The Course at Obringer National
Magnolia
For beauty and shade, it is hard to beat Magnolia Court. Nearby seating, a big ol’ rock, and the signature tree for which the court is named combine to produce a perfect setting for Masters play. Many have found the close-in trees and spectators to frame the boxes well, resulting in very high levels of play during matches contested on Magnolia.
(formerly) Lone Pine
The sunniest field of play at Obringer National (ON), Lone Pine sits between Magnolia and the Junior Masters courts. The towering pine for which the court was named well felled by a woodsman’s ax in 2005, after which the “formerly” moniker was given to the court by the Chairman’s wife. Requiring both skill and stamina, (formerly) Lone Pine Court has served to separate the contenders from the pretenders on more than one Masters Saturday.
Rock Garden
A generally shady retreat featuring the distinctive native rock features that give the court its name, Rock Garden also boasts numerous large pampas grass features as well as a nearby hammock for late day mid-match recuperation. A popular spot for doubles matches, Rock Garden also saw what is generally acknowledged as a Masters record nine consecutive boxes by Dave O. in a Masters match against Bruce M. in 2008. Site of the 2005 championship win by Rob D., Rock Garden is destined for more great Masters moments in the years to come.
South Lawn
The ideal court for those who like to kick off their shoes when they play, the mossy lushness of South Lawn is very popular with veteran players and spectators alike. The softness of this course is also appreciated by a player needing a point to end a match, as the cool moss is most receptive to a direct advance by a well-tossed washer. The shadiest spot on the ON grounds, South Lawn is always in high demand when the weather turns hot and when the competition gets cooking.Stadium Court (East)
A new Obringer National naturally meant a new set of courts to comprise the playing fields for The Masters, and while the natural features of the new ON meant a new generation of names for aficionados to learn and love, the long-beloved Stadium Court was destined to become a part of the tradition here as before. Sitting near the Masters tunes, a large cooler with bottle opener and cap collection, and of course the numerous spectators always enjoying the front porch of the Obringer National Clubhouse, Stadium offers each contestant a stage for a signature moment and memory when his game is on, or an exercise in humiliation when the pressure becomes too much. Are you up to the challenge of Stadium Court?Patio Place
Newly opened for play in 2011, Patio Place features seemingly lush playing conditions but beware – until that sod knits together with the passage of time, every step is potentially a pit for the unwary. Still, the venue plays host to the Masters Teen Tournament, ensuring a “What, Me Worry?” attitude amongst the contestants. The solitude of Patio Place is most welcome for these youngsters – it is the only Masters Course located on the North Side of the Obringer National Clubhouse. Despite this seeming isolation, the location is convenient to restroom and ping pong facilities, and the foresight of the Chairman in providing tunes on the screened-in porch means that Patio Place is a favorite among the teen set and an enjoyable diversion for any Masters contestant seeking a break from the pressures of Masters’ Saturday.Junior Masters Court
The Masters bug can bite even the younger set, and the Junior Masters Court is where the next generation begins its journey to possible future glory and Green Jackets. Sitting alongside the ON outdoor player lounge where the pimento cheese of ON, Dirt & Worms, can be found, the Junior Masters Court is THE place to see the next generation of Masters Champions on display.
