Crow’s Nest: The Masters Tradition for Amateurs
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 05: A general view of the clubhouse during practice for The Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Getty Images)
It’s officially Masters Week where all eyes will be on Augusta National. This 27-hole American landmark is filled with rich tradition. There is one tradition however that stands above the rest. Literally. With this look inside Augusta’s Crow’s Nest you will get a virtual tour of a hidden room atop the clubhouse.
This secret space is a 30-foot by 40-foot room wedged on the second floor of the legendary clubhouse underneath the chimneys. The amateurs participating in the tournament are invited to stay in the Crow’s Nest as part of their first experience. In fact, many of them do to be part of a longstanding and highly valued tradition.
The Crow’s Nest can sleep up to five people. Technically, it is one large room with partitions. These provide a separate space for single beds. The walls are decorated with framed photographs representing historical Masters moments. It is not a coincidence that the carpet inside Augusta’s Crow’s Nest is green. The space very much resembles a clubhouse lounge with a modern touch. For example, it is equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
From Amateurs to Pros
This year, each of the seven amateurs in the tournament will stay a night in the Crow’s Nest. Ben Crenshaw describes it as a “little dormitory.” Crenshaw stayed there in 1972, and won the Masters in 1984 and 1995. Other greats who have stayed in the Crow’s Nest include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Mark O’Meara.
More recently, Bryson DeChambeau highlighted his Masters experience saying, “Being up in the Crow’s Nest was one of the best experiences,” the LA Times reported.
As the 2023 Masters tees off, it will again be, as Jim Nantz coined, “A Tradition Unlike Any Other.” Both on the course and in the Crow’s Nest.
WATCH: An Inside Augusta’s Crow’s Nest
A Look at the New U.S. Women's Soccer Uniforms
U.S. Soccer and Nike just revealed the new women’s 2023 home and away USA soccer uniforms. The national team will sport this new look during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, these will also be worn in games and events leading up to the World Cup.
Through a press release, USA Soccer noted, “Starting with listening to the players who embrace their role as trendsetters and boundary-pushers, the design, colors and aesthetic of the jerseys were heavily influenced and built by the players,” while explaining the new design. The players worked with Nike designers and came up with a classic combination of comfort and tradition. On this uniform collection you will notice a custom USA “signature.” “The bespoke mark is hand painted with ink on paper, and is a nod to the abstract expressionism movement, where each artist would sign their painting,” the press release states.
Home Whites
The U.S. women’s team will wear white at home. This combination features one of the more unique patterns you will see in the game. Team U.S.A. describes it by saying, “Highlighting the energy of the USWNT and how they are diverse players and personalities, but always united, the action painting method pattern features a distinctive placement, making every single jersey unique. The jersey also features distinctive gold branding as a nod to the team being the four-time World Cup champions and will be paired with blue shorts and white socks.”
U.S. Women’s national team has four World Cup championships – 1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019. This is also recognized in the inner pride mark of the uniform.
Road Blues
The away option will also eventually be worn by the U.S. Men’s team. This is an all-blue arrangement (including shorts and socks) that features “bespoke stars and stripe print on the sleeve cuffs – a diagonal stripe with intersecting stars – and a neckline that also features red blades, formed to look like the tip of stars.”
Innovation
Nike crafted this uniform using innovative design techniques that emphasize player comfort and staying cool. Designers were able to interchange mesh and ribbed textures. This is a method that was not available to them as recently as 2019. Other notable material enhancements include – DRI-FIT technology, 4D data with body mapping technology, and breathability functionality designed to move sweat away from the player’s body. There are two neckline options based on the female athlete’s preference and a new side panel that offers increased stretch.
Furthermore, sustainability was a top priority in the evolution of these uniforms. They are made of 100% recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles. Less material was utilized. As a result, this almost doubling fabric marker efficiency compared to 2019.
Finally, is the classic Nike Swoosh and USWNT crests. This is comprised of 100% Nike Grind for the first time in a Nike kit. Nike Grind is a collection of recycled materials they developed. It is composed of pre-consumer manufacturing scraps, recycled post-consumer shoes from the Reuse-A-Shoe program, and unsellable footwear.
Fans can purchase the jerseys during a special early access window until April 12 at select retailers, including the U.S. Soccer Store. Visa cardholders have the option to customize their jerseys. After this exclusive offering closes, uniforms will be available to purchase via Nike or USA Soccer on June 5th, with mass distribution aligned to June 8th.
The uniforms will debut on the field during the two-game series against Ireland on April 8th and 11 in Austin, TX, and St. Louis, MO.
Here is a look at the new women’s 2023 USA soccer uniforms.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
