Charles Howell's Augusta: when golf fans watch the Masters on TV, they don't learn anything about the town. Native son and Masters challenger Charles Howell III says there's a lot to love about Augusta

Golf Digest, April, 2003 by Ron Kaspriske

When I was growing up, I couldn't tell you much about the history of Augusta. Whether the town was a key city for the Confederacy during the Civil War, the home of singer James Brown, or a place that Ty Cobb visited for spring training--I may have known about it, but I really wasn't all that interested. I led a pretty one-dimensional, boring life: golf, school, more golf, homework, a workout, bed, then do it all over again the next day.

But as I've gotten older, I've grown to appreciate my hometown more and more. I live in Orlando now with my wife, Heather. But when I come home to visit my parents, I look at the place a little differently. I'm not ready to be an official Augusta tour guide, but I do know that President Woodrow Wilson lived here as a child and that the Wright Brothers opened a flying school here about 90 years ago.

Today, Augusta means more to me than just golf. Obviously, it's not New York or Los Angeles. And if you're looking for a progressive town around here, you have to drive 212 hours west to Atlanta. But don't think Augusta is solely defined by "the National." That's what people around here call Augusta National Golf Club, by the way. When you're here, it's good to know things like that. You should also know the difference between iced tea and sweet tea (sweet tea is pre-sweetened with sugar), and that people will usually be nice to you for no good reason whatsoever ("Ha-ay" is a greeting, not something you feed horses).

A lot of people come to town for the Masters and spend the majority of their time sitting in traffic outside the gates of the National. But there's a lot more to Augusta than the stores and restaurants along Washington Road, where the club is located. In fact, if you asked people in Augusta to name their least favorite part of town, they'd probably say Washington Road. When I got my first car from my parents, it came with the condition that I wouldn't drive on that road. Of course, I did, and I got into an accident.

If you're planning to visit Augusta, here are some of my favorite spots.

Riverwalk (between fifth and 13th streets along the Savannah River): This is the ultimate place to go if you're looking for a nice, relaxing walk along a scenic river. The Savannah River is the closest we get to an ocean view here. A lot of people jog on the sidewalk beside the river or the flood-wall path above the banks. If you go just after sunrise on a chilly day, seeing the mist rise from the water is worth the trip. And, if you go in the evening, check out the restaurants and clubs on the adjacent streets.

Durden's Monte Sano Barber Shop (1405 Monte Sano Ave.): Every haircut I ever got while living in Augusta I got right at Durden's. And it's always the same. I go with No. 1 clippers on the sides and No. 2s on top. You can't beat the price--$11. Morris Durden and his son, Tim (above), have been cutting hair in Augusta for decades. Before Christmas, Morris sometimes dresses as Santa Claus. You'll know why when you see him.

Delta Sandwich Shoppe (1208 Wilson St.): Not many people will drive out of their way for a hamburger, but believe me, the Perry Burger ($3.75, $4.25 with cheese) is one great burger. It was named after the original owner of the shop, Perry Whitaker. He passed away a while back, but the burger lives on. It's not much of a building, just a hole in the wall on a side street off Central Avenue. There's no special sauce or anything, although they do use ketchup, mustard and mayo. Oh, and it's a half-pounder. That oughta sit well.

Augusta Golf & Gardens (One 11th St.): I'd never been there until earlier this year (that's me signing an autograph there), but I'd recommend a visit (admission $3.50-$5.50; two-for-one admission) to see the statues of Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer. It's home to the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame and will soon have a building honoring the best players in Georgia history. Maybe I'll be included some day.

Sand Hills neighborhood (north of Henry Street and Cumming Road between Milledge Road and Highland Avenue): Some of the best stories about Augusta National can be heard from the residents of this neighborhood, because many National caddies live here. The most famous may be Tommy Bennett, who caddied for Tiger Woods in his Masters debut in 1995. At the Sand Hill Grill (2457 Wheeler Rd.), there's a mural of Tommy from when he caddied for Jodie Mudd. I've got some good friends there.

Wife Saver Restaurant (503 Highland Ave.): Sometimes after school, before I went to hit golf balls, my mom would stop at Wife Saver for me. For fried chicken, nobody beats Wife Saver. I was pretty small in high school, but I still used to order the eight-piece chicken strips, double mashed potatoes and biscuits ($8.87). Just up the street from Wife Saver is my favorite sit-down restaurant, the French Market Grille (425 Highland Ave.). I haven't taken Heather there yet, so that's our first stop the next time we're in Augusta.