The Magic of Masters

  • Riezl Baker
  • 03/21/24
Lucky for me, I have the privilege to live in one of America’s premiere communities close to the world’s most esteemed golf sanctuary. As a Realtor for 23 years, I am often asked about my favorite time of the year to which I unwaveringly respond, “Masters Week”.

The Masters, nestled in Augusta, GA, mere moments away from Lake Oconee, stands as a beacon of anticipation not only locally but across the globe. Golf courses hum with activity, restaurants teem with patrons, and Publix buzzes with the excitement of golf enthusiasts clad in their vibrant attire, eagerly preparing for a day on the course or winding down with a libation after an exhilarating day in Augusta. Themed parties hosted by enthusiastic residents, complete with Masters concession delicacies, and the omnipresent live coverage courtesy of CBS Network, infuse every corner with celebratory fervor, ensuring that there’s a party to be found every night.

The Masters, I once read, casts a "hypnotic" spell. Indeed, it stands as the epitome of golfing excellence, played out on the hallowed grounds of the most exclusive of courses. Its storied traditions and rich history evoke an unparalleled sense of excitement among golfers and fans alike. Having been fortunate enough to attend multiple Masters Tournaments, the allure of returning is undeniable.


Here's why:

“Amen to That” - The pristine grounds, adorned with resplendent azaleas, emerald green fairways, and the legendary trio of holes, never fail to evoke a sense of awe and wonder.

“Celebrity sightings”- The possibility of encountering celebrities adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience. Securing a coveted clubhouse pass years ago afforded me the privilege of sharing space “behind the ropes” with golfing legends, enjoying an Azalea cocktail in their esteemed company.

“Welcome Ya’ll” - The warm hospitality extended by the staff at Augusta National embodies the essence of Southern charm, making every visitor feel like an honored guest.

“Best food bargains” - Where else can one indulge in delectable fare at such affordable prices? From barbecue sandwiches to egg salad, culinary delights like pimiento cheese and peach ice cream sandwiches never fail to delight the palate.

“I Won the Lottery” - The entire experience transcends the ordinary, transporting participants to a realm where dreams are realized. Whether a seasoned golfer or a casual observer, the Masters stands as a pinnacle of sporting excellence, unmatched in its grandeur.

The Masters is the tournament that every golf aficionado dreams of witnessing and every player aspires to conquer. Hailing from a background where “futbol” reigned supreme, golf was once reserved for the privileged few. Yet, residing in close proximity to the Masters, where every individual has the opportunity to vie for the coveted green jacket, epitomizes the inclusive allure of the tournament. Living in this picturesque locale, affectionately known as "God's Country," where symbols like "bulldogs" and "yellow jackets" hold sway, and where staples like "sweet tea" and "pimiento cheese sandwiches" are savored amidst the opulence of the world's most esteemed golfing sanctuary, I find myself undeniably captivated by its charm. As Sunday approaches, adorned in my Masters hat, savoring my Azalea cocktail, I eagerly anticipate cheering on my favorite golfer alongside cherished friends, enveloped in the magic of the Masters.

Riezl Baker

Riezl Baker

Realtor®, Founding Principal

About The Author

Riezl Baker is an award-winning realtor with 22 years of real estate experience at Lake Oconee, Georgia. A resident since 1997, she is well-known for her business accomplishments and extensive community involvement. In 2020, she and her husband Ted co-founded Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate Group to combine their over 40 years of experience in the Lake Oconee market and with a mission to provide the highest level of service to clients.
 
In 2022, Riezl closed over $131 million in sales and was recognized as “Top Luxury Real Estate Leader'' by The Atlantan magazine and “Real Estate Newsmaker & Achiever'' by RIS Media. She was recognized as a 2021 Top Producer after closing over 70 transactions totaling $115 million and was awarded the Crystal Phoenix Award by the Lake Country Board of Realtors. 
 
She is passionate about her community and has been involved on a leadership level for many different organizations. She is the Past Chairman of the St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital Board and was part of the original founding Board that steered the opening of the hospital in 2013. She co-chaired the successful 2023 Heart & Soul Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee that raised over $450,000 for the local hospital. In 2010, she and her husband co-founded the Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival to benefit local education, which has evolved into a three-day destination event at The Ritz-Carlton. An advocate for the arts, Riezl is a Board Director for the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS). She was the President of the Lake Country Board of Realtors in 2016. The Atlantan magazine awarded her "Expert in Second and Vacation Homes" for 2020 and 2021. She was recognized as a "2021 Top Luxury Real Estate Industry Leader" and was also nominated as "Best Bilingual" and "Best Community Impact" in Georgia.
 
Riezl holds a Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration and joined the Hyatt Hotels as a Corporate Management Trainee. She worked for the company for seven years in Operations Management and Hospitality Sales in Houston and Atlanta. She served as a Board Director for Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the largest meeting and event industry association and was the Editor-in-Chief of Breakout, Georgia MPI's monthly publication that is distributed to thousands of members.
 
As the Director of Athens (Ga.) Convention and Visitors Bureau, Riezl developed strategic plans to attract conventions to the city. In 2000, she obtained her real estate license and worked for Reynolds Lake Oconee Properties where she was a top producer for 20 years. 
 
Riezl is a public speaker and has spoken at several national real estate conferences and webinars. She was an invited speaker at a National Empowerment Conference in Las Vegas in 2022 where she spoke about “Successful Entrepreneurship in America.” She was also featured in a 2022 episode of Fox Business Network’s prime time real estate show Mansion Global. 
 
She and her husband have been married for 26 years and have two children, Stuart, who is a junior at Yale University, and Remi, who attends Interlochen Performing Arts Academy.
 

Community Footprints

  • Co-Founder, LEAD Lake Oconee
  • Board Member, Oconee Performing Arts Society.
  • Board Member, St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Board.
  • Past Chairman, St. Mary Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Board, 2017-2019.
  • Past President, Lake Country Board of Realtors®, 2016.
  • Co-Founder, Lake Oconee Food and Wine Festival.
  • Three-Year Chair, Heart and Soul Gala Benefit, Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee.
  • Co-Chair, Heart and Soul Benefit Gala, 2022

Work With Riezl

A consistent top producer in the Lake Oconee area, Riezl has been recognized with numerous awards for her business accomplishments and community involvement. Contact Riezl today if you are thinking of selling or buying, or both.

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