With the old green and black vinyl bag slung across my shoulder, the Tommy Armour irons and the Dave Hill woods (when they were still real woods) stored inside, the trusty Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear balls weighing on my back, off I went to the holy ground. Never mind that it was a July baked golden brown, with the fairways and greens indistinguishable — it was my slice of heaven.

I was just a small town South Dakota boy with big dreams, sand greens, and enough imagination to turn a beat up course into paradise. I wanted to travel the world. The fuzzy black and white pictures on my old bunny eared television showed me what a dream could turn into, and introduced me to those who followed their hearts and became legends. I’m talking about Arnie, Jack, and Bobby Jones. These are… “The Masters”.

You make the putt, you win ________. Fill in the blank. To me, it is always “The Masters”. And every April is a chance to become a legend.

Golf. What emotion does it illicit in you? Is it a pastime or is it a passion? My brothers instilled a passion in me that is still growing today. I owe much to my brother Denny for introducing me to the game of a lifetime!

I have been fortunate to visit many of golf’s great venues…but last April this big guy had tears in his eyes, when he and his family reached the hallowed ground of “The National”. The beautiful and majestic ocean holes of Pebble Beach are breath-taking, yet pale in comparison to the vibrant greens of Augusta National Golf Club.

I am a hack…. I love the game… it touches the soul. It is my essence and the playing of it has taught me much about life. I am 50… still dreaming… still practicing that putt to win… “The Masters”.
Enjoy the pictures… here is to fairways and greens every day of the year.

By Mutt Helms
With editorial assistance from Callie Helms