Rookies and veterans lured by Augusta's mystique

Augusta National Golf Club, the spiritual home of American golf, retains a very special aura for US Masters debutants and veterans alike.

First-timer Anthony Kim was blown away when he drove through the club gates earlier this week and 2003 champion Mike Weir still felt nostalgic about the venue while preparing for his 10th appearance in the year's opening major.

"I've waited a long time to get a tee time here and to finally be able to walk on the grounds was pretty special," American Kim, 23, told reporters in the build-up to Thursday's first round.

"I'm so excited and TV doesn't do it justice. It was really special going through those gates. My parents were in the car, and also my best friend."

Left-hander Weir, who became the first Canadian to win a major with his playoff victory over American Len Mattiace, loves coming back to the permanent home of the Masters.

"There is definitely a different and very special feel about Augusta with its mystique and aura," the 38-year-old told Reuters.

"Being the only major championship that is played at the same venue, there's that sense of nostalgia you get around here with all of its great history and the holes you get used to seeing year after year."

With its spectacular setting amid Georgian pines and blooming azaleas, the rolling par-72 layout at Augusta National is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

COLOUR EXPLOSION

During Masters week, the course is an explosion of colour and sound with the swirling breezes and heavily contoured greens providing the world's best golfers with a stiff challenge.

With its unique traditions ranging from caddies clad in all-white boilersuits to Tuesday night's champions' dinner for past winners, the tournament holds a mystique for all the players.

"It is amazing over the years that I've been here just the feelings that you get when you come," four-times winner Tiger Woods said. "It's just a great feeling to be back, and to know that I'm going to be coming back is an even better feeling."

British Open champion Padraig Harrington vividly remembers being intimidated by Augusta National when he made his debut here in 2000.

"It's just the ambiance of it and to be honest your first year on the golf course is lost because of that," the 37-year-old Irishman said.

"It's hard to get your head around everything and you do tend to be a little bit rushed, a little bit overawed by it all. Augusta is beautiful in its own right in how it's manicured and how it's set up."

Three-times champion Gary Player, who makes a record 52nd and final appearance at Augusta this week, has enjoyed a lifelong love affair with the Masters.

"It's the best-run golf tournament in the world, without a question," the 73-year-old South African said. "And it's like a magnet. It just draws drama every time, and that's what has made this such a great tournament.

"I remember my first drive up Magnolia Lane, it was so much more than I expected. It's the only tournament where you start to choke as you drive in the gates."