Augusta is a very beautiful place and a wonderful environment for the Augusta National Golf Club. In this area, people can still purchase a nice house for just $150,000.

The Masters is like Christmas for the people of Augusta, because during that week, people come from all over the world, and it is the time of the year when the town earns the most money. Are there any other good jobs in Augusta, then, besides jobs associated with the Masters? The answer is “Yes.” Augusta is a center for medicine, biotechnology, and the military. Many well-known corporations have headquarters, facilities, and/or manufacturing plants here. A leading tire company and corporate partner of the PGA Tour, Bridgestone, built its largest manufacturing plant here, and provides many good jobs for the local people. Other companies with a large presence here include Electrolux, CareSouth, and T-Mobile.

Summer season in Augusta is very hot, so many local people prefer to go to the beach. Some people on the East Coast buy houses here, and rent them out. Then, when they retire, they move to their houses in Augusta.

You can see and experience many interesting and fun things here. John Daly, who is still very popular for his “rough,” non-country club style as well as for his many memorable and great wins, is selling his goods, such as T-shirts, golf balls, books and other items beside his big bus with roof’s tent. To the fans’ surprise, he is selling his products himself, directly to the customers. A large number of fans waited in a long line, purchased his goods, talked to him, and got his autograph. Two Masters staff members were asleep on their cart beside a Par 3 contest course. Fans enjoyed discovering this. A couple of the fans managed to get near enough to them so that they could have photos taken with them. Another (and easier) photo opportunity for fans is "Founder Circle," located behind the Club House. The Masters logo is featured here, with beautiful yellow flowers and the Masters Flag. Many fans waited in a long line for a commemorative photo of themselves here.

Today’s temperature was at a high of 85; however, it was beautiful, and the perfect weather for golf. Monday and Tuesday were only the practice rounds, but finally, today, the Par 3 contest took place, and fans are excited as we move closer to the competitive rounds!

The Par 3 contest is a fun event, with a relaxed atmosphere, and no official pairings or starting times. If the fans wish to know who is on the course, they have to refer to the Information Center inside the Augusta National. The attending players often bring their families. Kids walk together and help their fathers, who are the players, on the course as caddies. This makes everyone feel at home during the Par 3 Contest.

Tiger Woods did not attend the Par 3 contest, but Phil Mickelson played the Par 3 contest with his two daughters, Amanda and Sophia, and his son, Evan. Evan, who is 7 years old, carried his father’s golf bag, which looked too big for him, and tried to follow wherever Phil went on the course. The fans really enjoyed watching them, and we heard them saying things like, “You’ve got three kids, Phil!” and “Very cute!” Other fans cheered Evan on, saying, “Hang in there, Evan!” and "Good job, Evan!" Phil Michelson is known as “King,” and was always smiling. Another player had a young child of two or three years old, who got bored, became tired and fretful, and ran away from the group. Such heartwarming scenes contributed to the fans’ enjoyment.

If you were to take a look around the courses of Augusta National Golf Club, you would see that the course is also a great park where everyone can relax and enjoy the beautiful natural environment in addition to the Par 3 contest. Some people stretched themselves out on the grass of the courses, and others leaned on the trees under the cool shade. The Masters is a large attraction, and fans have come each year for more than 15 years to this major event.

A gentleman in a green jacket at the No.1 Hole announced each player’s name whenever a player began to tee off. Another gentleman in a green jacket chatted with a player, who showed him great respect. These men were obviously proud to be there. Those on the course who were wearing the green jackets were the members of Augusta National Golf Club. It’s easy to see how special the Masters is.

During the Par 3 contest, most players carried pens in their pockets so that they could easily sign autographs for fans. There were many opportunities to get autographs and take pictures with players.

Tomorrow, the competitive round will finally begin! The weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon is possible short thunderstorms. On the way back from the Masters today, I already saw a vendor, shouting, “Umbrellas! Umbrellas! Tomorrow will be a rainy day!”

Tiger Woods will start to play at 1:42 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, pairing with Matt Kuchar and K.J. Choi.