As Masters Week rolls on, “Talking GolfGetaways” podcast hosts Mitch Laurance and Darin Bunch catch up with John Patrick, host of the award-winning “Augusta Golf Show” and a man who just might know more about the ins-and-outs of covering Augusta National than almost anyone else on the planet.
LISTEN to the show on audioBoom!
We dive into the story behind John’s creation the Augusta Golf Show (beginning as a local Augusta-only show with local sponsors) and how he went from the life of a disc jockey in small-town Augusta to becoming one of the most listened-to sources of information and interviews about golf’s most prestigious event. And we also receive a glimpse into what Augusta is like the rest of the year.
John then provides an expert read on what makes “The National” different in person than what anyone who watches The Masters on television might realize; lets us in on the “secret” of how many times he’s played the course (it’ll make you Masters green with envy); and discusses why he believes the approaches on No. 7 and No. 15 are the hardest shots on the golf course.
As one of the longest-running reporters on The Masters (with 33 consecutive years of covering the event), John talks about how difficult it is to grab guests for his show, what the week is like for him at the Media Center (and during the nighttime activities) and how much he loves the hoopla of each and every Masters. Plus, he shares his greatest memory covering the event, combined with a story of why Jack Nicklaus has been a lifelong idol and what 1986 was like for him as the Golden Bear won his sixth green jacket. John’s journey during the back nine on that historic Sunday is a most memorable one, and he describes the roars around Augusta in a way only he can.
Finally, John shares his favorite impressions about first-timers who are visiting Augusta National and why the Magic Kingdom comes to mind when describing the behavior of patrons strolling the grounds — and not in the way you might think. We hope you enjoy the connection with John Patrick, one of Augusta’s most passionate ambassadors and a true Masters insider.
• • •
Masters Week on “Talking GolfGetaways with Mitch Laurance & Darin Bunch” is sponsored by Tobacco Road Golf & Travel (TobaccoRoadTravel.com) and can be found on GolfNewsNet.com and across the Golf News Net platform. New episodes post daily, five days per week (for the most part), and “Talking GolfGetaways” is also available on audioBoom, iTunes and Stitcher.
Follow us @GetawaysGolf and @MitchLaurance, and use #Emergency9, #TalkingGolfGetaways and #2HaggisBags to hit us with your favorite golf-travel stories and recommendations — you just might make it onto a future episode of “Talking GolfGetaways.”
