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Posted April 9, 2013, 1:17 pm
BY
Meg Mirshak
|
Staff Writer

Collecting autographs is big part of Masters Week

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    Collecting autographs is big part of Masters Week
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    Masters rookie T.J. Vogel signs autographs for fans at the Augusta National practice range.
  • Article Photos
    Collecting autographs is big part of Masters Week
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    Christian Haskins, 4, of Edgefield, S.C., waits for player autographs at the practice range during Tuesday's practice round at Augusta National Golf Club.
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    Collecting autographs is big part of Masters Week
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    Australian golfer John Senden signs autographs at Augusta National.
  • Article Photos
    Collecting autographs is big part of Masters Week
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    Brian Gay, who is making his second Masters appearance after missing the cut in 2010, autographs souvenir flags for young golf fans during Tuesday's practice round.
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    Collecting autographs is big part of Masters Week
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    John Huh, a first-time Masters competitor from Dallas, signs souvenir Masters flags for fans at the Augusta National practice range, a popular spot for autograph-seekers.

Self-proclaimed duffer Ron Tanaka had two things in mind when he went to watch the pros practice at the Augusta National Golf Club driving range: see how good they really are, and collect some autographs.

“Watching these guys, they make it look so easy,” the Los Angeles resident said.

Tanaka didn’t have as much success with his second goal – his yellow Masters Tournament souvenir flag had just three signatures.

“Kids get them easiest,” he said. “And they should.”

Nearby, Nikita Romanov, 11, had perfected the craft of collecting golfer autographs. A big smile, good manners and persistence helped him fill his yellow flag with more than two dozen signatures.

“I can just put them in a picture frame in my room, maybe,” said Nikita, who is from the Philadelphia area. “It’s going to inspire me through all the pain and anguish. To help me follow my dreams and try to become one of these pros.”

Young patrons stood along a green fence wistfully watching golfers leave the driving range. Several children said they would wait all day for autographs from Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson and Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy passed by but didn’t stop to sign.

“He must have something important to do,” Nikita said. “I’ll try again.”

SLIDESHOW: Autograph Seekers

Browse a slideshow of photos as patrons try to get autographs from players

Autograph area lets children get close to golf idols

BY THE BOOK

Autograph-seeking is allowed only on the Washington Road side of the clubhouse near the new practice facilities. Don’t bother players on the course; it’s prohibited.

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