Canadian Mike Weir, the 2003 Masters winner, takes some time to practice his putting during the two days of practice rounds, April 5 and 6, before the Par 3 Contest and the tournament. Although 74 years old, the tournament had a ‘young’ feel to it with all the new construction, entry gates and parking. Just shows you can improve perfection!

Even with the azaleas blooming a bit late this year, the course was so pristine and beautiful, it gave professional golf (and Augusta, overall) a great boost to its millions of viewers. The grass gives ‘green’ a whole new meaning.

Held every Masters Wednesday since 1960, this year’s Par Three event kept its record of never having a winner also win the Masters the same year, although quite a few have won in other years, including Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson.

Even though Phil Mickelson won his third Green Jacket by three strokes, there was more suspense than usual during the last round with so many players making so many great shots.

2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman of South Africa consults with his highly skilled and experienced caddy while deciding on how to approach his next hole. Speaking of which, the shot Mickelson hit on the thirteenth hole may have been the best ‘Sunday shot’ ever during a Masters….with the possible exception of Gene Sarazen’s double eagle way back in 1935!

This year’s competition clearly showed that golf is a worldwide sport with Englishmen battling Americans battling Asian players, with a few South Africans, South Americans and a Canadian thrown in.

Fred Couples made all of us ‘seasoned’ fans feel okay about our age. How can a senior player hit the ball so far with such an easy swing?

In a very unusual scene, the gallery saved Ernie Els several strokes by loudly stopping his intent to drop another ball when he mistakenly thought that his shot went into the water. The fans saved Ernie a two-shot penalty…and about forty thousand in prize money!

Every year, the event brings out both professional and amateur golfers trying to make a name for themselves at one of the most prestigious events in the sport. Phil Mickelson was a rightfully cheered winner…and able to prove that a ‘good guy’ can wear all black.

The 2010 Masters was so exciting that golf fans everywhere are already looking forward to 2011 to see what other changes will occur during the next 12 months. Even after 74 years, it just keeps getting better and better.
Fuzzy Zoeller, who won the Masters in 1979, takes a moment away from the course to meet fans and sign autographs. Zoeller is one of only three golfers to win his very first Masters appearance
Rory McIlroy, a 20 year-old PGA player from Northern Ireland is already in his third year as a professional golfer.
Augusta’s famous azaelea bushes were in bloom, adding a vibrant splash of color to the lush, green course.
Spectators anxiously await the opportunity to see their favorite golfers in action and possibly meet and greet the players.
An official measures between the ball and the hole during the Par 3, a competition held April 7, the day before the first round of the Masters Tournament.
The Masters Tournament, previously known as the Augusta National Invitation, began in 1934 as the brainchild of golfers Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts and is one of the community’s oldest institutions. Photos by James Hudgins and Nick Spinelli
Johnny Miller, NBC Sports golf analyst, takes a swing at this year’s Par 3 Contest. Miller, a three-time Masters runner-up as a PGA player, won the Par 3 competition in 1980.’
Tens of thousands of spectators attended each day of the event including the tournament as well as the Par 3 and practice rounds.