Posts Tagged ‘aiken’

Phil Mickelson has won the 2010 Masters Tournament.  The now three time winner known for taking risky shots never stopped pushing the envelope.  He entered the back nine with just a one stroke lead over 2nd place finisher Lee Westwood and finished five under par.  This win will be especially sweet for Mickelson as his return to the green came just months prior after taking some time off to be with his wife who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. 

From Youtube User 56animator who states CBS All rights reserved

Today saw sons dressed in mini white caddy attire carrying golf bags larger than their stature, and fathers laughing with crowds as the traditional Par 3 contest was held at Augusta National today.  The traditional pre-Masters event is a favorite among players, fans, and their kids.  A laid back (if the field of elite that wins the right to participate in the best of the best contest can be described as that) par three holds some superstitious lore that invites golfers to  sigh a breath of relief when then don’t win.  You see, no winner of the short par 3 contest has ever one the Masters Tournament in the same contest.  This years winner Louis Oosthuizen a 27 year old from South Africa is surely going to bed tonight hoping the weekend will bring not only bring with it the dawning of a hallowed “Green” Jacket, but the end of the ”intrigue” some even call a curse that comes with winning the 57 year old Par 3 pre-Masters Tournament. (source Masters.com)

Following are the pairings for tommorows regular competition scheduled to kick off tommorow morning as Augusta continues to woo its visitors with beautiful weather and souther hospitality. 

Weather:  Highs predicted in the mid seventies and rain to begin late evening. (source weather.com)

7:50 a.m. — Nathan Green, Heath Slocum, Louis Oosthuizen

8:01 a.m.— Craig Stadler, John Merrick, Jerry Kelly

8:12 a.m.— Ian Woosnam, Brian Gay, Marc Leishman

8:23 a.m.— Bernhard Langer, Scott Verplank, a-Brad Benjamin

8:34 a.m.— John Senden, David Toms, Graeme McDowell

8:45 a.m.— Mark O’Meara, Rory Sabbatini, a-Nathan Smith

8:56 a.m.— Martin Kaymer, Geoff Ogilvy, Luke Donald

9:07 a.m. — Tom Watson, Tim Clark, Steve Marino

9:18 a.m. — Bill Haas, Todd Hamilton, Anders Hansen

9:29 a.m.— Dustin Johnson, Oliver Wilson, Alvaro Quiros

9:40 a.m.— Mike Weir, Lee Westwood, a-Matteo Manassero

10:02 a.m.— Chad Campbell, Francesco Molinari, Paul Casey

10:13 a.m. — Ernie Els, Anthony Kim, Ryo Ishikawa

10:24 a.m.— Angel Cabrera, Jim Furyk, a-Byeong-Hun An

10:35 a.m.— Phil Mickelson, Robert Allenby, Y.E. Yang

10:46 a.m.— Retief Goosen, Hunter Mahan, Robert Karlsson

10:57 a.m.— Ben Crane, Simon Dyson, Michael Campbell

11:08 a.m.— Larry Mize, Ryan Palmer, Chris Wood

11:19 a.m.— Sandy Lyle, Justin Leonard, Kevin Na

11:30 a.m.— Ben Crenshaw, Steve Flesch, a-Ben Martin

11:41 a.m.— Ryan Moore, Ross Fisher, Nick Watney

11:52 a.m.— Trevor Immelman, Soren Hansen, John Rollins

12:14 a.m.— Vijay Singh, Jason Dufner, Sean O’Hair

12:25 p.m.— Thongchai Jaidee, Ben Curtis, Soren Kjeldsen

12:36 p.m.— Camilo Villegas, Kenny Perry, Rory McIlroy

12:47 p.m.— Zach Johsnon, Henrik Stenson, a-Chang-won Han

12:58 p.m.— Fred Couples, Sergio Garcia, Shingo Katayama

1:09 p.m.— Miguel Angel Jimenez, Edoardo Molinari, Lucas Glover

1:20 p.m. — Charl Schwartzel, Stewart Cink, Padraig Harrington

1:31 p.m.— Yuta Ikeda, Ian Poulter, Steve Stricker

1:42 p.m. — Tiger Woods, Matt Kuchar, K.J. Choi

1:53 p.m.— Adam Scott, David Duval, Ricky Barnes.

*** for entertainment purposes only may contain errors.

Well the last two days have seen excitement in Florida as the Space Shuttle launched historically with three women aboard and Commander Alan Poindexter behind the controls.  The day was perfect and onlookers were treated to an early morning dusk launch that was exhilarating and inspiring. In record setting fashion this, the first of four remaining Discovery voyages before the program retires, saw three women astronauts join an additional female who is already on the Space Shuttle that Discovery will service during their nine day voyage. 

Later in the evening in the heart of the midwest, host of the final four Indianapolis welcomed one of its own schools as a fairytale unfolded and the moments that make blockbuster movies began to unfold.  Under”dog” and non top ten powerhouse Butler University met big Ten Duke in the NCAA Championship game. 

Perfectly coached from both sides of the bench Cinderella almost found her glass slippers but alas a last minute shot that would have handed the game to Butler fell just short of landing in the basket.  Duke won being held to only 61 points while Butlers 59 points will serve as a reminder that with courage, persistence, and excellent leadership even a big Ten school has the potential of being beaten a sports fact that great coach  Bobby Knight taught us long ago.

Settled pristinely in the middle of both All American events on a sunny afternoon in Augusta, Georgia the heralded beginning of the 2010 Masters Tournament came as precisely as the event itself is run.  Practice rounds were all that was scheduled for Monday and many players took the course and settled in to what is sure to be a fabulous and interesting week(end). 

Pairings were announced today and will be posted on this Blog tommorrow.    The weather, one of Augusta’s  calling cards, spoke in altruistic fashion with temperatures reaching a record high of 91 during the mid afternoon sun.  This broke a record set of 89 degrees set back in 1988.  It did not deter the fans, however, and many were out with visors and hand fans to catch a glimpse of a fabulous line-up of pros.

Life seemed to be well, and normal, as multi-year winner Tiger Woods joined Fred Couples as he stepped back onto the proverbial “green” for a practice round in an earlier than expected arrival to the dance. And in true Masters practice round tradition cries of “skippy” could be heard on the 16th hole as the  players entertained fans with their attempts to skip balls across the water on the hole. 

This year in Augusta and Aiken, South Carolina Southern charm and hospitality continues to flow deep, and rich in the heart of Iron and Wood country.  It will be a good week in golf, a very good week in deed.

*** for entertainment purposes only may contain errors

Tiger Woods is not the only thing to watch at this years 2010 Master’s Tournament.   Be sure to check out the following great things to do in Aiken, South Carolina during Master’s Week! 

Masters Week 2010 will be held April 5th, 2010 to April 11th, 2010 at the acclaimed Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia a suburb of Aiken, South Carolina.

Pairings    *    Players   *    Schedule   *    The Course   *    History

1)  Pick up your 3D capable television set or computer.  For the first time in history the Masters Tournament will be filmed in 3D and made available for computers and televisions with 3D capability. 

2)  Watch Tiger Wood’s much anticipated return to golf as he goes for his fifth win at Augusta National.  Previous wins occurred in 1997, 2001, 2002, and 2005

3)  Attend any of Aiken, South Carolina’s real estate listings participating in the first annual National Realtor Association’s National Open House on April 10th, and 11th.  Listings for the Open House event may be found at www.aikenmls.com.  Look for the Blue and White balloons!

4)  Attend a Polo match on Sunday (every Sunday) at 3:00 at Whitney Field.  Aiken is known for Polo so experiencing it here is truly something any equestrian enthusiast should do.

5)  Enjoy the Arts with this years celebration of Aiken, South Carolina’s 175th birthday.  Artist Jim Harrison will exhibit “Scenes of Aiken” at the Aiken Center for the Arts during Masters week.  Admission is free. Contact Kristin Brown at (803) 641-9094 Celebrate Aiken!

6)  Attend a play performed by the Aiken Community Playhouse on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday at 8:00 p.m.  The group will be displaying their acting acumen as they enact a play based on what else… Golf!  “The Foursome” will be shown in Aiken, South Carolina at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

7)  Enjoy a tour of Aiken County’s finest Green Home in the community of Kings Ridge.  Built by Donald Cerra this fabulous home is Green to a “T”.  Overlooking a beautiful lake and enjoying a stunning aesthetic tone this home may be viewed on April 10th, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please call 803-335-8468 for an appointment.

8)  Purchase your tickets for the much anticpated Aiken Battle of the Bands to be held on April 16th at the USCA Convocation Center.  Tickets are 12.00 to this event which is anticipated to be sold out.  Part of the proceeds benefit the Aiken County United Way organization.

9)  Sign your kids up for Aiken’s Spring Break Art Camp at the Aiken Center for the Arts.  Kids from ages 5 and up will enjoy this years theme; Beach Bound!  Visit www.aikencenterforthearts.org for more information.

10)  Attend a Free Movie at the Aiken County Library all week this week from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Show Titles are as follows:  Aliens in the Attic, Planet 51, Aliens and Monsters, Space Buddies, and Astro Boy!

Hitchcock Woods Drag Hunt and Aiken Horse Show

The Week of February 22nd through March 1st, 2010

1)  Attend an evening of dance and art at the USCA Convocation Center on Thursday night the 25th at 7:00.  The Columbia Classical Ballet presents “Cabaret”and evening filled with a variety of dance acumen! 

More Information:  706-262-4573

2)     Enjoy a historical walking tour of downtown Aiken as part of the year long Celebrate Aiken festivities.  The tour begins at Aiken Preparatory School at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27th, rain or shine!

More Information: 803-648-7612

3)  Have fun at a Jumping Derby… equestrian style!  Hosted by Paradise Farm on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010. 

More Information:  leslie@paradisefarmaiken.com

4)  Enjoy a historical presentation at the Living History Park in North Augusta, SC as they celebrate the “Last Saturday of the Month”.  18th  Century actors and exhibitions will be held throughout the day on Saturday, February 27th.  Opens at 10:30 and runs until 4:00  

More Information:  lynn@colonialtimes.us

5)  Attend a “Great Decisions Discussion”  on U.S.-China Security Relations at the Aiken County Library-Sunday February 28th, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. the discussion will be based on a 30 minute video shown at 2:30. 

More Information:  803-641-6875 

6)  Learn how to cook Gnocchi, Shrimp, Nicoise Salad, Beef Burgundy and Chocolate Mousse with chef Manuel Verney at Manuel’s Bread Cafe on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 7:00 p.m..  Open to the first 12 reservations.  Price is $75 per person, which includes dinner and wine.  (Restaurant will be closed that night.) 

More Information:  Call 803-380-1323 or email manuelvc@comcast.net to reserve your spot

7)  “Meet me in St. Louis”will be performed by the Aiken Community Playhouse at the Washington Center for the Arts on Saturday, February 26th, 27th, and 28th 2010. Show times are at 8:00 Friday and Saturday and 3:00 Sunday.

More  Information:  803-648-1438

8)  Join the ARC (Aiken Running Council) as they travel to Lexington for the Lexington Race Against Hunger 10K to be held on Saturday, February 27th, 2010.

More Information:  HERE

9)  Enjoy networking with the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.  The event will be held at “The Haven at Market Street Station” on Thursday, February 25th,  5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m.

More Information:  HERE

10)  Go back in time at the ninth annual Battle of Braxton Bridge reenactment.  The event will be held at the historical Braxton Bridge Plantation on Saturday, February 27th, and Sunday February 28th, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

More Information:  803-625-3585

*** for entertainment purposes only, may contain errors and published by True South Communities.