An early day doesn't deter Masters experience for patrons

Mitch Walters stood between the 18th and 10th fairways at the Masters and kept his eye on the action.

The Bristol, Tenn., native arrived early in the morning after taking a private plane.

Photos: Sunday Patrons at the Masters

“We’re going to be here to enjoy this thing,” the automobile dealer said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be here on Sunday. It’s a special time. There’s so many leaders that shot under par because of the conditions yesterday, so we feel like we might be a part of history.”

Walters said he was excited to see the crowded leaderboard but was rooting for one golfer in particular.

“I’d like to see Tiger come back because it would be great for golf,” he said. “People are cheering for him. I hope he does.”

If Woods were to win his fifth Masters at age 43, Walters said he would surely never forget it.

“I think I’d tell my grandchildren about it,” he said. “That’s how historical it would be.”

“We’ve got our chairs up at the 10th tee box and next to the 18th green and we are going to go walk the course,” Walters said. “It’s not all about the golf; it’s about the beauty. It’s unbelievable. Whoever mows the grass here needs to mow my lawn.”

Tommy Gladziszewski and his girlfriend Anne Smith were attending their first Masters. The couple from Charlotte, N.C., said they were excited to take in the final round and have a few drinks while doing so.

“We employed our family members to drive us back so we can enjoy the adult beverages,” Gladziszewski said.

The nearly three-hour trip was well worth it, Smith said.

“My grandfather was on the waiting list to get tickets for 20 years, and now he’s had them for 40 years,” she said. “So we’re on his tickets today. We’re excited to take it all in.”

Gladziszewski said he was delighted with the concession prices and poked fun at Smith.

“She rarely picks up the tab, but she did this time,” the 36-year-old said while chuckling.

Both spectators were wearing their Masters hats and polo shirts and said they were delighted to be at the Super Bowl of golf.

“This place would be an earthquake,” Gladziszewski said of Tiger Woods potentially winning. “We’re going to put our chairs down and see how many rows back we have to be to see it.”

Kevin Baxter was staring as he walked Augusta National, taking in its beauty Sunday.

“It’s fantastic,” the North Carolina resident said. “There’s nothing like it.”

Baxter said he looked forward to going to Amen Corner and sitting at No. 16 to watch Phil Mickelson.

“We’re going for Lefty,” Baxter said. “I don’t think he’s going to win it, but he’s fun to watch.”

Baxter said he was extremely impressed by how well the tournament is run.

“Once you get through the doors it’s very accessible, very well organized and a great fan experience,” he said.

Baxter said it would be nice to see Tiger Woods win but that he preferred he didn’t.

“It’s unbelievable and it’s a leaderboard like no other,” he said. “It’d be historic. It’d be great. We’d be here for it, but I’m not rooting for him.”