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Portraits of Augusta

Meet the local fixtures and recognizable faces who make the city more than simply another name for the National

Caddie Shack

Back when only hometown caddies worked at the Masters, the Sand Hill Grill was their postround hangout. Today, they still meet there to relive the glory days. Fred (Hop) Harrison (against wall) was on the bag for Raymond Floyd when he won the green jacket in 1976.

Pork Barrel

Over the last 49 years Sconyers BBQ has been such a pillar of the Augusta community that some wonder if the restaurant's owner, Larry Sconyers, wields more influence in that role than he did when he was the city's mayor from 1996 to '98.

The Wrangler

Clyde Lester oversees restrooms, checks the stands and helps at the lost and found at the Masters, but the 61-year-old retiree is best known for his other passions. He hosts a radio show about gardening and a TV show on Westerns. Known as Cowboy to his friends, he has a room full of vintage artifacts from the Old West in his Forest Hills home.

Political Partier

State senator Charles Walker is known throughout Augusta for his political activism. Among members of the African-American community he is also renowned for the party he throws every year on the Thursday of Masters week. He entertains about 300 people at his home.

Cut Line

Durden's Barber Shop has been a fixture on Monte Sano Avenue since Morris Durden (left) opened its doors in 1957. Morris has since been joined by his son Tim. Among their clients is Charles Howell, who's been going there since he was a kid.

Martha Troubles

Forget Martha Stewart, Augusta has Vera Stewart, owner of the 22-year-old VeryVera catering company. During Masters week her staff of 200 services as many as 40 events a night. Her only problem? The other Martha. "Martha Burk really hurt my business," Vera says.

 

BY FARRELL EVANS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY

TODD BIGELOW/AURORA

SIX COLOR PHOTOS

TODD BIGELOW/AURORA