Patron notes

Dave and Marlene Remillard enjoyed an early morning tour of Augusta National with friends Larry and Connie Pitman Wednesday.

The slick conditions left by an early morning rain did not bother them.

"It's still beautiful," Larry said.

Dave was fascinated with the steep hills and slopes of the more complicated holes at Augusta National.

"That's what's so intriguing beside the beauty of the course," he said. "Then when you go back and watch it on TV, you understand what the players are dealing with." 

Learning the game

Williams Gregory, 15, and his brother Wesley, 17, knew nothing about golf but hoped their visit to the Masters would teach them more. 

"Everything I'm learning today is completely brand new," Wesley said.

The Greensboro, N.C., residents were appreciative of the "unique" course and its scenery.

"I'm still learning the game but it's a beautiful and great course," William said.

Front-row seats

Jeffrey Wilczewski arrived early at the Par-3 Course on Wednesday to set up chairs in the front row on No. 8. That led to him getting an up-close and personal experience with some of the participants. 

The first-time attendee was hit on the foot by balls from Bubba Watson and Fuzzy Zoeller. He wanted to keep the balls but knew he couldn't.

"It's been twice in a row now, but I've learned golf etiquette," said the Rochester, N.Y., resident as another golf ball headed his way. 

Eric Francis, 29, of Houston, was also grateful for a front-row seat at the Par-3 Contest. 

"They're literally dropping the ball right in front of you. It's so cool," he said.

The Par-3 was his favorite spot at Augusta National. 

"It's all so surreal when you look across the water and see the color and the players," he said.

His friend Nick Danekas, 31, was thrilled with the opportunity to take souvenirs home.

"I'm taking a lot of them with me for friends, family, everyone I know," the Chicago native said.