It’s Masters Week. Often referred to as a rite of spring, many in the colder climes consider Masters Week the beginning of the golf season. Whether it’s the azaleas in full bloom on TV, CBS’ hushed tone coverage of the always riveting competition or the sheer magnificence of Augusta National, the influence on golf from the Masters Tournament is undeniable and unmistakable.
Super-fast greens, pristine playing conditions and many of golf’s time-honored traditions have come from this very special event and place. As a real estate appraiser specializing in golf properties, it never fails that this week or next, after watching the tournament, someone asks me what Augusta National might be worth. Of course, there’s no way I can answer that without actually doing an appraisal, but after visiting yesterday as a patron for the Wednesday practice round, the unique elements of this very special place intrigued me not so much about what Augusta National is worth but what it really is.