How to Watch The Masters (with Twitter)
FORE PLEASE!
The Masters is indeed a tradition unlike any other. Augusta National is a place many of us know better than our home course even though only 0.003% of us have played there. Every April we all take a virtual vacation to Georgia and I am here to help you "pack."
First of all, script your outfits. The last thing you need to worry about is what you're going to wear when you sit on the couch for four straight days. For Thursday and Friday plan on a business casual look to remind the people you work with that you are first and foremost a golf fan and that your production over the next two days will be spotty at best.
On Thursday I'll be wearing the Masters polo my dad bought me because he knows I like the golf. It's a good way to remind my coworkers what this week is all about.
Friday is about being bit more subtle. I'll wear something that says I did indeed watch the first round and I'm ready to talk about it. Therefore I'll be paying my respects to the Golden Bear with my Criquet '86 shirt. YESSSIR!
The weekend is all about comfort. For Saturday and Sunday I go t-shirt, preferably golf related so I feel connected to the action. Saturday will be The Worker Tee for Jones Sports Co. (It's moving day after all) and Sunday is all about my Architect Tee from LinkSoul. I mean am I Carr for the Course or aren't I?
Now that we have clothes covered, lets talk about how to watch the tournament. ESPN and CBS are odd bedfellows but the visuals are superb, the lack of commercials is appreciated, and the sultry sounds of Dave Loggins' theme song Augusta always sets the mood. (note: It also makes for a great alarm this week) I also highly recommend downloading the Masters app, it's the best tournament specific app by far.
Lastly, I have found that my golf viewing experience, especially for majors, has been greatly improved by incorporating Twitter. Golf Twitter is a highly entertaining space filled with fans and golf media, along with current and former players spouting hot takes, scathing critiques, and expressing their heartfelt fandom. Twitter can be a hot mess at times, but here are nine handles you should follow to improve your Masters viewing experience:
No Laying Up
NLU is blurring the lines between fan and media. They are connected to the game in a way that no other outlet has been able to and they do it with unapologetic enjoyment. They are quick witted and emotionally invested in the outcome. What's not to like?
Tron Carter - NLU
Tron Carter is the takesmith that represents the Id of No Laying Up. Unabashed, unapologetic, and perhaps under-appreciated, Tron will have you rolling with laughter and shaking your head at the same time. White belt wearing pop lacking individuals beware.
Kyle Porter
Kyle, a writer for CBS Sports, is skilled in the emoji arts and embraces the emotional reactions that a well struck (or a creek bound) shot can produce. Follow Kyle for great tournament preview pieces, mid-tournament updates and post round recaps.
Shane Bacon
Shane Bacon is an artist who dabbles in golf announcing for Fox and PGATour Live. Truth be told I think if all goes to plan he'll be the next Jim Nantz. Until then Shane will keep drawing up indelible images and connecting with golf fans along the way.
Justin Ray
Justin is the stats man. His numbers provide historical perspective. He also reminds you how hard this game is even when the pros make it look laughably easy.
A great GIF creator and president of the Sergio fan club. Adam loves a well struck golf ball and has Canadian sensibilities. Prepare to laugh.
Kevin Van Valkenburg
A writer for ESPN, Kevin is both insightful and funny (an obvious common theme). He will deliver a great long form piece while still managing to stay involved on Twitter throughout the tournament.
Skratch
One of the best things the tour has done recently is launch Skratch. With a vault of golf related footage at their disposal and a contractual obligation to love the game they are a worthwhile follow any time golf is being played.
D.J. Piehowski
DJ, not that DJ, but I'm sure they get confused for each other quite a bit, is one of the many talented people behind Skratch. DJPie delivers come tournament time so make sure you're following.
Enjoy Golf and Enjoy The Masters everyone! #GolfTwitter