Funny story about the Masters lottery. Three to four years ago, four of us played golf at Galen Hall in Berks County. We finished just after 6:00 and the bar at the course was closed. Who the heck closes a golf course bar while there are groups on the course?? So, we go around the corner to Huie's Gray Fox Inn. For dive bar connoisseurs, this is a must visit! I felt I was in the Hotel California, "I was thinking to myself, 'This could be Heaven or this could be Hell'"! or "You can check out at anytime, But you can never leave"!
There were three "patrons" in there when we arrived. (Patrons is Masters' parlance for fans, for Huies, lost souls might be better). A farmer, a printer (George) and one other guy who never looked up or talked. Huie (the owner) was tending bar, drinking a beer and smoking a cigarette. I asked if that was legal for a bartender to drink on duty and he said the owner could.(??) It was like another world there but it was also a little piece of heaven. My friend, Clyde, bought the bar a drink (7 people) and got change back for his $10!! (which I think was actually my $10 bill that I lost on the match).
Anyway, I noticed Huie was wearing a Masters golf hat. I asked him if he had been to Augusta. He said no, but George (across the bar) had gone last spring. Huie had given him some money to buy him the hat while he was there. So, Clyde (a PSU Engineer) asked George how he got tickets. George said his buddy had entered the Masters' lottery and won tickets, so his golf group went. He said his buddy had sent an entry for the next year and they were hoping to be selected again. Clyde looks at him and says "you know George, if you sent an entry too, you would double your chances to win". George looked very confused at first, but then brightened up and said, "that's a great idea, we didn't think you were allowed to do that"! Before we left, George and Clyde were "best buds"! He even asked Clyde to call him if we ever needed a fourth. He thought we would be "good guys" to play golf with. (What he doesn't know won't hurt him).
Overall, if you can stand a little cigarette smoke, Huie's Gray Fox inn was a pretty nice place (and an unforgettable experience) to grab a beer or two. I'd bet those three "patrons" will still be sitting there!
love Galen Hall and Huie's, it's been a while since I played there. We used to drive the cart to Huie's from the third tee to grab a six pack or two.