AUGUSTA, Ga. — Augusta National is looking a little peaked these days.
Not the course. That’s still in spectacular shape. But anyone walking the grounds or even watching the Masters on TV will notice the azaleas are lacking their usual vibrant colors.
Normally the bushes are an explosion of magenta, white and fuchsia, providing a breathtaking backdrop to what is already one of the most scenic places in golf. But a warm spring caused them to bloom early, and they peaked about a week to 10 days ago.
“Had we not had that beating rain last night, they probably would have been OK,” said Joe Davignon, the nursery stock manager at Bedford Greenhouses, about a 15-minute drive from Augusta National. “But an older bloom, it tends to beat it down some.”
The difference is most noticeable on 10, as well as the hill that’s beneath the No. 6 tee and next to the 16th green. Normally they are awash in color, a gorgeous panorama unique to Augusta National. But the bushes on both appear muted, and many have already lost their leaves.
Even Amen Corner is lacking its usual luster. Though the bushes behind the 13th green are still in bloom, the colors are subdued.
Disappointing as it may be to see the Masters in monochrome, it does put one rumor to rest: The Green Jackets do not ice down the azaleas to delay their blooming for the tournament.
Masters officials can control a lot of things, but Mother Nature is not one of them.
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