20 years later, Masters memories rekindled with round at Augusta National
Former Augusta Chronicle night sports editor Dan Spears was back at the Masters as a media member in 2026 and had a trip down memory lane (and the Sarazen Bridge) last week.
When I left the Augusta Chronicle in the summer of 2006, I figured that was the end of one of the neatest (and most exclusive) experiences any golfer can have. In that time, Augusta National Golf Club held an annual “appreciation week” for community members who helped make The Masters what it was that year – vendors, volunteers, security, media, etc. As part of that, I was able to play the course in late May with co-workers.
Not just once, but annually for four years: The first time in a monsoon of Caddyshack proportions, the others on warm, late-spring days in the South. Each round was its own amazing day full of good (and horrible) shots, and plenty of stories. As two decades have gone by, they remain indelible memories, easily recounted at a moment’s notice when the Masters gets mentioned: “You know, Dan’s played Augusta National.
” In 2026, I returned as part of the USA TODAY Network’s in-person coverage team, which is a experience in itself. Augusta National remains the gold standard for sporting events, and watching a host of co-workers bust their butts for nearly two weeks (including the Women’s Amateur event) is inspiring and impressive. The tournament has held an annual lottery for a small group of media members to play the course the day after the final round and I had only entered it once before.
The two-decade anniversary of my last round, and the good vibes I was having back in Augusta, were obvious signs I should at least try again. They made my selection much more special. Going into Monday’s tee time, I expected I’d be looking around at what’s changed since I last got to be inside the ropes.