Masters patrons plot ways to see their favorites golfers

According to at least one frequent patron, making the most of the Masters Tournament is an art.

“Get to the gates by 7:30. There will be a line, but you can get in the gate by 8,” six-time Masters patron Steven Jessup said.

Jessup and his wife, Stacey, have managed to find tickets “by any means necessary” in six of the last 10 years.

“We failed a few times. But we make a hotel reservations every year just in case,” Jessup said.

This year, they bought tickets from friends who had to work this week back home in Bozeman, Mont.

Jessup said he has a foolproof plan to see Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson play as much as possible.

“Everyone has their own right way around the (course),” he said. “But mine will work.”

Jessup said he gets to the gate at 7:30 a.m. so he can get in at 8. Then he finds Woods and Mickelson by checking the boards and asking other patrons.

After they tee off, Jessup and his wife “book it” down the hill to catch them in the southwest corner of Augusta National Golf Club, where the holes Nos. 4-7 can be viewed. As the golfers come to No. 7, the Jessups head back up to No. 9 in case the golfers only play half the course. Then it is a sprint to Amen Corner, grab a beer and a break, then make their way to No. 18 to see the finish.

“Today was great because Tiger was right in front of Mickelson on hole 9,” he said. “We just hung out.”

When Mickelson hit it into the bunker during Tuesday’s practice round, Jessup let out a moan.

“Come on Phil,” he said. “You’re better than that.”

The Jessups did not stick around after it looked like Mickelson had picked up.

“Come on honey,” he said to his wife. “Let’s move.”

They did not check to see if Woods was done. They had a plan to stick to.

“Maybe we’ll get lucky and get to watch him again,” he said. “If not, it’s not like they are the only good golfers out here.”

Sandra and Richard Appling were sitting at hole No. 9 the ninth hole.

"The best way to see the Masters?" he said. "To have a beer, find a seat, and relax."