"The lack of any traffic, really?"

Over on the Golfweek Masters blog, Scott Hamilton wonders...

What’s the deal with the lack of foot traffic along Washington Road today? The lack of any traffic, really?

Sure the street that passes directly in front of Augusta National Golf Club still has more cars on it than a three-brand auto mall along a South Carolina interstate. And, yes, those cars are creeping along at a glacial pace.

But it’s Friday at the Masters and the vibe feels anything but Masterslike. There’s little buzz along the sidewalks – which are far from packed – and the various vendors set up along Washington Road don’t appear to be getting much business. That includes the stand selling various golf photos and – for whatever reason – a picture of Mickey Mantle (and it was set up in the center of a display, no less).

The guy getting the most business was the man preaching to anybody within earshot. But that’s because he was smart enough to set up near a pair of crosswalks in order to secure a captive audience.

It may be quiet now, but Tiger Woods isn’t on the course yet. Gotta think business is about to pick up.

Those of us viewing at home are even more startled by how the property begins to empty out around 5 p.m. 

Makes you wonder if they could offer a new badge that allows patrons willing to stay late on Thursday and Friday to enter the gates after 2 p.m.? If nothing else, to fill some of those empty seats.