MASTERS 2015: 12 things I did at Augusta today

STEVE KEIPERT GETS THE FAN EXPERIENCE AT AUGUSTA

1. Looked on in awe as 75-year-old Jack Nicklaus made a hole-in-one at the 4th hole during the traditional Par-3 Contest, almost certainly the last time the Masters' most decorated champion will ace a hole at Augusta.

Jack Nicklaus salutes the gallery during the Par-3 Contest. PHOTO: Getty Images

2. Spent the equivalent of the GDP of a small nation in the Masters merchandise pavilion, thanks to the shopping list friends and family sent me here with.

3. Spied little Dash Day, Jason's two-year-old son, whacking his dad in the leg after taking a swing with his cut-down driver.

Jason Day waits on a green with his son Dash as Erik Compton looks on during the Par 3 Contest. PHOTO: Getty Images.

4. Felt the coarseness of the material of the caddies' uniform, thanks to Col Swatton, Jason Day's coach and caddie. It's not exactly the most breathable fabric so despite it being white, we should feel for the bagmen if the humidity continues to climb.

5. Ate a pimento cheese sandwich, the traditional culinary item of the Masters. After eight years between trips to Augusta I'd forgotten just how vile these taste.

Pimento cheese sandwiches are an acquired taste. PHOTO: Getty Images.

6. Ate some peach cobbler, the traditional dessert of the Masters. After eight years between trips to Augusta I'd forgotten just how good these taste.

7. Failed to recognise Niall Horan from English/Irish boy band One Direction when he walked past. Horan came to Augusta to caddie for Rory McIlroy at the Par-3 Contest.

Niall who? PHOTO: Getty Images.

8. Helped a gentleman back to his feet after he'd slipped on the wet turf beside the 9th green. Several downpours since Sunday have softened the course and made the gallery areas a little dicey under foot in places.

9. Witnessed left-handed Brian Harman strike three perfect right-handed iron shots on the practice range using Russell Henley's clubs. Harman then hit three consecutive 'hosel rockets' before giving Henley his club back.

10. Saw poor Brandt Snedeker spill some of his lunch onto the thigh of his perfectly white pants. Let's hope it wasn't pimento cheese...

11. Watched a phalanx of Augusta greens staff mow the 1st fairway in precise unison, ready for round one tomorrow.

Final preparations for the opening round. PHOTO: Getty Images.

12. Along with countless departing patrons, was harangued by a religious evangelist opposite the side entrance to Augusta National. He's been there all day, every day, loudly preaching and reciting Bible passages with unrelenting vigour.

DID YOU KNOW?

* Rory McIlroy's stroke average in his Masters career is 72.36 for 22 rounds played since 2009. He has missed just one cut (2010) and has a low score of 65 (2011, first round) and a high score of 80 (2011, final round). Ominously for Rory, in every Masters bar his debut in 2009 he has shot a round of 77 or higher.

* Augusta's front nine plays fractionally easier than the back, according to historical scoring averages. The outward half averages 36.89 versus 37.14 for the inward nine.

* Of the players in the 2015 Masters field, Lee Westwood holds the dubious honour of contesting the most number of majors without winning one. The Englishman is 0-for-68, just ahead of Miguel Angel Jimenez (67) and another Spaniard, Sergio Garcia (66). Steve Stricker (64) is next on the list no one wants to be part of.

Can Kevin Streelman break the Par-3 Contest curse? PHOTO: Getty Images.

* The past seven Masters champions have all broken 70 in their opening rounds, the four most recent champions all shooting 69 on Thursday. The average starting score for all champions is 69.96.

* No player has ever won the Par-3 Contest and the Masters in the same year. Ray Floyd came closest, in 1990, claiming the Par-3 and losing the tournament on the second play-off hole to Nick Faldo. Kevin Streelman won this year's Par-3 Contest in a play-off with Camilo Villegas.