There are experiences that stay with you for a lifetime, and attending the 89th Masters Tournament at Augusta National is certainly one of them. The tradition, the precision, and the timeless elegance of this tournament transcend sport, it’s a masterclass in excellence. You’ve probably read plenty of coverage about The Masters and Rory McIlroy by now but allow me to offer something different: this is the only reflection told through the lens of a Cigar Sommelier.
Francisco Arias
Cigar Sommelier
Read in the magazine (rotate your device for a better reading experience):
Walking through the hallowed grounds where legends have made history was humbling. But witnessing Rory McIlroy’s brilliant performance in pursuit of a career Grand Slam elevated the experience to another level.
Every swing, every putt was a reminder of what discipline, patience, and relentless drive can achieve.
He had us with our hearts in our hands, missing some critical putts as the tournament neared its final stretch, creating moments of collective tension that only a golfer of his stature can provoke.
One of the most fascinating elements of The Masters is how the crowd reacts uniquely to each player. Rory’s presence inspired roars filled with hope and encouragement, as if the entire gallery wanted him to succeed. In contrast, Bryson DeChambeau evoked a different kind of reaction.
As his momentum faltered, cheers turned into groans of disappointment, echoing the collective letdown of missed potential. And then came Justin Rose, whose emotional closing holes triggered roars of disbelief and pure enjoyment. His ability to rally, surprise, and stir the crowd gave the final stretch a dramatic heartbeat that elevated the entire weekend.
At one point, as I stared at the giant manual leaderboard, I found myself wondering, why do they still have people updating the scores by hand in an age of real-time digital everything? But then it happened: the numbers dropped for an update.
A hush fell over the 18th. Seconds passed like minutes. Then, new numbers went up –Oh my God! 11 under par, tied with Rose on the 17th hole. The silence exploded into cheers. In that moment, I understood tradition here isn’t about resisting change, it’s about preserving impact.
This year’s visit was made even more meaningful by sharing it with my longtime friend Pedro de los Santos. Together, we soaked in the atmosphere, shared stories, and reflected on how rare and valuable weekends like this truly are.
I decided to spend all day Sunday sitting at the 18th hole, watching the leaderboard to my left and the players walk in front of me one by one. It became a moment of personal reflection, a contemplative state of mind that so often characterizes us cigar enthusiasts. The setting, the silence between the roars, the weight of tradition, it all came together in that quiet corner of Augusta.
Of course, no legendary weekend is complete without a selection of equally legendary cigars. Each day was paired with moments of relaxation and conversation that only a good cigar can inspire.
Friday featured the Davidoff Royal Release, pure sophistication followed by Casa 1910 Cuchillo Parado.
Saturday brought a rich lineup: Casa Fuente, Cuban H. Upmann No. 2, La Flor Dominicana Capítulo I and Casa Turrent Doble Maduro.
Sunday was the grand finale: La Aurora Puro Vintage, Cohiba Behike, La Flor Dominicana Capítulo II, and the celebratory OpusX Siglo 21.
More than a tournament, The Masters offered a powerful reminder: greatness is not accidental. It is built, over the years, through focus, passion, and perseverance. Whether on the course or in our own fields, that’s a message worth savoring.
