Dan Mullen remembers his time at Augusta National

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Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen was at the final round of the Masters in 2007.

When Dan Mullen reflects on his trip to the Masters Tournament, golf isn’t what he remembers most.

Instead, the Mississippi State head football coach recalls the course.

“Television doesn’t do it justice,” he said. “The undulation of the greens are incredible, as are those tight tee boxes with trees lining the fairway. When you’re watching on television, you just can’t get the same appreciation.”

Mullen has never played Augusta National, but he attended the tournament on Sunday in 2007 with his wife, Megan. The two didn’t follow a particular grouping, but instead walked the course “to see as many different things as possible.”

“It was an unforgettable afternoon,” he said. “My wife’s a former anchor at the Golf Channel, so she obviously knew a lot of people around the place. We were only there for one day, so we tried to see as many spots as possible. It was a lot to take in.”

In addition to Zach Johnson winning his first major, Mullen says walking from the No. 18 tee box to Augusta National’s clubhouse is something he’ll never forget.

“That hill at 18 is like climbing a mountain,” he said. “Again, you see it on TV and don’t think much about it, but it’s totally different in person. Everything about Augusta National is different in person.”

As for playing the course, Mullen says receiving an invitation would be a dream come true.

“I’d love to get that phone call,” he said, laughing. “I’ve never played Augusta National, but that’s something I’d be honored to do.”