Preparing for Tiger

Augusta, Georgia is known for one great thing- The Masters Golf Tournament. The Augusta National golf course is filled with beautiful flowers and landscaping and explains why Augusta is nicknamed the Garden City. It is just a week away and the people of Augusta have only one thing in mind- the tournament. Augusta pulls it together very well but the preparation that goes into the Masters is unbelievable. People are scrambling for tickets, hotels are booked to capacity, businesses are pulling golf-carts in front of their buildings, and homeowners are cleaning their houses from top to bottom. The city of Augusta will increase by 30 percent the week of the Masters. Where does Augusta put all of the people?

Most people don’t know that homeowners all over the Augusta area rent their houses to individuals, companies, and golfers even the infamous Tiger Woods always stays in a house during the week. Homeowners rent their houses for the week and in return receive money depending on the amenities their house offers. For most it is the quintessential time for spring cleaning. Drawers and closets must be cleaned out for the guests, and towels and sheets must be plentiful. Maids are hired for the week to change the sheets and wash the towels daily. Leah Smith has been renting her house for over 10 years. But why go through the agonizing task of cleaning your house from top to bottom? “It helps me more than anything. I may wait until the last minute to clean my house but I always get the job done…it’s the best way to get all your spring cleaning done and not to mention the tax free money.” Smith has had many different kinds of people stay in her home. “We have had people from IBM, Dunlop, Keebler, the Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie, and an amateur golfer this year who I have to keep confidential.” Not only are homeowners getting ready but, the ones who get hit the hardest are the hotels.

The Augusta Marriott Hotel and Suites is located on the Savannah River and rated one of the best hotels in Augusta. Robert Bodenhamer is the chief engineer at the hotel and knows what it’s like getting ready for the arrival of the Masters. During Masters week he says, “we get a premium price for our rooms masters week, so guests expect more”. And to give them more the staff puts in 110 percent. According to Bodenhamer, “some departments, like reservations and sales, getting ready for Masters is year round. Most other departments, such as engineering, the focus to get ready begins about six weeks prior”. Bodenhamer also has his likes and dislikes of the Masters. “For the most part, the guests are here to watch golf, drink, and eat. They are in a good mood and have very few complaints but in order to provide first class service, department heads and managers usually work 12 – 14 hour days for 8 days straight. By the end of the tournament, we are ready for some time off to unwind!”.

When Tiger arrives he will only briefly see the Garden City. He will spend most of the time at the golf course and then back to the house he will stay in but the people who come to see him will see the beauty of Augusta, Georgia. Whether they will be staying in the homes of Augustans or in the hotels, they will be taken care of by Augusta’s southern hospitality day and night and will be well rested every morning to attend the biggest golf game of the year.