Going to any professional sports competition is undoubtedly exciting, but attending a professional sports championship is another level of exhilaration and dedication. On April 3 and 4, the largest annual golfing championship, The Masters, commenced in Augusta, Georgia, and math teacher Jamie Kovach got the opportunity to attend.

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go to the Masters. How could you not go if you could?” Kovach said.

The Masters is a prestigious 4-day championship where all of the best names in men’s golf compete for the illustrious title and the infamous Green Jacket. While Kovach didn’t get to watch an actual round of competition, she was able to watch Tuesday’s practice.

“There was a lottery where you could enter one email address per household, and my email address was picked. I went with my brother, my dad and we brought my cousin who is an actual golf instructor,” Kovach said.

The Masters is known for its idyllic scenery and its extravagant customs.  The Masters is said to be the foremost event in golf. Various sports commentators have described the Masters as the “Super Bowl of golf.”

“Just walking into the course, just seeing it for the first time, is absolutely amazing. Everything there is amazing. The grass is absolute perfection. There’s so much history with the tournament that just being able to be there and watch all the guys practice is amazing. Just being there and taking in what the actual course looks like is pretty cool. What you’ve seen on TV and in pictures does not do it justice. It’s just crazy to see in real life,” Kovach said.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of Tiger Woods’ 12-stroke victory in 1997. Unfortunately, injuries forced Woods to miss another Masters.

Despite the unchanging location of the tournament, this year certain unforeseen factors threatened the congruence  of the championship. This year, severe thunderstorms passed through Augusta creating an uncomfortable arrangement for both the golfers and the audience members. Practices were cancelled Monday afternoon and Wednesday evening.

“I would go every year if it was possible to get tickets. It was a really cool experience. We got to go for the practice rounds, but I would love to go for one of the actual tournament days. It was nice to go to the practice rounds for the first time because unlike the tournament, you can take a camera in and take pictures. The golfers are more laid back and they’ll talk with you, but to go when they’re really competing and serious would be nice as well,” Kovach said.