This year, the number of people who came to the Masters was significantly increased. Augusta National Golf Club limits the number of passes issued each year, and did not release information on how many passes they provided this year. Even though Augusta National Golf Club prepares a limited number of passes, last year, a number of passes were left over, due to the tough economy.

This year’s large number of visitors to the Masters generated huge revenues, and had a strong and positive impact on not only the local Augusta economy, but also nationwide and overseas. The income from TV commercials, Masters and PGA Tour sponsors and partnerships, ticket sales, travel and transportation fees, Masters merchandise sales, and other revenue generated from such sources as the trailers brought by Bridgestone and Wilson Staff and set up outside the course to promote their brand and products during the Masters, increased significantly this year. (Augusta National Golf Club did not allow the sponsors to conduct promotional activities inside the course, however.)

The total estimate of the economic impact from the 2010 Masters is estimated at a minimum of $200 million to $300 million. The drama surrounding the fact that this was the first golf tournament to which Tiger Woods returned after his well-publicized scandal, got the rapt attention of fans and media.

The Masters can be compared with the Olympic Games and the World Cup, in terms of its international impact, the number of fans it attracts, the revenue it generates, and even the special rules of etiquette that are followed. The Masters has its own unique flavor, though, with very different strength points from the other two events.

Though golf originally came from the British, Americans also identify with it as much as they identify with baseball. The Masters is the symbol of golf and America, and is associated with wealth and prosperity. The people who attend the Masters tend to be people of high social standing, such as executives of large companies, lawyers, doctors, successful businessmen, and so on. The Masters mixes the great American past with the latest trends and cutting-edge technology.

PGA Tour players can earn about $1 million per year in winnings alone, even if their rank is 100. They also have a good support system in the PGA Tour organization for virtually their entire lives.

Today, the tee time for the first group was at 10:45 a.m. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson’s tee time was after 2 p.m., so, unlike yesterday, very few fans came in the early morning. Today’s temperature was at a low of 48 degrees and a high of 73 degrees. It was a chillier morning than yesterday. In comparison to actual temperatures at a high of 73 degrees, it was very hot on the course, with strong sun.

By the way, the market price of today’s Masters tickets was back up to around $1,100 to $1,200.

Lee Westwood, who was a leader yesterday, seemed to have great confidence today, continuing his great swings and shots. He smiled and stuck out his tongue when his tee shot ended up in the trees on the left hand side, but fortunately, his ball came back to the fairway. Such lucky happenings were a release from the tension for him. He got only one bogey on the No. 12 hole and finished at -12 as a co-leader today.

Phil Michelson, who finished with -11 in the second spot today, had super shots on No. 13 and No.14, which were both eagles. On No. 15, he was almost able to make an eagle on three consecutive holes. Phil Mickelson became the third player to achieve two consecutive Eagles at the Masters. The fans were thrilled about his amazing shots, and most were screaming at those moments. Phil Mickelson eventually earned 5 under through just the three holes.

On the other hand, Tiger Woods got birdies on No.1 and No.3. at about 3:30 p.m. ,and the fans expected him to continue to have successful shots after that. Unfortunately, though, his iron shots and pat were not stable. He had a total of five bogeys. We were wondering whether Tiger had missed the opportunity to become the 2010 Masters Champion. He was patient and was trying to make it up by grabbing birdies on the No.13, No. 14, and No.15 holes, and eliminated his bogey at the No.17 hole by producing the birdie on No.18 at the end of today. He finished at -8 in the top three position.

The senior pair at the Masters, 50-year-old Fred Couples and 60-year-old Tom Watson, attracted many cheering fans. Tom Watson finished at -2 with 1 score lower than yesterday. Fred Couples was playing very well. He got a bogey at the end of the day today on No. 18, and earned a total score of 3 today, finishing with -7. He is loved by fans for his attractive personality and his unique style that includes using golf clubs with his bare hands, and going without socks. Today, he wore deck shoes with no socks, because on the first day of the 2010 Masters, he wasn’t wearing socks, and played very well. Fans observed that yesterday, he was wearing golf shoes instead of deck shoes, and did not play as well.

Augusta is a great city to escape the cold winter weather and take a golf vacation. In downtown Augusta there is the Riverwalk beside the river, which divides the state of Georgia and South Carolina. You’ll also see many beautiful houses, with their owners’ boats anchored in the river just below.

Tomorrow will be the last day of the 2010 Masters Tournament! We watched as Lee Westwood, in good shape, had steady plays and showed confidence. We can tell he is really strong.

A number of the main players – Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples – remained, and our expectations are very high as we look toward tomorrow. Let’s see what happens!