Fans flock to Founders Circle

A heart attack 3½ weeks ago nearly kept Alan Dickson from attending his first Masters.

When he smiled for a picture Sunday with his wife, Madeline, at Augusta National’s Founders Circle, the view down Magnolia Lane reminded him of the power the final round of the Masters can have on a man.

“I almost missed a golden moment, but I have a strong heart and strong genes,” said Dickson, of Montreal. “This is a life moment, and I wasn’t going to be held back.”

The Dicksons, who are in their 70s, waited an hour to visit the iconic spot in front of the clubhouse, where bright yellow flowers are planted in the shape of the Masters logo.

They said they plan to make copies of the photo and brag about the view to the six relatives and friends who decided not to wait in line, which began to dwindle about 3 p.m.

“We came all this way,” Madeline said. “Why not have a beautiful picture to commemorate the memory?”

With a career in architecture in mind, D.J. Williams, 9, of North Augusta has spent much of the past year researching Augusta National. His grandmother, Eva Beach, said Founders Circle was the perfect spot to stoke his interest in the landscaping and design of the course and its clubhouse.

“He needed a visual,” she said.

With a junior pass, D.J. got to slide to the front of the line for photos. He said the view was so moving that he wished Augusta National sold a Lego version of its clubhouse in the golf shop.

“I have read up on the course for a long time,” he said. “Now, I want to build it.”

Kevin Lynch, of Kansas City, didn’t realize Founders Circle photos were available to patrons until a fellow fan mentioned it. As soon as he heard it was an option, he made it to the front of the clubhouse.

“Looking down Magnolia Lane with my father is a memory I’ll cherish forever,” he said.

Patrick Slattery, of Columbus, Ohio, also took in the scene.

“It’s such an iconic place, I was not going to miss it,” he said. “It was a short window in time of all the moments I’ve watched on TV for 30 years.”