Whether it’s the flowers in full bloom, the electric energy reverberating throughout the grounds, the larger-than-life golfers making awe-inspiring shots and putts: the Masters Tournament is an experience that exceeds words.
Just ask Sean Burkardt, the winner of the 2018 Masters Raffle.
“It’s really hard to put into words what it’s like to be there,” Sean said. “It’s sort of like heaven on earth at Augusta National. There’s not a single blade of grass out of place. It’s just beautiful.”
For Sean, purchasing a Masters raffle ticket was just a way for him to support Lazarus House, an organization he cares deeply about. Little did he know he’d be winning what he called “the five star treatment.”
“There was the VIP area with coffee and breakfast, and then they shuttle you over right to the gates at Augusta,” Sean said. “We went back at the end of the day for a really nice dinner with a full bar and top-quality all-you-can-eat buffet. It was perfect, and the hospitality was amazing.”
Both huge sports fans, Sean and his dad Tom both agreed that without purchasing the Masters raffle ticket, they would have never experienced a front row seat on the 12th hole – “probably the most famous hole at Augusta,” Tom said – just feet away as Ricky Fowler hit his tee shot.
The father-son duo have attended countless sporting events together covering just about every major sport there is. While the Masters in itself is the epitome of sports magic, Sean said it was extra special for his dad.
“Not only from being a sports fan, but also having that experience with my dad, it was incredible,” Sean said. “My dad’s an avid golfer and I love it too, so that made it even more amazing to see firsthand instead of watching it on TV.”
On the way home, Sean and his dad looked back on their weekend.
“We were talking about it on the way back, if you gave me the option of going to any major sporting event, like the Super Bowl or the World Series, and you gave me the opportunity to go back to the Masters again, I would choose the Masters over any of those,” Sean said. “It was just unbelievable. It’s just such a fun event to go to.”
Both Sean and Tom said participating in the Lazarus House Masters raffle was a decision they are so glad they made.
“If I hadn’t bought that ticket, I would have missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Sean said. “It was totally worth it and I’m gonna do it again!”