News 12 First at Five, April 7, 2010
AUGUSTA---When the course closes each day, thousands of Masters guests turn to hospitality houses. They're a home away from home, offering elaborate dining and relaxation space.
Executive Marketing Services operates two of the houses, just across from the players' entrance.
"It's basically access to a private country club atmosphere," said Jay Norton. He's been at the helm of Executive Marketing for eight years, making sure the corporate clients' needs are met.
There are more perks than just a snack at the end of the day.
"Planning their travel, their lodging, daily hospitality for the guests," Norton said.
Part of that hospitality includes a good meal. Chefs from around the southeast are here creating an estimated 14,000 dishes within seven days. It's a delicate team effort that runs around the clock.
"There's a lot of prep work involved the 12 hours that we are open," Norton said.
It's all to make sure the off-course Augusta experience is as flawless as the rest of the day.
These elaborate houses are zoned residential, meaning most of them are used only this one week a year.
