Greens are ready at Augusta, officials say

Officials of the Augusta National Golf Club say the course is ready for the Masters tournament, which begins Thursday.

"It is truly in magnificent condition, certainly the best turf conditions of any Masters I have personally experienced," says Billy Payne, chairman of the Augusta National and the Masters.

"We are constantly monitoring the moisture content, the firmness of the greens, and we want them to be as much as possible the same greens on Sunday as the players see when they arrive on Monday," says Fred Ridley, chairman of the tournament's competition committee.

There have been concerns about the course, after the area received three inches of rain. There is a chance of showers again this weekend.

In 2007, the players competed on a course that was dry, making it firmer and faster. Players also had to contend with windy conditions.

Zach Johnson pulled off a surprise victory that year, but ever since has encountered arguments that his win was a "fluke."

Par 3 Contest takes place in Augusta

Children served as caddies for their golfer dads Wednesday in the Par 3 Contest at the Augusta National Golf Club.

The friendly competition between current and former Masters competitors is a tradition. The Masters tournament begins Thursday in Augusta.

The Par 3 Contest was broadcast nationally for the first time this year.

Tournament organizers are also offering free tickets to the Masters for girls and boys ages 8-16 who come with a patron.

They say it's part of an initiative to get children interested in golf.

"I thought what a great combination. Bring kids to see their heroes and at the same time expose them to the great attributes of how our fans act and behave and enjoy the game of golf, that it was a win-win," says Billy Payne, the Masters chairman.

But females are not allowed to compete in the Masters.

Payne declined to comment on that, saying that matter was private.