Fan notes from Tuesday at the Masters

Dave Tyson and his wife, Debbie, watched in wonderment as players hit tee shots at the practice facility at Augusta National. The couple from Kenosha, Wis., was grateful for the opportunity to get close to the players.

Dave Tyson said the facility is one of his favorites spots at the golf club.

"It's a different experience and a different feel," he said. "You get close to them (the players) for a long time. With the other courses it's kind of a hit or miss if you seem them."

Seeing Tiger

Antonio and Jennifer Ward, both from Atlanta, watched Tiger Woods hit a couple of tee shots at the practice range Tuesday afternoon.

"We ran into him a lot more than we expected," Antonio said. "We watched him on the range and saw him as he was doing an interview."  

Also unexpected was spotting NBA player Dikembe Mutombo in the concessions area.

"It's been a really great afternoon and we've only been here for two hours," Antonio said.

The highlights for his wife were buying souvenirs for family and friends at the pro shop and finally getting a taste of the peach ice cream.  

Eat up

Food was among the highlights of Lance Fairchild's Masters experience. 

The Little Rock, Ark., resident had a liking for the pimento cheese. He planned to put additional pimento cheese sandwiches in his cooler to share with family and friends back home.

PHOTOS: Tuesday's patrons at the Masters

"It's to die for," he said Tuesday. "The pimento cheese is better than Tiger Woods."

His friend Robbie Sherman was a fan of the barbecue. The sandwich has been a "must get" since he attended the tournament two years ago.

"I spend just as much in food than I do with merchandise," Sherman said.

A full day

Amy Berling, 44, and her 16-year-old daughter Ava maximized their Masters experience Tuesday.

They got a chance to sample the tournament's famous peach ice cream pie, shopped at the new merchandise shop and watched Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth play practice rounds.

"We were here super early," Ava said. 'It's been a fantastic experience."

A magical place

After taking in the sights at Augusta National, Brian Butler compared the course to another world famous attraction.

"It looks like Disneyland here," said the Phoenix resident. "It doesn't seem real."