Wednesday at Augusta National Golf Club was all about the kids, from players' children helping during the Par 3 contest as caddies, to kids waiting to snag an autograph from their favorite golfers.
Augusta National has designated areas outside the driving range and the Par 3 course for children ages 16 and under to ask for autographs. They lined up in both places to interact with players on the last day of practice before Thursday's opening round.
Avery Goodhand had six signatures scattered on her yellow flag, including autographs from Bryson DeChambeau and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia. She traveled from Ontario, Canada to Augusta with her parents, which is a 16-hour trip by car.
Goodhand also got something beyond just a signature; a conversation with five-time Masters Champion Tiger Woods as he arrived at the driving range. While Woods was not giving out autographs, she was happy he stopped to talk with her.
“It was actually crazy,” she said.
Caroline and Seth Jones brought their young son to the driving range to meet some golfers and get his flag signed. Weldon Jones only had two names on his flag but had high aspirations for which signatures he wanted, including his dad's favorite golfer, Brooks Koepka.
Weldon was also looking forward to trying to get Jordan Spieth’s name added to his flag as the family headed off to the Par 3 course.
For Bright Barrett, Hudson Grace Beck, Rebecca Barrett and Brody Beck, getting the best signatures was a familiar challenge. The group of kids lined up with their flags draped over the ropes on the putting green of the Par 3, waiting for golfers to come over.
It wasn't the group's first time getting autographs at the course. Last year they each snagged an autograph from 2022 champion Scottie Scheffler.
All four kids started at the driving range with their parents, picking up a couple of signatures, including one from 2007 champion Zach Johnson. At the Par 3 course, the kids had one thing on their minds; another signature from Scheffler.
Signed flags weren’t the only items floating around the course as kids pulled out signed golf balls and hats to show to other patrons.
Wednesday offered a unique experience for grabbing autographs since it was the only time during the week when kids could ask for one on the Par 3 course. They are limited to waiting outside the practice range for the rest of the tournament.
