Service members experience Masters, Augusta National Golf Club atmosphere

AUGUSTA, Ga. (Service members stationed at Fort Gordon had the opportunity to witness golf history at the Masters Tournament held at Augusta National Golf Course.

The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation obtained 100 series badges made available for purchase by the Masters Credentials Committee. Service members submitted applications for a chance to purchase a badge through a lottery.

Each day, 400 service members alternated using the four-day tournament series badge during the Tournament, Thursday through Sunday.

Navy Chief Petty Officer Jason M. Webster, assigned to Navy Information Operations Command Georgia, is a golf fan with an urge to start learning and playing the game. Webster expected the course at Augusta National to be in great condition and it was, seen firsthand during his first visit to the golf course.

"I just enjoy watching it," he said. "I started watching at the first tee then walked all 18 holes."

To some, it is known as one of the hardest sports events to get access to, according to Spc. Mathew Baker, assigned to the 35th Military Police Detachment.

Dual military spouses, Baker and his wife, Sgt. Miranda Baker, who is assigned to the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, had the opportunity to walk around the course together.

"It's one of the best tournaments to go to," said Miranda.

Mathew's best moment was watching Tiger Woods sink a birdie at the seventh hole while they were both sitting in the stands. The best advice they have for anyone to attend in the future is to have comfortable shoes and to bring a chair. Only armless folding chairs are allowed at the golf course.

Senior Airman Andrew Kulbiski, assigned to the 3rd Intelligence Squadron, attended for his third time. He had never been to the tournament on a Sunday before and expected the crowd to be bigger and a little crazier than the past couple times he's attended. His expectations were correct, especially around the leaders where the crowd was louder.

"The best moment for me was seeing Jordan Spieth finish out the tournament at the 18th," said Kulbiski. "He had a historic tournament and it was really cool to be able to see it in person. I also saw Tiger Woods make an eagle at the 13th and the crowd went crazy. That was pretty special."

While at the tournament, Kulbiski has had a similar routine each year.

"I got to the course early, around 6 a.m., and waited for the gates to open. Then I go and put my chair down by the 18th green so I can watch the leaders finish their rounds later in the day. After that I grabbed some breakfast and headed to the practice range and watched some of the players warm up for their rounds. Once they started playing I walked along the course and stopped every now and then at spots at places you could see a lot of action. I grabbed some food and drinks along the way and eventually ended up back at my char at the 18th where I watched the last groups finish up."

Try and pick out some good spots to watch from and stay there for a while, Kulbiski suggests for future attendees.

"If you try and follow a single group, especially a group with really popular players, you are going to be fighting with crowds the entire time. Pick a good spot and let the players come to you," he said. "I've been very lucky to have won a badge through the on base lottery each year I've entered."

For Master Sgt. Michael Kulikowski, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters, 15th Regimental Signal Brigade, it was an awesome experience attending the tournament for the first time after being stationed a second time at Fort Gordon.

"Put in for it, it is worth it," said Kulikowski.

" Master 's Sunday is probably my favorite sporting day of the year, and to be able to attend it was awesome," said Kulbiski. "I've wanted to go the Masters for a long time, long before I was stationed here and Fort Gordon, and I really didn't think I would ever get the chance since tickets can be so hard to come by. Hopefully I'll have more chances in the future, but I'm very lucky to have been able to go the past three years."