Augusta National shows a new set of colors with fall Masters

The elements to begin the 84th Masters Tournament mirrored many of the first 83.

A soft dew coated the first fairway as Augusta native Charles Howell III teed off at 9:10 a.m. to begin Monday’s practice round. Howell played driver, then laid up with a six-iron before salvaging par. Then, as Howell neared the third tee box, he peered back upon the second fairway.

“Looks a little different,” Howell said.

Photos: Monday's Fall Colors at the Masters

The second hole, affectionately called Pink Dogwood, is absent of pink, and the 16th, Redbud, has minimal red. Hole No. 13, called Azalea, has seen its namesake maintain a state of dormancy. The picturesque 510-yard par 5 now presents an autumn canvas of dogwoods, pines and maple trees, which shake their leaves when the Georgia wind deems necessary.

Throughout the course, nandina, pampas and camellia plants have been called upon by the nursery team at Augusta National Golf Club to offer fall colors.

“In all honesty, I think it’s equally as stunning,” Howell said. “I can’t say enough about what Augusta National has done to make this possible.”

Not every player was aware of the change of scenery. Phil Mickelson played the second nine on Monday morning with Cameron Champ, and mentioned a number of changes, including the back-left corner of the 18th green having a more substantial slope. One thing that the three-time Masters winner failed to notice were the fall colors.

“I just look at the hole,” Mickelson said. “I really don’t notice colors behind the (thirteenth) green.”

The terrain didn't require a spring heat wave to awe reigning 2020 PGA Championship winner Collin Morikawa. Monday marked his first trip to Augusta National, and his first stop was to the practice range. Upon reaching the clubhouse, Morikawa’s caddie, J.J. Jakovac, signaled to Collin and his swing coach, Rick Sessinghaus, to slow down. Side by side, the three walked to the putting green and took in the view together.

“I couldn’t believe how vast it was,” Sessinghaus said. “Collin isn’t the type of guy to get overwhelmed by a golf course, but this is pretty special.”

In addition to the absence of tournament patrons, the November Masters is also without grandstands and gallery ropes. As for concessions, three stands — one at the first, third and eighth holes — are open, offering complimentary snacks to those in attendance.

“It’s a huge difference without patrons,” Howell said. “I feel terrible for them — I really do. But at the end of the day, this is better than no Masters at all.”