Corporate entertaining at the 2009 Masters in Augusta is expected to be down 25 to 50 percent, depending on the industry.  Obviously banks, automakers, and the insurers won’t be making their presence known as they are in the middle of receiving huge amounts of government bailout money.  Maybe they’ll be attending as disguised as companies that actually have a profitable business model… they could probably learn something.

Normally 18 holes at some of the area’s courses before the Thursday's round range from $300 to $500 bucks per person.   With that hefty price tag you could easily rack up 15 rounds at a fine course such as the Juniper Hills Country Club (Guest Green Fee $33).  Or even better, just grab the new TaylorMade R9 Driver for $400.

Masters week usually brings in over $100 million to the local economy, much of which comes from big companies renting homes, advertising, and restaurant business.  Home rental occupancy is down about 25% when compared to last year, understandable when some of the houses rent for $50,000/week. There's one unemployed person's salary.  Ouch.

Often times the Masters is the last thing that gets taken out of the budget, but this year is different...  Is it still “A tradition like no other” or just another unnecessary business expense?  Washington Mutual, Countrywide, and AIG are rumored to be making a surprise appearance... charging  the expense on a credit card.  Just kidding.