AUGUSTA, Ga. - The big oak tree in front of the clubhouse at Augusta National is one of the most recognizable landmarks on this renowned golf course. Its beauty matches the surroundings. Its grandiose nature matches the tournament that has become world famous.
And, for many years, it has been the address of Norristown native and world-renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio.
At least for a day or two.
On the Tuesday and Wednesday of Masters Week, Fazio can be spotted - for hours at a time - occupying a position under the oak tree. He fills the time chatting with old friends, talking to the media, hobnobbing with the power brokers of golf.
But mostly he is gazing out over the golf course with the look of a doting parent keeping an eye on his child.
Augusta National has become a special project for a man who has designed hundreds of famous golf courses ... and has more courses on the Top 100 list than any other architect. In the past he was entrusted with the daunting duty of renovating the golf course. In the present, he is called upon to do the constant tinkering that is demanded by the men in green jackets.
When the competition begins, Fazio will be nowhere in view.
"I like coming to the course for Tuesday and Wednesday but that's it," says Fazio. "Once they start the tournament, and especially on the weekend, I want to be watching the action from the comfort of my living room - just like so many other golf fans."
To some, being the one to make changes on a course that receives so much public scrutiny would seem like an overwhelming task. Though he understands the serious nature of the assignment, Fazio does not feel intimidated.
"The one thing in my favor is that they have been changing this course from the outset," explains Fazio. "Bobby Jones and Cliff Roberts, who were the initial driving forces at Augusta, began changing this course from the very beginning. It has always been treated as a work in progress."
The other factor that works in Fazio's favor is that he should be used to the pressure.
Augusta National is only one of three courses that have chosen Fazio as lone caretaker. That grouping also includes Pine Valley and Merion - making it one of the most famous triumvirates in the world. He has renovated all three. The experts say he has improved all three.
"It's a great honor to be chosen to work on those three courses," says Fazio. "You have to be so careful to maintain the original integrity of the course. You don't want to screw anything up by throwing something radical into the mix."
The ultimate pressure could possibly come this June, when the U.S. Open is played at Merion for what certainly will be one last time. The venerable old course forced the USGA into too many concessions with regard to attendance, corporate tents and other revenue-generating items. The financial sacrifice that is being made this year is in the interest of paying homage to the tradition and history that surrounds Merion.
So, for what may be the final hurrah - and for the first time the U.S. Open has been played on the course since 1981 - Fazio was asked to tweak the layout again ... find any extra length that he could find ... make the course able to withstand the assault from today's bigger, stronger players.
Merion has meant magic in the past, anytime the USGA came calling. Will the magic continue?
"The answer to that question is: the magic will continue ... and will continue to continue, because I believe it is that kind of special place," replies Fazio.
"When you have a special golf course - whether it is Merion or Augusta National - it brings out the best from the best players. Special players do special things on special golf courses.
"Take, for example, the Masters. Isn't it amazing that in four days, almost historically in the recent modern times, almost everyone who has won the Masters has not three-putted? Imagine not three-putting through four rounds on those greens."
It's hard to imagine. But it is equally hard to imagine that Fazio has risen from his roots on the East End of Norristown to occupy such an exalted position in the world of golf.
And, for at least two days every year, that position is under the big oak tree at Augusta.