FAMILY AFFAIR: USC Aiken women's basketball coach Mike Brandt and his 12-year-old daughter, Amaura, were among the thousands taking in the first round of the Masters Tournament on Thursday afternoon at Augusta National Golf Club.

Brandt said it's something he's been fortunate to experience the past three years.

"My first Masters was Arnold Palmer's last round. To me, it was pretty special to be here and watch him finish," he said.

Amaura, making her second Masters visit, said she enjoys the scenery of the course.

"I like seeing the flowers - the azaleas and the beautiful grounds," she said.

Brandt, a 10 handicapper, picked defending champion Phil Mickelson as his favorite to win this year.

"It looks like it's going to be kind of cool, but the course is in beautiful shape. It's just fun to be able to bring your daughter out here - my wife's bringing my son out later - and share some of the history of the course with them," Brandt said.

JUST AMAZED: Todd Woodell, 16, of Canada, looked star-struck as he watched groups play No. 1.

It marked his first time at the Masters.

"It's just amazing to be here. I don't know what else to say," Woodell said. "Really. It's awesome."

He said he wouldn't mind seeing countryman Mike Weir win a second green jacket, although he thinks Adam Scott is more likely to prevail.

"I just think he's ready. He seems pretty cool, and I think he will beat Tiger (Woods)."

SHADE TREE: Margaret Williams and Jeannie Barber, friends from the Dallas area, took a break under the trees between No. 1 and No. 9.

"We came with our husbands, but we don't know where they are. We got here really early because we wanted to see Arnold Palmer," said Williams, estimating this to be her 45th Masters.

Barber, who has been to about 40 fewer Masters than Williams, said the hilly course takes its toll.

"At some point, we almost always end up under these trees here," she said. "It's simply a peaceful, quiet place in the shade where we can rest a while."