The Masters is a bucket list trip.
The tournament has a brand that exceeds any other. Their logo may be the most recognizable in the game.
Having been lucky enough to attend the event, we wanted to share some of the “lessons” learned walking the immaculate grounds of Augusta National.
FOR STARTERS, GET THERE EARLY
The Masters is a big event which means crowds. While there’s no getting around this, there are some moves you can make to alleviate some of the people traffic issues.
We suggest getting there as soon as the parking lots open to get in line. This is counter to most advice we’d ever give (we hate lines). But in this
As you walk down the road toward the course you’ll pass some immaculately maintained buildings (this will be a recurring theme throughout the day) and the driving range on your left. As the road bends to the right you know you are getting close.
GO TO THE PRO SHOP FIRST
The pro shop (I’d call it more of a Superstore) is down on your right. Go there first!
The Masters pro shop is totally awesome. It has anything you could possibly want a Masters logo on. Hats, umbrellas, shirts, jackets, belts, koozies, glassware, wallets, folding chairs, and a whole bunch of other swag.
The problem is it gets uncomfortably crowded.
The year we got tickets our group decided to walk the course before hitting the pro shop. It was a mistake. Go to the pro shop before it turns into a shoulder to shoulder sea of people. You can thank me later.
Next tip.
STORE OR SHIP YOUR NEW MASTERS GEAR
The next recommendation is to either store your new gear for the day in one of the locations next to the pro shop (in the same building, but you have to go back outside to get there) or ship it back to yourself.
Carrying you new swag around all day is a drag. You need those hands for pimento cheese sandwiches, $3 beers, and Georgia peach ice cream sandwiches.
Unless you are one of the lucky folks that gets to attend “the tradition unlike any other” on a regular basis, you don’t know when you’ll get to do this again. So spend the extra cash and free yourself up for a true bucket list expereince.
THEN WALK THE COURSE
Walking the course is definitely recommended, just not before hitting the pro shop. One of the first things you’ll notice, and you may have heard this before, is the degree and number of elevation changes around the course. It just doesn’t translate to TV.
Walking the course is a great way to pass the time, get a lay of the land for afternoon viewing spots, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. The course and grounds are as close to perfect as you can get. It almost doesn’t look real.
SPOT SAVERS
One of the unique aspects of the experience is the ability to place a folding chair in one of many designated viewing locations around the golf course. This allows you to save yourself a spot for later in the day.
Most of the people in the early arrival crowd I suggest you join with be gunning to get front row seats at the 18th green or another premium location. My opinion is that this is overrated.
The people I went to the tournament with were supposed to bring me a seat, but forgot it. It tuned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Throughout the afternoon I saw dozens of people who couldn’t identify their seats in the crowds of others, had their seats moved, or had to ask strangers to get out of their seats.
The whole “save your spot” idea seemed like a total headache, especially when you are banking on heading back to that perfect location you picked out earlier in the day. (If you have trouble being on your feet all day then take this suggestion with a grain of salt.)
BONUS SUGGESTION
Getting to the hallowed grounds of Augusta National as early as suggested means you are in for a long day.
Thankfully, the food selection is excellent and super affordable. You’ll probably be having multiple lunches, like Stephen Hennessey of Golf Digest.
My suggestion is to spice it up. Get a pimento cheese sandwich and a classic chicken sandwich at the same time. Put the pimento cheese sandwich inside the classic chicken sandwich, club style. I ditched a slice of the bread the pimento cheese was on, but I saw others do this with anywhere from 2-4 slices of bread.
Pairs well with both domestic and imported beer. Enjoy.
HAVE FUN
The Masters is an incredible experience that will not disappoint. If you’re headed to Augusta National this April I hope you have great weather and an even better time!
photo credit: Jetset Magazine