Where to hang out at Augusta

On the outside looking in. Fans celebrity-watch under the Augusta oak

The 160-year-old oak tree outside the clubhouse at Augusta is THE place to be and be seen at the US Masters.

The place to be and be seen

The Chosen People sip $2 sodas or $6 azaleas (that's vodka, lemonade and grenadine) on the elite side of the roped off lawn, posing under the green and white parasols in front of the colonial-style clubhouse.

The big chiefs of the International Management Group (IMG) are out in force. Standing in an elite circle yesterday were the managers of Tiger Woods, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, Vijay Singh, Paul Casey and Sergio Garcia - discussing percentages and marketing opportunities for their respective charges.

Justin Rose was weaving his way through the crowd when the European Tour's chief executive George O'Grady called out.

“Come back for the BMW (PGA Championship at Wentworth in May) as Masters champion.”

Rose smiled and waved: “That would be my pleasure,” he said as he disappeared into the clubhouse.

PowaKaddy P5 framework

At High Noon yesterday, you could sense that someone extraordinary had arrived. People stopped chattering to stare. Arnold Palmer was holding court, resplendent in his members' green jacket.

He shook every hand that reached out to him, smiled for every photograph, and gave that famous thumbs up that he has been doing here since he won his first Masters jacket 50 years ago.

Admirers kept saying 'thank you' to Arnie. For what? Probably for just being Arnie and helping them get richer (sorry I mean helping the game get richer).

“I love coming back here every Spring,” Palmer said to anyone within earshot. “I love the special atmosphere and meeting up with old friends. I'd say that more golf business has been discussed under that old oak tree than at any other place in the world.”

The place to pose

I spot Bruce Forsyth through the crowd (I heard that his wife arranged to get him Masters tickets for his 80th birthday present). At least I think it was the old entertainer. When I look again to check, he isn't there. I should have stayed on the soda. Those azaleas are strong.

Tell us your favourite poseur golf story. Have you had VIP treatment among the stars, rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous and made sure everyone knew about it. Tell us on the forum.