I started playing golf as a teenager in my hometown of Emporia, VA and began watching the Masters several years later. I have been fortunate enough to go to the Masters many times, and it is a very special occasion. While it has a very different feel, I’ve also attended The British Open (or as the British call it, “The Open”) – an equally historic and majestic tournament.

The Masters is not only unique and beneficial to Augusta, it creates many benefits for the city of Columbia. If you visit our very rapid restaurant scene here in town, you will see people from all over who have made the Midlands their home for the week. Local hotels are jam-packed, as well as our area golf courses. All of this is a very good thing for our local economy and tourism industry!

I may be going down to the Masters and, whether I decide to make the trip or not, I will be glued to the television both Saturday and Sunday. Who is my favorite? Well Dustin Johnson, of course! DJ is a product of South Carolina Junior Golf and one of my hometown heroes! Go DJ!