The golf course is amazing. But what impressed me most was how nice everyone was. From the concessions people to the folks who worked the restrooms. I would having I encountered working at my business. Thank you for a great experience. In addition, we were trained out for a couple hours and the team their was so efficient in getting people back on the course. Very organized. Great job all around.
Robert S.
There's no words that can describe this event. i've been in tournaments (majors) in Australia Dubai all over the United States Hawaii and there's nothing that can come close to this event. The feeling is electric when you get anywhere near the course which is hidden in the middle of Augusta. You can feel the history in the air you can see the nervousness of the players that usually have ice in the veins. The only other feeling that I have had anywhere near this is when I was a young kid going to walk Disneyland or possibly Chevy Chase when he gets to Wally World (before he finds out its closed). would definitely recommend going on the Wednesday prior to the tournament see you can take pictures no phones are allowed into the tournament during the actual tournament player Thursday through Sunday.
Sarah C.
I've been to the Masters almost every year since I was in the 4th grade. It's something I have always done with my dad, and has become a place that I cherish. My time at the Masters lead me to play golf in high school competitively with my sister, something I'll always be proud of. My top tips include a seat on Amen Corner and as much of the concession stand food that you can handle. It's all fresh, delicious and cheap! My fave is the egg salad sandwhich and Arnold Palmer!
Skip R.
This is the one time when 5 stars are not enough. 500 stars would not be enough. This place is pure PERFECTION. I would like to thank Mr Bobby Jones and Mr Clifford Roberts for their vision and giving us common people a chance to step foot onto one of the most majestic parcels of land in the entire world. I apologize for the short and amateurish attempt at a review of The Masters. My vocabulary simply doesn't contain proper words for the emotions and feelings this place casts upon me. If you have a chance to go there, do it so you can experience it for yourself.
Cindy C.
Beautiful golf course. I really enjoyed the practice round. players are relaxed and everyone is having a great time. My favorite thing at Masters? FOOD! Pimento cheese sandwich, and ice tea.
Daniel B.
I went to the Masters again this year (2016) on Sunday (the final round) and I don't know if it's because I haven't been to the Masters in 4 years or because I've been playing run-of-the-mill public courses recently, but Augusta National appeared to be in the best shape I've ever seen it. This was my 4th trip to the Masters (all of my visits have been on Sunday) and I treat every trip like it will be my last. Who knows when I will get another opportunity to visit? It's the toughest "ticket" to get in sports. I put ticket in quotes because you don't get into Masters tournament rounds with tickets; you get into them with badges. Badges that remain with the same people, same families, for decades. For the great majority of golfers and golf fans, the Masters is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one of the Meccas of golf (along with the Old Course at St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, etc.). Danny Willett won the tournament this year. I still remember who won in the other years I've gone: Trevor Immelman in 2008, Charl Schwartzel in 2011, and Bubba Watson in 2012. So in the years I've gone, two South Africans, an American, and an Englishman have won. This year, we entered through Gate 6A on Old Berckman's Rd. The other entrance is Gate 9, also on Old Berckman's Rd, but on the south side. There are only two entrances for patrons to my knowledge and I don't know why they call them Gate 6A and Gate 9. I consider Gate 6A the main entrance because it's closest to the clubhouse and puts you alongside the practice range and putting green. Gate 9 puts you in at 5 green, 6 tee. It's close to the popular par 3 16th hole and not far from Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, 13). We entered through Gate 9 in 2011. It seemed less congested. There are two big golf shops inside the grounds at Augusta. The best one to go to is the "South Village" golf shop just inside Gate 9. I had never been to this golf shop, at least in its current form, until this year. It's so much bigger and nicer compared to the "main" golf shop near Gate 6A and the clubhouse. It pretty much feels like walking into a Polo Ralph Lauren or Brooks Brothers outlet store. Lots of gifts and apparel and even a fitting room which the other golf shop does not have. The "bad" thing about going to the Masters on Sunday is the golf shops will be sold out of all the best items. This means the best color hats, shirts, sweaters, pullovers, etc. It's really hard for me to find stuff in my size (small) in colors I like. The pickings are slim. This is the advantage of going to the Masters earlier in the week. I always buy lots of stuff in the golf shops, both gifts and things for myself, probably more than I should. This year, I got a couple nice Masters Tech pullovers (one light blue, the other green) to play golf in, a Masters belt (what was I thinking?), a Masters teddy bear caddie for my niece, ball markers, an official program (I've gotten one every year that I've gone), and more. I've assembled a nice little Masters wardrobe and golf accessories inventory over the years. I've purchased ball markers in the past because they make great gifts. The markers I got this year I intend to use. I wish I could've gotten a white Masters hat (don't have that color yet) as well as one of the pullovers in either white, navy, black, or gray, but all the golf shops were completely sold out of those colors. Perhaps items to put on my friend's shopping list for next year. I ate one egg salad and two pimento cheese sandwiches. They're still only $1.50 a pop and quite delicious. In past years, I've spent most of my time watching players on the second nine. This year, I wanted to check out the first nine. We spent time in the observation stands at 8 green and 13 green / 14 tee. Most of our time was spent at the latter where we watched nearly half the fie
Francene T.
There is no way to adequately review The Masters golf tournament or the sacred ground at Augusta National. Mere words will never do it justice, but this poor mortal will try to provide some basic info... BADGES Practice round badges are on a lottery system and patron badges are fully subscribed with a waiting list years long. For more information on practice round badges and the process, go to SECURITY All patrons go through security and your badge is scanned in as you enter. You must display your badge at all times on the course...this is strictly enforced. No chairs with arms are permitted, nor bags larger than a backpack. All bags are searched as you pass through security. DO NOT BRING A CELL PHONE. All cell phones/tablets etc are prohibited - if you are caught with one on the course, your badge will be confiscated and can result in the badge being revoked. PARKING The Augusta National has acquired a large portion of land on Berckmans Road and has turned this into parking for patrons. The parking is free. Patrons with limited mobility can take advantage of the courtesy carts. ACCESS and AMENITIES The Augusta National has put a lot of thought into improvements and has made substantial changes over the years to not just the 18 holes of the course but to the amenities and access. Whether entering via the front gate or the back gate, walkways are wide and paved. There are concessions and restrooms strategically placed throughout the course, and the large shop (front gate) and the smaller shop at the back gate are well laid out and accessible to all patrons. NOTE: if attending the tournament on Sunday, selections in the shops are limited. There are check stands (free), shipping stands, ATMs, courtesy telephones, message centers, information centers, first aid, and other amenities throughout the course. FOOD Sandwiches, crackers, fruit, ice cream, bottled water, sodas and beer are available at concessions and at very reasonable prices. WEATHER The weather in Augusta is entirely unpredictable. I've been to the Masters when it's so hot and humid you can't breathe, when it's so cold you can't stop shivering, during epic hailstorms, with rain and mud up to your ankles...in short, every kind of weather condition. Tournament play will be suspended during some weather and they will close the course for truly bad weather. The course itself is beyond description and will exceed every expectation. There is nothing like The Masters anywhere else in the world.
Andy D.
I went in 2014 for a couple of days. Great experience. Kudos to the groundskeepers.
Zachary H.
Had a great time today at the practice round. The weather was perfect and got to see some big names. Tiger came out for a while late in the day. The food was great. Pimento Cheese is my favorite sandwich followed by the bbq. Moon pies were a nice addition as well. Stuffed my face and had fun.
Clare L.
Stumbled over to the Masters Tournament page on Yelp to feel nostalgic and to see if I could possibly get any more excited for next week. Not possible. It's Augusta. Brandt Snedeker once said he would trade every win he ever had for a single green jacket. Since I'll never win a green jacket, I think the best comparison I can make is that I would trade every trip I've ever taken (Vegas, Disney, the UK, Italy, Paris, Ireland) if it meant getting to go to the Masters even one more time. My degree is in public relations and even I have a difficult time putting what one might experience at THE Augusta National Golf Club into words. It is a world truly its own. Augusta and the Masters are amazing enough that every time I come here, I still get goosebumps and am truly in awe. I think Augusta National is the only physical PLACE that has the honor of saying that it has reduced me to tears. Yeah, I love this place that much. Todd R. got it just about right in his review: "I strolled awestruck onto the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club seemingly oblivious to the herd of spectators surrounding me. I truly felt alone in my own little dream." This sums the experience up perfectly. Everything about the Masters is perfect - the lines to get in, the no phones policy, the bathroom attendants, the ENDLESS selection at the gift shop (yes I need a Masters hat in three colors), the $3 Stellas and of course the pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches. I usually eat 2 or 3 a day. Whoops. Calories don't count at the Masters, plus, hey, you walk it off. My suggestions: start at 18 and walk the course backwards. Appreciate how hilly it is in person. Remark to everyone around you who will listen that it "doesn't look this hilly on TV." Linger at 16 and appreciate the pond. Head to Amen Corner and admit to yourself that life DOES NOT get any better than this moment. Go to the 6 tee box and take that par 3 in. Don't be in any hurry. The course will be there all day. Enjoy. every. moment. The combination of all of the above is the reason I dream of Masters week the other 51 weeks of the year. A must do if you love the game of golf even a little bit. Yessir!
I attended all 7 days of the Masters that included the 3 practice days. My Masters experience fulfilled all my expectations and more. I arrived for the Monday practice at about 7.30, thunderstorms were forecast so tickets were going very cheap along the street from scalpers ($150). First thing I noticed was that all staff were extremely friendly and talkative constantly saying,"Welcome to the Masters". I never got sick of hearing it! Upon entry through the main gate 6A you have to walk past the practice range which is impressive in itself, then past the main souvenir shop and concessions stand. Once past that, enter the course proper and you see the famous scoreboard halfway down the 1st hole. I turned left up to the clubhouse and then I bee-lined it for Amen corner following the 10th and 11 holes back down. What surprised me was the amount of beer stands around the course and the amount of people that were drinking at 8 o'clock in the morning! I felt out of place so decided to get with the program which then became the theme each and every day! The Masters really does have a carnival type atmosphere the whole time I was there with many people also smoking cigars... especially around Amen Corner. Being an Australian, it was very easy to meet people and I felt very welcomed by everyone that I met which added enormously to my whole experience. To walk the course that I had watched on TV for so many years from childhood witnessing all of the Greg Norman heartbreak and Adam Scott success, and all of the locations of the famous shots is truly something that cant be put into words. The only way I could describe it is complete sensory overload, especially during the tournament days when you constantly hear the roars of the patrons from all over the course. All roars are different sounding depending on the roll of the ball or whether the ball dropped in the hole or not. Combine that with the pristine beauty of the course and its immaculate condition, its just incredible! On Thursday, I arrived just in time for the honorary tee shots although you would have to be tall to see it (Im 6 foot 2) as there were literally thousands of people trying to catch a glimpse of them. This was the only time that I ever had any difficulty seeing someone play a shot. It was surprisingly easy to get around and not too packed which was a concern for me before I booked. If this is on your bucket list and you can afford it, I can promise that you will not regret it. Book now!! Watch my youtube clip of Adam Scott on the 13th;
Mark W.
'You're traveling to another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound, but also of mind; a journey into a wondrous land whose bounderies are that of the imagination. At the sign post up ahead, your next stop, .....Augusta National.' "I want to go to there"
Todd R.
For a first timer I'm not sure I can do it justice. Imagine waking up in Charlotte on Tuesday morning, checking the weather only to find the high in Augusta will be 70 and sunny...go onto Craig's list find a seller of practice round tickets, drive 2 1/2 hours, meet him, get on the course by 11AM and stroll awestruck onto the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club seemingly oblivious to the heard of spectators with me. I truly felt alone in my own little dream. The politeness, the friendly faces of the staff...it's obvious THEY know the history and the fact that you probably payed a fortune to be there and they want you to enjoy it. Tuesday practice round is all I can review this year but suffice it to say it seems to be the way to go. Standing next to the ropes near the amazing practice facility, feet from golfs elite feeling elite yourself you're just agape over the beauty and perfection, rounding the corner arriving at the first tee and gazing out over the unbelievable expanse of it all, over the first fairway to the green on 9 and on into the distance it just seems to go on for miles. In your mind you can hear the roars, feel the energy and for a moment memories of my childhood when watching there Masters meant time with your dad. God I wish he could have been there with me...and he was in spirit. I walked the entire course from 1 tee to 18 green. TV doesn't do the slope and hills justice! The grass doesn't even look...or feel real. The perfection is overwhelming but the aura is all consuming. Beer $3-$4, BBQ $4, Pimento Cheese $1... a bargain considering where you are and that a nasty hot beer at another venue would set you back at least $10 and some lips and butts dogs cost $8. If you THINK you love golf...make this a must do. And if ever you are in the area in April and the urge hits you, do what you can to get a Tuesday ticket, have a Pimento Cheese sandwich and a beer by the 16th green and cheer on the "skipping"...it's a day I'll never forget!
Robert H.
All you hear around Augusta, Ga. is THE MASTERS. This is the time of year when tourists swarm in by the thousands, walk around in a polo + shorts, and pay thousands of dollars to rent local homes before congesting the area with traffic. It's also when any lucky locals, can pretend to be tourists for a day. THAT'S ME! I have been to a few golf courses in my day, but this place takes the cake. Putting location and design aside, the grass is cut so damn perfectly! It's like plastic. They take golf really serious around here and it shows. The food on-site is inexpensive, you get cool little souvenir cups and now tickets are open to the public. Exclusivity has been tossed out of the window. If you plan on attending: - Bring or buy a chair (only a masters chair is allowed) - Arrive early - Use sunscreen often - Don't stalk the star players (you'll never get close) - Arrive at holes before the big shots to get a good view - Use your schedule and map often - NO CAMERAS! They scan you. - Enjoy yourself, it's gold history!
Lindy F.
Oh how I love my annual trip to Augusta National and The Masters. I'm fortunate that my Dad was a badge holder and the badges were passed to my Mom after his passing. The Masters signifies spring to me and the true beginning of the golf season. The course was gorgeous as always and the grounds are as beautifully kept as usual. The azaleas, the trees, heck even the pine straw - everything is beautiful. I have my favorite spots to camp at the course, plus many great memories at each. I love to hit most of the holes, but I have a method. First, you have to hit the Pro Shop and get your schwag and then check it at the front (no need to lug it around all day). Next, hit one of the food stands and load up your backpack with sandwiches, chips if so desired, and grab at least 1 bottle of water (you must hydrate). We'll talk more about food in a minute. Now, make your way to the grounds. My spots are the 7th green, the 6th fairway (prefect view of the 6th and 16th greens), grandstands on the 8th green, 14th green, 17th fairway, 15th green, 3rd and 10th tees and 18th green. I could tell you my order, where I sit, etc., but then I would have to kill you. This year, we were part of the action and had 15 seconds of fame on TV, even. Security and the officials were on top of it when they swarmed in and handled the situation (a ball came into the stands and hit my Mom's ankle). However, another guy grabbed the ball like it was a souvenir (this ain't no baseball game, dude!). Next thing you know, that dude was escorted OUT. My guess is, he will not get those badges back EVER. Don't mess with the Masters, people. Now for the food - you must have the pimento cheese. It is simply the best! The egg salad is pretty damn good as well. The chicken sandwich used to be amazing, but this year it was bordering on dreadful. The turkey and ham sandwiches are also good, but I will always opt for the pimento and egg (and hopefully they will fix the Chicken next year). Make sure to get some sodas, sweet tea, or beer so you get some souvenir cups - the clear ones are best as they have the year on them. The green ones are for the "imported beer" - which was Stella this year (eww). To finish the day, get yourself a Georgia Peach ice cream sandwich as you walk out. It is Georgia Peach ice cream wedged between two sugar cookies - YUM. Make sure you have some bottled water to wash off your fingers afterwards because they can be messy! They always do an amazing job with this event - the only thing left to ban is SMOKING! You cannot smoke in the grandstands (thank heavens), but too many old men smoking their nasty cigars walking around - this needs to stop. It is nature, the great outdoors - I don't need it ruined by your nasty, nasty smoke and I certainly don't want you idiots starting a fire... just sayin'.
The golf course is amazing. But what impressed me most was how nice everyone was. From the concessions people to the folks who worked the restrooms. I would having I encountered working at my business. Thank you for a great experience. In addition, we were trained out for a couple hours and the team their was so efficient in getting people back on the course. Very organized. Great job all around.
There's no words that can describe this event. i've been in tournaments (majors) in Australia Dubai all over the United States Hawaii and there's nothing that can come close to this event. The feeling is electric when you get anywhere near the course which is hidden in the middle of Augusta. You can feel the history in the air you can see the nervousness of the players that usually have ice in the veins. The only other feeling that I have had anywhere near this is when I was a young kid going to walk Disneyland or possibly Chevy Chase when he gets to Wally World (before he finds out its closed). would definitely recommend going on the Wednesday prior to the tournament see you can take pictures no phones are allowed into the tournament during the actual tournament player Thursday through Sunday.
I've been to the Masters almost every year since I was in the 4th grade. It's something I have always done with my dad, and has become a place that I cherish. My time at the Masters lead me to play golf in high school competitively with my sister, something I'll always be proud of. My top tips include a seat on Amen Corner and as much of the concession stand food that you can handle. It's all fresh, delicious and cheap! My fave is the egg salad sandwhich and Arnold Palmer!
This is the one time when 5 stars are not enough. 500 stars would not be enough. This place is pure PERFECTION. I would like to thank Mr Bobby Jones and Mr Clifford Roberts for their vision and giving us common people a chance to step foot onto one of the most majestic parcels of land in the entire world. I apologize for the short and amateurish attempt at a review of The Masters. My vocabulary simply doesn't contain proper words for the emotions and feelings this place casts upon me. If you have a chance to go there, do it so you can experience it for yourself.
Beautiful golf course. I really enjoyed the practice round. players are relaxed and everyone is having a great time. My favorite thing at Masters? FOOD! Pimento cheese sandwich, and ice tea.
I went to the Masters again this year (2016) on Sunday (the final round) and I don't know if it's because I haven't been to the Masters in 4 years or because I've been playing run-of-the-mill public courses recently, but Augusta National appeared to be in the best shape I've ever seen it. This was my 4th trip to the Masters (all of my visits have been on Sunday) and I treat every trip like it will be my last. Who knows when I will get another opportunity to visit? It's the toughest "ticket" to get in sports. I put ticket in quotes because you don't get into Masters tournament rounds with tickets; you get into them with badges. Badges that remain with the same people, same families, for decades. For the great majority of golfers and golf fans, the Masters is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one of the Meccas of golf (along with the Old Course at St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, etc.). Danny Willett won the tournament this year. I still remember who won in the other years I've gone: Trevor Immelman in 2008, Charl Schwartzel in 2011, and Bubba Watson in 2012. So in the years I've gone, two South Africans, an American, and an Englishman have won. This year, we entered through Gate 6A on Old Berckman's Rd. The other entrance is Gate 9, also on Old Berckman's Rd, but on the south side. There are only two entrances for patrons to my knowledge and I don't know why they call them Gate 6A and Gate 9. I consider Gate 6A the main entrance because it's closest to the clubhouse and puts you alongside the practice range and putting green. Gate 9 puts you in at 5 green, 6 tee. It's close to the popular par 3 16th hole and not far from Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, 13). We entered through Gate 9 in 2011. It seemed less congested. There are two big golf shops inside the grounds at Augusta. The best one to go to is the "South Village" golf shop just inside Gate 9. I had never been to this golf shop, at least in its current form, until this year. It's so much bigger and nicer compared to the "main" golf shop near Gate 6A and the clubhouse. It pretty much feels like walking into a Polo Ralph Lauren or Brooks Brothers outlet store. Lots of gifts and apparel and even a fitting room which the other golf shop does not have. The "bad" thing about going to the Masters on Sunday is the golf shops will be sold out of all the best items. This means the best color hats, shirts, sweaters, pullovers, etc. It's really hard for me to find stuff in my size (small) in colors I like. The pickings are slim. This is the advantage of going to the Masters earlier in the week. I always buy lots of stuff in the golf shops, both gifts and things for myself, probably more than I should. This year, I got a couple nice Masters Tech pullovers (one light blue, the other green) to play golf in, a Masters belt (what was I thinking?), a Masters teddy bear caddie for my niece, ball markers, an official program (I've gotten one every year that I've gone), and more. I've assembled a nice little Masters wardrobe and golf accessories inventory over the years. I've purchased ball markers in the past because they make great gifts. The markers I got this year I intend to use. I wish I could've gotten a white Masters hat (don't have that color yet) as well as one of the pullovers in either white, navy, black, or gray, but all the golf shops were completely sold out of those colors. Perhaps items to put on my friend's shopping list for next year. I ate one egg salad and two pimento cheese sandwiches. They're still only $1.50 a pop and quite delicious. In past years, I've spent most of my time watching players on the second nine. This year, I wanted to check out the first nine. We spent time in the observation stands at 8 green and 13 green / 14 tee. Most of our time was spent at the latter where we watched nearly half the fie
There is no way to adequately review The Masters golf tournament or the sacred ground at Augusta National. Mere words will never do it justice, but this poor mortal will try to provide some basic info... BADGES Practice round badges are on a lottery system and patron badges are fully subscribed with a waiting list years long. For more information on practice round badges and the process, go to SECURITY All patrons go through security and your badge is scanned in as you enter. You must display your badge at all times on the course...this is strictly enforced. No chairs with arms are permitted, nor bags larger than a backpack. All bags are searched as you pass through security. DO NOT BRING A CELL PHONE. All cell phones/tablets etc are prohibited - if you are caught with one on the course, your badge will be confiscated and can result in the badge being revoked. PARKING The Augusta National has acquired a large portion of land on Berckmans Road and has turned this into parking for patrons. The parking is free. Patrons with limited mobility can take advantage of the courtesy carts. ACCESS and AMENITIES The Augusta National has put a lot of thought into improvements and has made substantial changes over the years to not just the 18 holes of the course but to the amenities and access. Whether entering via the front gate or the back gate, walkways are wide and paved. There are concessions and restrooms strategically placed throughout the course, and the large shop (front gate) and the smaller shop at the back gate are well laid out and accessible to all patrons. NOTE: if attending the tournament on Sunday, selections in the shops are limited. There are check stands (free), shipping stands, ATMs, courtesy telephones, message centers, information centers, first aid, and other amenities throughout the course. FOOD Sandwiches, crackers, fruit, ice cream, bottled water, sodas and beer are available at concessions and at very reasonable prices. WEATHER The weather in Augusta is entirely unpredictable. I've been to the Masters when it's so hot and humid you can't breathe, when it's so cold you can't stop shivering, during epic hailstorms, with rain and mud up to your ankles...in short, every kind of weather condition. Tournament play will be suspended during some weather and they will close the course for truly bad weather. The course itself is beyond description and will exceed every expectation. There is nothing like The Masters anywhere else in the world.
I went in 2014 for a couple of days. Great experience. Kudos to the groundskeepers.
Had a great time today at the practice round. The weather was perfect and got to see some big names. Tiger came out for a while late in the day. The food was great. Pimento Cheese is my favorite sandwich followed by the bbq. Moon pies were a nice addition as well. Stuffed my face and had fun.
Stumbled over to the Masters Tournament page on Yelp to feel nostalgic and to see if I could possibly get any more excited for next week. Not possible. It's Augusta. Brandt Snedeker once said he would trade every win he ever had for a single green jacket. Since I'll never win a green jacket, I think the best comparison I can make is that I would trade every trip I've ever taken (Vegas, Disney, the UK, Italy, Paris, Ireland) if it meant getting to go to the Masters even one more time. My degree is in public relations and even I have a difficult time putting what one might experience at THE Augusta National Golf Club into words. It is a world truly its own. Augusta and the Masters are amazing enough that every time I come here, I still get goosebumps and am truly in awe. I think Augusta National is the only physical PLACE that has the honor of saying that it has reduced me to tears. Yeah, I love this place that much. Todd R. got it just about right in his review: "I strolled awestruck onto the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club seemingly oblivious to the herd of spectators surrounding me. I truly felt alone in my own little dream." This sums the experience up perfectly. Everything about the Masters is perfect - the lines to get in, the no phones policy, the bathroom attendants, the ENDLESS selection at the gift shop (yes I need a Masters hat in three colors), the $3 Stellas and of course the pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches. I usually eat 2 or 3 a day. Whoops. Calories don't count at the Masters, plus, hey, you walk it off. My suggestions: start at 18 and walk the course backwards. Appreciate how hilly it is in person. Remark to everyone around you who will listen that it "doesn't look this hilly on TV." Linger at 16 and appreciate the pond. Head to Amen Corner and admit to yourself that life DOES NOT get any better than this moment. Go to the 6 tee box and take that par 3 in. Don't be in any hurry. The course will be there all day. Enjoy. every. moment. The combination of all of the above is the reason I dream of Masters week the other 51 weeks of the year. A must do if you love the game of golf even a little bit. Yessir!
Restaurantji Recommends
I attended all 7 days of the Masters that included the 3 practice days. My Masters experience fulfilled all my expectations and more. I arrived for the Monday practice at about 7.30, thunderstorms were forecast so tickets were going very cheap along the street from scalpers ($150). First thing I noticed was that all staff were extremely friendly and talkative constantly saying,"Welcome to the Masters". I never got sick of hearing it! Upon entry through the main gate 6A you have to walk past the practice range which is impressive in itself, then past the main souvenir shop and concessions stand. Once past that, enter the course proper and you see the famous scoreboard halfway down the 1st hole. I turned left up to the clubhouse and then I bee-lined it for Amen corner following the 10th and 11 holes back down. What surprised me was the amount of beer stands around the course and the amount of people that were drinking at 8 o'clock in the morning! I felt out of place so decided to get with the program which then became the theme each and every day! The Masters really does have a carnival type atmosphere the whole time I was there with many people also smoking cigars... especially around Amen Corner. Being an Australian, it was very easy to meet people and I felt very welcomed by everyone that I met which added enormously to my whole experience. To walk the course that I had watched on TV for so many years from childhood witnessing all of the Greg Norman heartbreak and Adam Scott success, and all of the locations of the famous shots is truly something that cant be put into words. The only way I could describe it is complete sensory overload, especially during the tournament days when you constantly hear the roars of the patrons from all over the course. All roars are different sounding depending on the roll of the ball or whether the ball dropped in the hole or not. Combine that with the pristine beauty of the course and its immaculate condition, its just incredible! On Thursday, I arrived just in time for the honorary tee shots although you would have to be tall to see it (Im 6 foot 2) as there were literally thousands of people trying to catch a glimpse of them. This was the only time that I ever had any difficulty seeing someone play a shot. It was surprisingly easy to get around and not too packed which was a concern for me before I booked. If this is on your bucket list and you can afford it, I can promise that you will not regret it. Book now!! Watch my youtube clip of Adam Scott on the 13th;
'You're traveling to another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound, but also of mind; a journey into a wondrous land whose bounderies are that of the imagination. At the sign post up ahead, your next stop, .....Augusta National.' "I want to go to there"
For a first timer I'm not sure I can do it justice. Imagine waking up in Charlotte on Tuesday morning, checking the weather only to find the high in Augusta will be 70 and sunny...go onto Craig's list find a seller of practice round tickets, drive 2 1/2 hours, meet him, get on the course by 11AM and stroll awestruck onto the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club seemingly oblivious to the heard of spectators with me. I truly felt alone in my own little dream. The politeness, the friendly faces of the staff...it's obvious THEY know the history and the fact that you probably payed a fortune to be there and they want you to enjoy it. Tuesday practice round is all I can review this year but suffice it to say it seems to be the way to go. Standing next to the ropes near the amazing practice facility, feet from golfs elite feeling elite yourself you're just agape over the beauty and perfection, rounding the corner arriving at the first tee and gazing out over the unbelievable expanse of it all, over the first fairway to the green on 9 and on into the distance it just seems to go on for miles. In your mind you can hear the roars, feel the energy and for a moment memories of my childhood when watching there Masters meant time with your dad. God I wish he could have been there with me...and he was in spirit. I walked the entire course from 1 tee to 18 green. TV doesn't do the slope and hills justice! The grass doesn't even look...or feel real. The perfection is overwhelming but the aura is all consuming. Beer $3-$4, BBQ $4, Pimento Cheese $1... a bargain considering where you are and that a nasty hot beer at another venue would set you back at least $10 and some lips and butts dogs cost $8. If you THINK you love golf...make this a must do. And if ever you are in the area in April and the urge hits you, do what you can to get a Tuesday ticket, have a Pimento Cheese sandwich and a beer by the 16th green and cheer on the "skipping"...it's a day I'll never forget!
All you hear around Augusta, Ga. is THE MASTERS. This is the time of year when tourists swarm in by the thousands, walk around in a polo + shorts, and pay thousands of dollars to rent local homes before congesting the area with traffic. It's also when any lucky locals, can pretend to be tourists for a day. THAT'S ME! I have been to a few golf courses in my day, but this place takes the cake. Putting location and design aside, the grass is cut so damn perfectly! It's like plastic. They take golf really serious around here and it shows. The food on-site is inexpensive, you get cool little souvenir cups and now tickets are open to the public. Exclusivity has been tossed out of the window. If you plan on attending: - Bring or buy a chair (only a masters chair is allowed) - Arrive early - Use sunscreen often - Don't stalk the star players (you'll never get close) - Arrive at holes before the big shots to get a good view - Use your schedule and map often - NO CAMERAS! They scan you. - Enjoy yourself, it's gold history!
Oh how I love my annual trip to Augusta National and The Masters. I'm fortunate that my Dad was a badge holder and the badges were passed to my Mom after his passing. The Masters signifies spring to me and the true beginning of the golf season. The course was gorgeous as always and the grounds are as beautifully kept as usual. The azaleas, the trees, heck even the pine straw - everything is beautiful. I have my favorite spots to camp at the course, plus many great memories at each. I love to hit most of the holes, but I have a method. First, you have to hit the Pro Shop and get your schwag and then check it at the front (no need to lug it around all day). Next, hit one of the food stands and load up your backpack with sandwiches, chips if so desired, and grab at least 1 bottle of water (you must hydrate). We'll talk more about food in a minute. Now, make your way to the grounds. My spots are the 7th green, the 6th fairway (prefect view of the 6th and 16th greens), grandstands on the 8th green, 14th green, 17th fairway, 15th green, 3rd and 10th tees and 18th green. I could tell you my order, where I sit, etc., but then I would have to kill you. This year, we were part of the action and had 15 seconds of fame on TV, even. Security and the officials were on top of it when they swarmed in and handled the situation (a ball came into the stands and hit my Mom's ankle). However, another guy grabbed the ball like it was a souvenir (this ain't no baseball game, dude!). Next thing you know, that dude was escorted OUT. My guess is, he will not get those badges back EVER. Don't mess with the Masters, people. Now for the food - you must have the pimento cheese. It is simply the best! The egg salad is pretty damn good as well. The chicken sandwich used to be amazing, but this year it was bordering on dreadful. The turkey and ham sandwiches are also good, but I will always opt for the pimento and egg (and hopefully they will fix the Chicken next year). Make sure to get some sodas, sweet tea, or beer so you get some souvenir cups - the clear ones are best as they have the year on them. The green ones are for the "imported beer" - which was Stella this year (eww). To finish the day, get yourself a Georgia Peach ice cream sandwich as you walk out. It is Georgia Peach ice cream wedged between two sugar cookies - YUM. Make sure you have some bottled water to wash off your fingers afterwards because they can be messy! They always do an amazing job with this event - the only thing left to ban is SMOKING! You cannot smoke in the grandstands (thank heavens), but too many old men smoking their nasty cigars walking around - this needs to stop. It is nature, the great outdoors - I don't need it ruined by your nasty, nasty smoke and I certainly don't want you idiots starting a fire... just sayin'.