Patrons take in excitement of Masters first round

As Patrick Reed hit out of the steep fairway bunker on the first hole, spectator Bernd Jueckman, who stood 10-feet behind the defending Masters champion, watched in awe.

“To see those players at such a short distance,” was amazing, Jueckman said. “It’s my first Masters and I didn’t expect that. I thought there would be more security in between.”

2019 Masters Round 1 Photos

The Hamburg native, wearing a Dirk Nowitzki shirt and hat, flew from Dallas to Augusta after watching Nowitzki’s last two games as a Dallas Maverick.

“We’re having a German week,” the Philippines resident said. “I went to see Nowitzki say goodbye and now I’m here to watch Langer and Kaymer make the cut. That’s basically why I’m here. And then see good golf. May the best one win.”

Jueckman, who is attending all four days of the tournament, said he’d also be rooting for two other European professionals.

“I think there are two guys from Europe that deserve it,” Jueckman said. “One is (Rory) McIlroy and the other is Justin Rose. They were close so many times so of course I have to support my Europeans players. They will be my two picks.”

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Melvin and Shawanna Williams sat in their green Masters chairs near the first tee box as Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama teed off.

““He teed off pretty good,” Williams said. “I like the sound.”

The couple from Augusta are on the grounds for the first time since 2009.

“We came 10 years ago and just to see the changes that they’ve made, it’s even more beautiful,” Shawanna said.

The two were excited to see Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson but Melvin said he couldn’t help but stare at the grass.

“If I could ever get my grass to look like this I’d be alright,” Williams said. “That’s for sure.”

Williams said he’d watch golf for half the day with his wife then pick up his dad for the second half of the day before heading to work in the evening.

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Bryan Lee was in attendance for Charl Schwartzel’s 2011 Masters victory and wants to see Rickie Fowler do the same this year.

“He seems to just always be up there at the top,” Lee said. “He just hasn’t been able to get over the hurdle. He’s been consistently one of the best players. He’s been strong for several years in a row now. He just needs to get that next step.”

The Lafayette, La., native was able to stand on the 18th green and witness Schwartzel celebrate.

“When the players are coming up the hill for that last march, it’s the pinnacle of the best sporting event that’s out there,” Lee said. “It’s a great experience.”

Lee visited the merchandise store in the morning and said he probably spent a little more than he anticipated.

“Too much,” Lee said while chuckling. “My wife is probably looking at our little Amex account right now wondering what the heck I bought.”

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Thor Sherman and John Newman sat next to the ninth tee box with their stomachs full waiting for Sandy Lyle.

The two friends couldn’t believe the food prices, which feature $1.50 pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches.

“It’s quite unusual in today’s sporting events,” Newman said. “It’s nice to know you can get good food at a reasonable price and eat it throughout the day.”

Photos: 2019 Masters Honorary Starters Ceremony

Sherman said the low food prices at the Masters aren't something  found at other sporting venues across the country.

“We’re from Knoxville, Tenn., and if you go to a Tennessee football game you’d spend as much on a coke as you would get chips, a sandwich and a soft drink here.”

Sherman, 58, said he looked forward to seeing the 61-year-old Lyle hit different shots.

“He’s a couple years older than me,” Sherman said. “I’m older than most of the guys out here these days so it’s good to see him. He hit a shot a couple of years ago and looked at the gallery and said, “‘That’s all I’ve got.'"