Masters Guide

A little preparation for the biggest Sunday in golf (in our house at least!)

My husband has a lover. Her name is G-O-L-F. To his credit, he has been transparent about his involvement with her since we married twenty four years ago. I may be jealous of the attention she receives but it’s become clear that it is true love. If time spent wasn’t proof enough, our shelves are littered with books about her. I can’t say it’s my typical genre of choice but from what I hear, The Match will change that. I feel compelled to make peace with this arrangement, especially as my sons grow to love her more and more. I have found that the easiest time to get on board is the first full week of April. I can’t say that I have always enjoyed the long days of the game but one thing that I absolutely LOVE is the Master’s. I might go so far as to say it is one of my favorite sporting events of the year. Will’s grandfather, “Grandandy”, brilliantly snagged lifetime tickets when they were basically giving them away and it has been a family tradition ever since. Even I, a non-golfer, have graciously been invited a number of times and leave every time without the words to describe it. It is a place that makes people excited to leave their phones at the gate and take in the full experience. Maybe that's an old friend you've seen every year since you started going, maybe a "green jacket" (the friendliest of the bunch), maybe it's a few laps through the concession stand for a $1.50 sandwich and a $3 beer. It is impossible not to sense the great reverence that people feel for the golfers and the grounds, which are maintained to nearly unrealistic beauty.

On the years when we can’t attend, we order A Taste of the Masters which is so well done and comes complete with all of the authentic details- cups, little yellow flags on toothpicks for sandwiches, coasters, and placemats. It often sells out, but you can make the famous pimento cheese and egg salad with these classic recipes. Don’t get fancy, you must use white bread! Last year, when Masters Sunday landed on Easter, we combined the two religious experiences and hosted a house full of church going golf enthusiasts for a spread of sandwiches and sweet tea. Most viewers, including us, won’t be there this year, but you can make your Masters Sunday more fun with the right food, the right outfit, and the appropriate golf clap.

If I ever fulfill my promise and really pick up the game, I will be wearing this adorable Tory Burch dress. I actually think all of Tory Burch is throwback adorable. My son wears these Nikes so they must be what the cool kids wear, but I also love an old saddle oxford which maybe the least cool thing out there, but I’m into them. To stay with the retro look, I love Criquet shirts on and off of the golf course. Throw in a rope hat and a v-neck sweater and you are basically back in 1978.

May the best player wear the green jacket on Sunday! -Jenny