Masters experience like no other for many patrons

Puffing on his Honduran cigar and walking up the No. 1 fairway, Dr. Mike Regan thought he might be in heaven.

“I am living in a dream world right now,” said the first-time visitor to Augusta National. “A friend of mine invited me out for his father’s 75th birthday party and I just got on a plane.”

Photos: Saturday Masters Patrons

The dentist from Oregon City, Ore., said he was so excited for the opportunity that he arrived two days early just to make sure he wouldn’t miss out.

The cigar aficionado said he was grateful that the course enables him to enjoy a cigar while watching the action.

“I’m enjoying the experience of smoking a cigar and walking around,” Regan said. “Where can you smoke cigars in public anymore? This is incredible.”

The 57-year-old said he would stay at Augusta National until the last possible minute.

“I get to walk around until they ask me to leave or kick me out,” Castle said. “I won’t break a rule on this course.”

Paul Castle strolled across Augusta National in blue pants that featured yellow stars along with a matching blue-starred beret and sneakers. The Chelmsford, England, native wore the outfit to represent the flag of the European Union.

“I decided after the Ryder Cup to wear it,” Castle said. “I knew I was coming to the Masters so I thought I’d wear it then.”

Castle said he was excited to see the best European players all in one place.

“I’m rooting for Poulter and Rahm,” he said. “Any of the Europeans. It’s a bit of a conflict of interest because Tiger Woods is my favorite golfer. If he wins, I’ll be absolutely delighted.”

It’s his first trip to The Masters.

“In the shop the people are so friendly,” Castle said. “Everybody is friendly. Great setup. I was amazed when you go to get food and a drink. It’s just straight it in and straight out. It’s awesome, I love it here.”

“The food prices are outstanding,” he said. “If this was in London it would have been $18 to $20.”

Castle said he planned on finishing his day with a trip to Amen Corner.

Betsy Creech sat under a tree on the pine straw near the 10th green, biting into a barbecue sandwich.

The 22-year-old said she was taking a break from the action and was getting ready to follow Webb Simpson. Creech said she was a Simpson fan because the two attended the same high school: Needham Broughton in Raleigh, N.C.

“We just watched him tee off and we’re going to go find him before he leaves,” she said.

The Raleigh resident said she was very impressed with her experience at the Masters.

“The course is perfect,” Creech said. “Very well maintained. It’s been fun walking it.”

Creech said her favorite thing about Augusta National is how historic it is and how it never changes from year to year.

“I appreciate all of the tradition,” she said. “I think that’s very evident here. Which I like.”