Next week, the sporting world will again turn its attention to a golf course with stunning beauty and a tournament described by CBS Sports as “A Tradition Unlike Any Other.”  The Masters Golf Tournament will celebrate its 70th year and one West Virginia Wesleyan College professor will walk the hallowed grounds with the players for the 35th time.

Bess Park-Reynolds, associate professor of dramatic arts and dance and director of musical theatre, has cherished her trips to Augusta, GA, home of the Masters, with her father for over three decades.  “Since I was a kid, I have had the rare privilege to watch the Masters with my dad,” says Park-Reynolds.  “We only had two tickets so my brother and mother shared them with him, but I always attended the event at least for a day.”

This year, the number of tickets in the family expanded to four and now Reynolds has two of her own tickets, an honor she knows millions of people would covet.  Reynolds rarely plays golf now, but enjoyed the sport very much growing up.  “Saturdays were tennis matches with my father, and Sundays were golf outings,” notes the talented performing artist.  “The Masters Tournament is something I eagerly look forward to each spring and it is the only golf tournament I attend.”

Next weekend she will attend the event without her father.  “My dad’s back bothers him quite a bit, and he just can’t walk around the course anymore,” says Park- Reynolds.  “I really hope next year, he is well enough that he can sit in the bleachers so that all four family members can attend the tournament at the same time.”

Park-Reynolds has many special memories from her Masters experience including the farewell rounds of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.  Her favorite tournament was in 1997, when Tiger Woods won his first green jacket.  “Tiger had such youth and vitality, and the energy of the crowd was magnificent,” remarks the Wesleyan professor.  “Plus, it was a historical event because Tiger became the first African-American to win the tournament.”

Park-Reynolds also admits that she has had favorites among the professional golfers.  “I especially remember Ben Crenshaw, because he was so handsome and charming,” says Park-Reynolds.  “But, the most amazing thing is that over 100,000 people can be at this event and when a player putts, all you can hear is the breeze.”

All of the holes at Augusta are named after a flowering shrub or tree on the course that was once a nursery.  She has two favorite holes, the Azalea-number 13, and number 17-Nandina.  “There is so much excitement at the 13th because a player can make an eagle or a double bogey on the hole,” adds Park-Reynolds.  “It is always a critical hole in the tournament, and the 17th hole is tight, intimate, and hard; a true golf challenge.”

Park-Reynolds sees similarities between the professional golfers and talented performing artists.  “I have such an appreciation for their discipline, respect, and passion,” says Park- Reynolds.  “These are the same character traits that are required in my profession.”

In just a few short days, Park-Reynolds will be eating an egg salad sandwich and downing a favorite beverage, watching young and old stars challenge the historic course.  “Honestly, the food is just average, but I will find myself rooting for a player with a millionaire, who is standing beside me,” remarks Park-Reynolds.  “That is another special aspect of the tournament, the people you meet.  However, no matter what our professions are, all of us will be totally caught up in the moment, enjoying an incredibly beautiful golf course, watching incredible golf shots, and embracing the human spirit.  Finally, all of us will be praying that we have enough daylight to see a winner on Sunday.  A Monday playoff is always the most depressing thought in Augusta because many of us have to go back to work and we will miss the finish.”

After 35 years, Park-Reynolds still has tremendous enthusiasm for the event.  “The Masters is unlike anything I have experienced,” concludes Reynolds.  “Every time I go it reminds me of wonderful childhood memories and I know I will experience another dramatic production played out on one of the great historical settings in our country.”  Next weekend, as millions of people all over the world watch the event on television, Park-Reynolds will be at the Masters again, soaking up the beauty, drama and emotion of the world’s greatest golf tournament.