With the Masters fast approaching what better time to discuss tips if you are thinking about going. Some of these are well known, but after you have actually done the trip you learn a lot more:
1. Tickets – There are a few ways you can get tickets to the practice days or a patron badge for the tournament:
- Enter the Masters ballot – held once a year you have the opportunity to win the right to buy a ticket for the face value. You can enter after each years tournament has completed, whilst the draw occurs later in the year
- Book via a travel agent – If using a reputable company this guarantees entry to the tournament
- Buy from a Broker – Take the punt on buying cheaper access from a broker around Augusta National Golf Club, usually on Washington Road, although you can’t be guaranteed of purchasing cheaper or if any will be available
2. Costs – How much can it cost to get into the Masters can vary depending on how you are attending. At a minimum I would say $500 for one day up to 
$17,000
- Backpacker – Winning a ticket via the ballot, so you pay at face value, plus accommodation booked well in advance could cost up to $500
- Budget Concious – Depending on how many days and what days they are, you can go from around $2,000 to $10,000. Examples to reduce price, Practice days are cheaper than tournament days, whilst Thursday and Friday is cheaper than the weekend of the tournament. Obviously staying at cheaper 1-3 star hotels not in the area will also affect the price
- Touring Pro – Full tour with tournament, accommodation and golf games included, can start around from $12,000
3. Where to Stay – This is closely associated with the last point cost
- Augusta – Staying in Augusta is expensive and to be honest, not a lot to do, but it is close to the course. There are two options:
- Larger groups may rent a residents house, who leave the town to cash in on the event
- Hotels – there are many on Washington Road with a few restaurants or take away shops
- Outside Augusta – A lot of people stay in Atlanta or even interstate in South Carolina and travel in for the day (especially organised golf tours with games included)
4. Photography – Cameras are only allowed on the grounds up until Wednesday. Strict security checks all bags, which their is a size limit, so backpackers, leave the sack at the hotel or lodge. No mobile phones are allowed in the grounds also. I recommend at least one day before the tournament starts proper on Thursday
5. Autographs – Don’t dare ask for an autograph out on the course. The ideal place is either the driving range or the Par 3 competition on Wednesday afternoon, where you will see some of the greats of the game
6. Allocated Seating – This isn’t the Superbowl. There is no allocated seating on the grounds. Some tricks though:
- Grandstands – available at various parts of the course but seats are first come first served basis
- Sitting areas – Take your own chair, or buy one at the course (great souvenir). You can place this in any of the sitting areas and no one will touch it
7. Best Positions – This is a personal choice situation. When you enter the course there will be a mad fast walk (no running on the grounds) to grab the best spot. Some of the favourites are:
- Behind the 12th tee in the heart of Amen corner. See the 11th green, 12th hole and 13th tee
- Beside the 13th green – tournaments can be won or lost here
- Beside the 15th green to see great attacking shots coming in, especially those trying to make a run for the title
- Around the 16th hole – probably the majority of people will crowd around the green and the banks to the left to see a new champion
- Around the 18th green – Especially on the Sunday seeing the champion crowned
8. Souvenirs – The best tip is buy as soon as you get to the course on the first day. You can check these in as baggage after purchase, then collect at the end of the day. Some items sell out and its not as if you will be attending the event on a regular basis, especially if from overseas. I even used the beer cups (which are quite sturdy and Masters branded) as token items to give away and I got to drink the contents, double win.
9. Food & Beverages
One great thing about the Masters is the pricing of food and drink. Its cheap, unlike many other sporting events I have been too where it feels like you have to sell body parts to have enough cash.
10. Explore the Grounds – There is so much more to Augusta National Golf Club than just the course. There are the cabins, including President Eisenhower’s cabin, Magnolia lane, the front of the clubhouse and its flowerbed. Both of the last two I overlooked as I wasn’t aware you could access them. My tour guide even know someone in Butlers cabin where they do the presentation of the Green jacket, but they were filming when we approached to have a look.
11. Honorary Tee Off – Last but not least, 7am – 7:30am on the Thursday (from memory, the time that is) the honorary tee off occurs to start the tournament. During my visit this was done by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Don’t miss this as it is a great way to see some of the legends of the game starting a magical event.
I know I have my seat already reserved for this years Masters.
You can see more about my Masters 2011 journey or some pictures of the course at Augusta National Golf Club. Hopefully this gives you an insight or some assistance if you are planning on making the trip. Please feel free to add comments or any other tips you may have for attending the Masters.
