Patron notes

Pat Boone knew her first stop when she arrived at Augusta National would be at the merchandise shop. The patron, who was visiting for the first time, purchased 20 hats for her family and friends.

"They are very beautiful and very well made," said resident from The Villages, Fla., on Friday. "And we're going to have a big hat party when we go back to The Villages."

Seeing players Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth were also on the 74-year-old's bucket list. She felt one of the two should win the 2018 tournament. 

"I like Bubba because he has had so many obstacles and still manages to pull through and Spieth because he is the perfect gentleman," she said.

Her friend Jane Corder, a golf fan for more than 17 years, wants Phil Mickelson to win.

"I watched him for years," said the 82-year-old Florida resident.

She was accompanied by her 26-year-old grandson, Taylor Rosson, of New Orleans, who was honoring the first time experience in memory of his mother.

"It's been a dream of his and his mother but she passed away (three years ago) and didn't get this chance ," Corder said as Rosson went off to walk the course Friday. "She was a golfer too."

PHOTOS: Patrons at Friday's Second Round at Augusta National

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Keeping a family tradition was part of Aubrey Bagley's first Masters experience.

The tradition included setting up as close as possible to the green on No. 10.

"It's my dad's favorite spot," she said. "It's not much of a popular hole so its pretty easy (to get close), but Sunday we are going to try to get here early to set up at 18."

She planned to cheer for Phil Mickelson in her father's absence.

"He's not high up today but I hope that changes," she said.

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Nick Phillips, of Atlanta, Ga., was one of the first to secure a spot at the 16th hole with his family.

"I'm looking forward to walking the course and taking the experience in," the 30-year-old said as other patrons arrived to the course. "It's sad I can't play here."

He said Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler were his favorites to take home a green jacket.

"I just have an affinity for Fowler," he said. "And Spieth has a good shot (at winning). He always does so well at the Masters."

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The Masters experience was more than what two patrons said they could have hoped for.

"I went to the pro shop right away and now taking a tour of the course," said Aaron Armbrecht of Kansas City. "Everything so far we couldn't have planned it better and we didn't."

Austin Martens, 30, of Dallas, Texas, had a similar reaction to Augusta National.

"The whole deal — all of it has been crazy so far," he said. "But I'm sure it will get surreal as I see the players."

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Junior Patron of the Day

Name: Lilly Parish

Age: 12

From: Augusta

Favorite golfer: Jordan Spieth

Favorite sandwich: Chicken sandwich

Thoughts on the Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship: "I think it would be good," she said. "I notice there are a lot of boys here participating in the tournament and this will give girls a chance to do so as well."