As I sit on the crow's nest veranda at sunset, sipping a glass of sweet tea, I am reminded of why the Masters is the pinnacle of golf elegance. The atmosphere is electric, with patrons mingling and players relaxed, enjoying the festivities of the Par-3 Contest. Richard, my second husband, before the unpleasantness, always said that this was his favorite part of the tournament - the lighthearted, carefree nature of it all. I must say, I agree. And speaking of lighthearted, I had to chuckle when Teddy, my current husband, couldn't remember where he parked the car earlier today. Bless him, he's supportive, but golf isn't exactly his forte. Sami Välimäki, the young Finn, caught my eye during the practice rounds. His outfit was impeccable, a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. He moved with a confident air, his caddie chatting animatedly as they navigated the course. I noticed he spent a considerable amount of time practicing his putting at the 12th, a hole that has proven tricky for even the most seasoned players. As someone who's seen enough men miss four-footers to know when someone's hands are shaking, I think Sami's focus on his short game could serve him well this week. Matt McCarty, the American, was another player who impressed me with his poise and composure. His outfit was a masterclass in understated elegance, a simple yet effective combination of navy and white that allowed his golf to take center stage. As he played, his caddie offered words of encouragement, and Matt responded with a series of precise, controlled shots that left the crowd in awe. As

The Par-3 Contest is all about having fun, and I think that's what makes it so special

- and Matt certainly seemed to be enjoying himself, laughing and joking with his caddie as they made their way around the course. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the course, I am reminded of the rich history and tradition that surrounds this tournament. From the Champions Dinner menu to the revered Magnolia Lane, every aspect of the Masters is steeped in elegance and sophistication. And, of course, the golf itself is always a thrill. But for now, let's just enjoy the atmosphere and the company of our fellow patrons, shall we? After all, as Caroline, my best friend, always says, the Masters is as much about the people as it is about the golf. And I, for one, can't wait to see what the rest of the week has in store.