When it comes to the 2008 Masters Tournament, Drew Weaver is just one of many players looking to capture the Green Jacket.

But when it comes to Masters living accommodations, Weaver is one of the elite few permitted to stay at the Crow’s Nest for his entire stay.

Weaver, who earned his invitation by winning the 2007 British Amateur, is staying in the Crow’s Nest which is reserved for amateurs only.

Also there this week is Michael Thompson, a U.S. Amateur runner-up. Both are soaking in the experience.

“Staying here where so much history has been made from Bobby Jones to Arnold Palmer and Tiger, where so many guys have stayed, it’s kind of inspiring,” Weaver said.

Texan Trip Kuehne, who is also eligible to stay in the exclusive quarters after winning the 2007 U.S. Mid-Am, has chosen to stay with his wife and son off course, but stayed on-site as a U.S. Amateur runner-up more than a decade ago.

The Crow’s Nest has existed over the Champions locker room in the main Clubhouse for decades, and has housed a variety of amateurs dating back to Palmer and Billy Joe Patton.

Many amateurs, who have stayed there, have left autographed photos or other mementos.

While the four-bedroom, five bed accommodation, 30-by-40 feet in the 11-foot square cupola, isn’t the largest space anywhere, the players say the location and exclusivity make it hard to beat.

“I could never figure out how a place that small could be that comfortable and that nice,” said two-time Masters Champion Crenshaw, who stayed in the Crow’s Nest in 1972.

“The Clubhouse has the best food and the best accommodations in the world. I was so glad to have stayed there.”

Weaver said the location, only steps away from the members’ dining room, makes it easy to get ready for another day.

“You can get fed, get out the door to practice, and get ready for your round,” the Virginia Tech golfer said. “It’s perfect if you want to go out and play, come back to rest, and go out to hit balls again.”

The 2008 Crow’s Nest looks like your much upgraded college dorm, befitting Weaver, the player from Virginia Tech and Thompson, the collegian from the University of Alabama.

“I could hardly wait to get there,” Thompson said.

Weaver has his laptop computer on a small table, along with various college papers and reports. Thompson has an Alabama textbook in his duffel bag, as if studies could be a top priority.

Although he is staying with family this week, Kuehne remembers his time in the amateur haven.

“It was a great treat to be there,” he said. “The amateur, starting with Bob Jones, is really the foundation of the Masters, and to be a part of that is really great.”

While the Crow’s Nest has plenty of benefits, Weaver said he is also aware of the one danger zone, the door which leads to the Champions locker room, forbidden to anyone except those who have captured the Masters title.

“That’s the door you don’t want to go in,” Weaver said, pointing to the plain, white wooden entrance, with no sign or lettering. “I almost made that mistake once.”

While steps away from the Masters’ greatest champions, Weaver, Thompson and Kuehne said they’re happy to reign in their amateur kingdom, part of the long Masters legacy of honored invitees.

“It’s just very cool to be up here for the week,” Weaver said. “It’s just one of those places that once you’re here; you don’t want to go back.”