Augusta or Bust-a

On By Widow BadassIn Good Times, Roadtripping

Tomorrow I am leaving for Augusta, Georgia, to attend the Masters Tournament being played there on the weekend.

Some of you may be wondering how I ended up in this delightful situation, not being a golfer (or rabid golf fan) and all that.
Well, wonder no more! Get yourself comfortable as the Widow Badass tells all…

My late husband came from a family BIG on golf. I mean seriously addicted to the game. JD started golfing when he was 4 years old, with his dad, who LIVED for golf. Big Daddy D often held down multiple jobs at once to provide for his family but Sunday morning golf with his JD was sacred. Even when everyone else had packed it in for the season, Daddy D and JD would be out there, using coloured balls so they could be seen despite the snow dusting the course.

So golf was a big part of JD’s life and he became very good at it. So good, that at one point Daddy D’s golfing buddies asked him not to bring JD because they were tired of getting their asses severely beat by the young lad – every time. So Daddy D told his golfing buddies to take a hike. As one does…

Anywho, life happened to JD as it does to us all and instead of pursuing life as a golf prodigy, he went into accounting, got married, got divorced, blah blah blah.

Then we (former elementary and high school-mates) got reunited and JD introduced me to the enjoyable yet exasperating game of golf.

Long story short, JD came to an turning point in his career and I suggested he finally realize his golf dream and become a teaching pro. So he did – he was into his apprenticeship when he got lung cancer and passed away. I put away my golf gear – such as it was; I was more of a caddy for JD than an actual player myself. The game held too many memories and associated emotions for me, both good and bad. The onslaught of those while playing the game are still too much to bear. 

Back to today: JD’s sister (B) and her husband (M) are also fans of the game and have been putting their names into a draw for spectator tickets to the Masters for about a decade now. Last summer their names were finally drawn and they purchased a package including 4 tickets for Saturday and Sunday. If JD were alive, he would have been the one going but since he is not, I was invited to take his place. So B, M, me and M Jr. are heading down to Augusta. B, M and me will be going by car; M Jr. is taking a plane, to minimize his days off work.

I have never been to a major tournament like this. It’s pretty damn rules-y, that much I can tell you. There is a dress code (no jeans, no short-shorts, basically dress as if you were playing); there will be no electronics allowed (cell phones, cameras, tablets, laptops, watches that can accept phone calls); there is absolutely no running allowed; no food or drink allowed; no noise at all when the volunteers hold up the Quiet sign; etc. etc. Happy Gilmore, it won’t be!

I’ve decided to pack a bit of JD, to bring along with me. So I opened up his urn (on my dresser still, along with the cremains of my dog Lucy and my mom – quite the collection!), and scooped a tablespoon of his ashes into a little plastic container. I plan to sprinkle him somewhere on the grounds. Not sure where yet. When I see it, I’ll know it. I didn’t read anywhere in the rules about “no sprinkling of human remains on the grounds of Augusta National” so I’m going for it. After all, it’s basically bone meal fertilizer, right? Wish me luck.

Rock on,

The WB

41 thoughts on “Augusta or Bust-a”

  1. An interesting story, Deb. I have enjoyed playing golf, the few times I have played. I always say, I should do this more often. And then 5 or 10 years go by. I was a little squeamish on the ashes part, although, I do hear stories from other people that have scattered parts in different places. I know you will have an amazing time, creating new, positive memories.

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  2. I hope you enjoy your adventure. Interesting story about how it all came about. I’ve been to a PGA event and the rules were many. I found the whole thing dreadfully dull, but I don’t like golf despite my mother’s attempts to get me hooked. The best part was the cocktails in the clubhouse!

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    1. Thanks Ally! I suspect I would be more comfortable and entertained watching the golf channel instead, but let’s see what happens. I also am a fan of the “19th hole”. Bring on the apres- golf, I say!

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  5. Jean R.

    It should be fun. We see big events like that on TV but to be there in person will be quite a learning experience and you can’t beat the energy of a crowd of fans, not matter the event or venue. Hope you have great weather.

    Be very careful no one sees you spread those ashes. It’s illegal in many/most states. I wish I could have done that with some of my dad’s ashes. He was a life-long lover of the game.

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    1. Thanks Jean! I’ll have my posse cover for me, and it’s only about a tablespoon so I shouldn’t attract too much attention. I’ll try to time it for when something dramatic is happening on the course 😜.

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  6. Despite neither playing or even enjoying watching it, I’ve been to a PGA event. I thought it was fun. Being up close to the big players was very exciting. An old boyfriend took me. I’ve never been again. Enjoy!

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  7. Nancy

    Hi Deb,
    Enjoy the party…the Masters is on Dan’s bucket list so I know we will get there some day. And you’ve got to love the history (and the warm weather!!!)

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  8. Oh, it’s so nice you’ll get to scatter his ashes there. And I’m sure you’ll have some great stories when you get back. Sometimes it’s fun to observe without being invested.

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  9. NO CAMERA?!?! If you have to stand through an event without a drink, the least they could let you do is take photos! Sheesh! 😡

    I didn’t see the part about the ashes coming … you are full of surprises. It appears you deserve your ‘Badass’ title 🙂

    Have a great trip!! I expect there will be stories to tell.

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    1. Thanks Joanne! I’m sure there will be drinks to be bought, but you can’t bring your own not even water. Yeah, I’m also sure there will be a story or two coming out of this trip!

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      1. Not having my water bottle with me makes me feel a little panicky 😏
        Have a safe trip and a great time. Talk to you when we are both back for our respective vacations 🙂

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  11. pat

    I think the ashes idea is wonderful. I just read the book Next Year in Havana and one of the core premises is a woman finding the right place to place her grandmother’s ashes. So twice in a week this idea has occurred…. interesting. Anyway the character also said “I’ll know where to put them when I see the place”…. as you will as well. I’m not a golf fan at all, but can appreciate the rituals I’m sure that the Masters creates.

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  15. Don

    I hope you had a great time and enjoyed seeing Tiger win (I’m not a golf fan, despite coming from two generations of golfers). And I hope you got to do that secretive “something” without those hoity toitys finding out.

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  16. Hi, Deb. I always wondered how you became a widow. My condolences. I like the idea of taking a part of him with you. Sprinkle away. He will be with you there, in spirit. Have fun on your golf trip, and have an amazing Easter. <3

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  17. Pingback: Augusta or Bust-a: Mission Accomplished - THE WIDOW BADASS BLOG

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