Masters Week starts slowly

The first three days of Masters Week can be tricky because there seldom is any news. The golfers are getting ready for the start of the tournament Thursday, and if they’re hitting the ball well they don’t have much to say.

But sports editor John Boyette and his staff always find interesting things to write about. They meet in the press building every morning to plan the day, and at Monday’s meeting ideas were flying back and forth. There are good stories lined up for all week.

Watching some of the practice rounds I met several people who said they enjoyed reading The Chronicle. Two men from Louisville, Ky., said they learned a lot from the paper, but they especially appreciated directions on how to get to the golf course. Two men from New Orleans said this week reminded them of Mardi Gras, except Augusta is a little more orderly.

Walking the course I was reminded how knowledgeable Augusta galleries are. At every hole I could hear people telling their friends about the golfers or about key shots hit at a particular hole. That’s one of the things that makes the Masters so special. You can find a place on every hole that brings to mind a particular shot that won or lost a tournament.

I followed Larry Mize for a few holes, and I thought about the spectacular shot he hit at No. 11 to win in 1987. When he finished Monday he stopped to pose for photos with several people who asked. He didn’t refuse anyone, smiling all the time. It reminded me of how gracious he was in 1988, when he wrote our first Masters diary, sharing with our readers what it was like to defend his title.

This year our diary is being written by Masters rookie Troy Matteson. Be sure to look for it every day.