones remaining in the country.
“If you make a mistake and bring your phone into the tournament you have to check it or take it back to the car,” Harvey warned. “Both options are far away and inconvenient.”
In addition, no coolers or containers of any type are allowed on the course. But not to worry. Harvey says prices for snacks have remained relatively low throughout the years. This year a sandwich could be purchased for as low as $1.50!
Over the years Harvey has made friends with other patrons, but prefers to connect after the daily rounds are completed.
“I wait till the evening to celebrate and socialize,” she said. “I’m really concentrating on the game during the tournament.”
Harvey has thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Masters’ experience for the last 50 years.
“I am so blessed and hoping I will be there every year to come!”