Posted April 1, 2012, 9:17 pm

Improvements made to Masters practice facility seating area

PRACTICE FACILITY: Masters Tournament patrons will get a better viewing experience this week at Augusta National Golf Club’s practice facility, thanks to improvements made to the seating area.

Three sets of bleachers sat behind the practice tees when the club opened the world-class practice facility in 2010. Those temporary bleachers have been removed and replaced with a permanent seating structure with five rows of stadium-style, cushioned seats that can accommodate up to 600 people.

A grassy area behind the seats rises slightly above the new structure for additional standing-room-only space, and stadium lights now hang above the viewing area.

Space for photo and autograph seekers will still remain along the rope lines leading into the practice facility.

The club opened the 18-acre facility in 2010. The site features a putting green, a chipping area and a driving range that includes a V-shape formation of pine trees, which allows golfers to practice a variety of shots off the tee.

FREE CLINIC: Craig Stadler, the 1982 Masters Tournament champion, will conducting a free clinic today at Gordon Lakes Golf Course.

The clinic, which is open to the public, will run from 10 a.m. to noon.

After a short game and a bunker
demonstration, Stadler will sign autographs.

The 58-year-old Stadler had 13 PGA Tour victories and has won eight times on the Champions Tour.

– From staff reports