The Masters’ new press building at Augusta National Golf Club "opened to rave reviews Sunday," as it offers "state-of-the-art technology and space for the media covering this year’s tournament," according to John Boyette of the AUGUSTA CHRONICLE. ESPN golf writer Bob Harig said, "It exceeds expectations by 10 times." Boyette noted the heart of the building is the arena that "seats about 350, with large windows offering views" of the driving range and practice area. The interview room "seats 150 and has a hands-free microphone at each desk" (AUGUSTA CHRONICLE, 4/3). In Milwaukee, Gary D'Amato wrote the new press building is a "Southern plantation-style mansion that evokes 'Gone with the Wind' right down to the grand staircase at the entrance, but it is equipped with more state-of-the-art technology than the starship Enterprise." The club "promised a first-class work environment and delivered." The cost is a "closely guarded secret, as are most things at Augusta National, but it’s safe to say the price tag was north" of $60M. Every seat in the "spacious working arena" is "equipped with two television monitors." One has "live video from every hole on the back nine as well as the feeds from CBS, ESPN, Golf Channel and BBC." The other monitor is a "customizable leader board." The chairs are leather and there are "shower facilities" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 4/4). In Albany, Pete Dougherty wrote under the header, "Pampered Press? Nowhere More Than Augusta." In a time of "budget-tightening among newspapers, writers continue to find their way to golf's paradise." The Masters does "everything but write the stories for you." Dougherty: "By nature, sports writers can be an ornery bunch. ... That's not a concern this week" (Albany TIMES-UNION, 4/4).
NEVER FORGOTTEN: In Boston, Ron Borges notes in honor of the late Arnold Palmer, there is a "display of the four-time Masters winner’s memorabilia in a large case in the champions locker room." It includes his "green jacket and the 1-iron many feel is a symbol of how aggressively he played" (BOSTON HERALD, 4/5).
