There’s nothing like attending the Masters for the primary time.
Few sporting occasions stay as much as the hype however patrons normally agree that the Masters expertise exceeds their expectations. It’s magical in plenty of methods, together with how everybody attending is totally current.
After attending the match six occasions, I really feel certified to say the Masters is an excellent higher expertise when you’ve got a plan.
That’s to not say you’ll be able to’t go away room for journey—however getting a couple of of the important thing logistics proper goes that will help you benefit from the day much more than in case you wing it.
Many individuals solely get at some point at Augusta Nationwide. Take full benefit of that day.
On this one-day itinerary, I’m going to stroll you thru what I might do. What day somebody attends impacts the technique so I’ll point out variations that will current themselves.
Whatever the day, I’m an enormous believer that everybody (assuming they solely have at some point) ought to test off all of those packing containers:
Maximize your time by attending to the course early
Hit the merch tent
Take pleasure in as many alternative concession objects as potential
See all 18 holes plus the par-3 course
Get a photograph in entrance of the clubhouse at Founder’s Circle
Spend ample time at Amen Nook and No. 16
Alongside the way in which, I’ll embrace some professional suggestions that go above and past when it comes to preparedness.
What to Deliver
Let’s begin with some fundamentals to know earlier than you even go away your own home.
The Masters has a listing of prohibited objects that it’s best to look over to substantiate you aren’t bringing something that isn’t allowed.
The match, after all, doesn’t enable telephones or another digital gadgets able to transmitting images or video. This is applicable to all days. Digital watches are allowed however can’t be used for calls, emails, texting and principally something besides telling the time.
There’s a zero tolerance coverage on this finish and violators will get eliminated—I’ve seen it occur. Go away your gadgets at residence/resort or in your automobile (there may be energetic safety within the Masters parking zone). If it’s essential to make a name whereas on property, there are complimentary telephone banks on web site.
Cameras (nonetheless pictures solely, no video) are allowed Monday-Wednesday throughout observe rounds. Completely carry a digicam if you’re attending a type of days. It’s well worth the problem.
One chair/seat per patron is allowed however chairs/seats with pointed ends, folding armchairs and inflexible chairs are prohibited. In different phrases, you’ll be able to carry your personal armless chair.
You can even purchase chairs within the merch store for roughly $30.
Do you want one? It relies upon.
You’ll be doing a ton of strolling, there are grandstands in every single place and it’s accepted that unused seats left by different patrons can be utilized by anybody till that particular person comes again to assert their chair. The chair the Masters sells isn’t significantly snug nor memorable outdoors of the actual fact it’s a cool memento.
For those who would like to spend so much of time in a single place, you do have the choice of getting a chair, sticking a enterprise card in it and leaving it in your favourite spot so that you’re all set as soon as you come back.
Chairs are extra useful throughout match rounds when there are constantly giant crowds round each inexperienced. I may see the argument for getting a chair, placing it down in a main place early throughout a match spherical after which strolling round till you get again to that spot.
Sure, you’ll be able to go away your chair for so long as you need (besides in a single day) and will probably be there ready for you! There could be somebody sitting in it however that’s OK. Simply allow them to know it’s your chair.
Some prime picks for the place to place your chair:
Anyplace across the 18th inexperienced
Left of the sixteenth inexperienced
Behind the seventh inexperienced
Behind the 2nd inexperienced
In case your prime precedence is to place your chair at Amen Nook, I might enter via the south gate (extra on gates under) and head to No. 12 instantly. It’s good to be within the first few rows of chairs behind the tee for it to be price it.
I’m extra of a roamer who doesn’t need to keep in a single place for too lengthy so I are inclined to skip the chair half. It’s not a necessity.
What else do you want?
If you’re attending with a child who needs autographs, you’ll be able to carry a Sharpie. The one two areas to get autographs are the observe space (subsequent to the placing inexperienced) and on the par-3 course throughout Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest. It is extremely restricted.
Golf apparel isn’t necessary however hold it elegant and be aware of the climate. Golf footwear with metallic spikes usually are not allowed. I might go for sneakers over golf footwear however go for no matter you assume will carry most consolation.
Backpacks, baggage and purses (should be smaller than 10” x 10” x 12”) are an possibility. Don’t overlook sunscreen.
Just about another merchandise you would wish will probably be obtainable on the course.
PRO TIP: Many patrons don’t notice that re-entry is allowed on the Masters. You’ve the choice of leaving the property and returning, though you’ll be able to solely do that when. I might solely advocate this feature if you’re spending a number of days on the match or there may be some urgent motive to depart (similar to the power to fulfill another person and provides them their badge within the case that you simply’ve been holding onto their badge for some motive).
Arrival Time and Beginning Your Day
Folks come from all around the world to attend the Masters and keep in quite a lot of locations within the Augusta space.
Irrespective of the way you get there or the place you keep, I like to recommend arriving on the expansive free parking space (sure, fully free, no parking cross wanted) round 6:20 a.m.
Site visitors is affordable at the moment of the morning. It jams up a bit of extra because the day goes on—significantly within the night—however site visitors is managed fairly effectively for my part.
Strains at all times appear to maneuver rapidly on the Masters.
Parking opens at 6 a.m. however you’ll be good in case you get there round 6:20 a.m. If you’re occurring Saturday or Sunday, you’ll be able to again this arrival time up barely.
I favor to park nearer to the north gate. This gate, as you’ll be able to see within the map under, is alongside Berckmans Highway however nearer to Washington Highway. For those who get confused, search for the enduring water tower which is on the nook of Berckmans and Washington (nearer to the north gate).
The north gate funnels patrons to the driving vary, first gap, clubhouse, par-3 course, tenth tee, 18th inexperienced and ninth inexperienced. That is the cooler entrance for my part, particularly for first-timers. For causes I’ll clarify in a second, it’s one of the best ways to start out your day.
The south gate funnels patrons to the fifth inexperienced, sixth tee and sixteenth gap. This gate is nearer to Amen Nook.
PRO TIP: If the climate forecast is sketchy, carry a cooler with beer, snacks, and so forth., and go away it in your automobile. Throughout potential climate delays, you’ll have to evacuate the grounds and have nowhere to go besides your automobile. If it’s not raining, it may flip right into a tailgate. This occurred in 2023.
I like to offer myself loads of time to line up on the north gate. It opens at 7 a.m., which is sort of precisely when the solar rises. It’s a candy second to be strolling into the grounds at the moment.
When you get via the gates, you’ll stroll—bear in mind there isn’t any working at any level on property—previous the media heart and the observe space. The gorgeous facility is price a couple of minutes of appreciation.
Your first actual resolution of the day is to hit the merch store early or late. I favor going early.
Getting it very first thing within the morning provides you the fullest potential choice, provided that some objects may promote out. It’s additionally necessary to get something you may want for the day (chair, sunscreen, and so forth.). The gates to the course don’t open till 8 a.m. so doing the morning merch run maximizes your on-course time if you’re following this itinerary.
As unusual because it sounds, I’ve at all times discovered that the merch store requires vitality and focus. It may well get claustrophobic and uncomfortable, which isn’t what you need to be coping with later within the day. Get what you need after which both test it for later pickup or ship it utilizing the mailing service. No have to lug your merch round all day.
Listed below are some tough estimates of costs to offer you an thought:
Quarter Zip ($100-120)
Polo ($75-100)
Hat ($28)
T-Shirt ($30)
Chair ($30)
Flag ($25)
Poster ($35)
Gnome ($50)
You don’t have to rush your purchasing expertise provided that it’s best to have some 45 minutes to buy earlier than gates to the precise course open.
My favourite transfer from this level is to get a beer (or drink of selection) and a sandwich. Airport guidelines apply so a beer is completely acceptable.
First-timers must go together with a pimento cheese sandwich to start out until cheese isn’t your factor. The egg salad and membership sandwiches are additionally good.
Fairly famously, the concessions are low-cost and intensely environment friendly. Don’t be afraid of lengthy concession strains since you actually fly via the road it doesn’t matter what. It’s a formidable operation.
Buying certainly one of each concession merchandise prices simply $66! I say go nuts and take a look at all the pieces you’ll be able to.
As soon as the gate opens at 8 a.m., instantly take a left and head up the hill towards the primary tee. Have a seat on the 18th inexperienced and take a second to understand your first view of the course when you end your meals/drink.
PRO TIP: Spend a couple of minutes alongside the rope line close to the massive oak tree that borders the clubhouse. Each necessary particular person in golf is there and you will note a ton of gamers, caddies, brokers and anybody else you’ll be able to identify.
Subsequent? It’s a ceremony of passage to get a photograph at Founder’s Circle. That is situated round the appropriate facet of the clubhouse, as you’re looking at it from the primary tee or 18th inexperienced, within the course of the par-3 course. You’ll get a peek down Magnolia Lane, arguably probably the most well-known course entrance in golf.
The Masters supplies free images right here each day of the week however the schedule is incongruent because of quite a lot of components. Of notice, there may be much less time to get the picture on Wednesday because of the Par 3 Contest happening.
Monday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Tuesday (8 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Wednesday (8 a.m.-10 a.m.)
Thursday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Friday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Saturday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Sunday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
As soon as your picture is taken, you’ll obtain a card with a QR code to obtain your complimentary high-res picture. There are not any private images (which means you’ll be able to’t use your personal digicam) allowed.
It’s a pleasant contact that patrons visiting for match rounds can nonetheless get a photograph.
After your picture, I like to recommend taking a fast stroll across the newly renovated par-3 course. It shouldn’t take too lengthy (half-hour max) and it’s cool to see.
There are a pair caveats to this. One is that the par-3 course has usually been closed throughout match rounds, so this half is just for Monday-Wednesday patrons. Additionally, if you’re going Wednesday, the Par 3 Contest takes place all through the afternoon.
My scorching take is that the Par 3 Contest is considerably higher on TV. It’s outrageously crowded, viewing is mediocre until you’re in a main place and it’s simply pitch-and-putt golf.
Don’t get me fallacious—it’s a candy custom. Nice to observe legends who received’t be within the massive match. Superb to see it if you’re attending with youngsters. But when I have been a first-time Masters patron occurring Wednesday, I might dedicate not more than an hour to it.
PRO TIP: Whereas the Par 3 Contest takes place, go right down to Amen Nook or different historically busy areas which may not be as crowded as they are going to be all through different parts of the week.
Now It’s Time to Stroll the Course
You’ve hit the merch store, had a beer, taken a photograph outdoors the clubhouse and seen the par-3 course.
That’s a very good begin.
Now it’s time for what you’ve been ready for. At roughly 9 a.m. or so, you’ll begin to stroll the course.
There’s plenty of debate about one of the best ways to stroll Augusta Nationwide as a patron who needs to see all 18 holes in the identical day.
Do you begin on the primary gap and stroll it 1-18 just like the course is performed? Or do you begin at 18 and stroll backwards?
Neither! I’ve an excellent higher plan for you!
I actually assume everybody ought to begin off strolling with a second that screams, “I can’t imagine that is taking place!”
That’s the reason I might begin on the tenth tee and stroll down the insane ski slope of a fairway. It’s such a stunning view wanting right down to the inexperienced as you get nearer. One in every of my primary takeaways from my visits to Augusta Nationwide is simply how unimaginable and under-appreciated the tenth gap is—its magnificence is overwhelming.
PRO TIP: Earlier than your journey, YouTube Bubba Watson’s method shot from the bushes throughout his playoff victory within the 2012 Masters. It’s not too laborious to seek out the spot he hit from. There’ll normally be folks standing across the spot. How he hooked a wedge onto the inexperienced from that place is meaningless.
Another excuse I like beginning on the second 9 is since you get the quick payoff of seeing Amen Nook, starting with strolling all the way in which again to the eleventh tee after which cresting the hill to see probably the most well-known intersection in golf.
For those who’ve adopted my itinerary, you’ll attain the twelfth tee round 9:30 a.m.—it’s unlikely to be busy with gamers, particularly throughout match rounds once they haven’t reached that a part of the course.
That is by design. Appreciating the view in relative solitude is price it. That is additionally an exceptional picture alternative for these attending Monday-Wednesday.
And don’t fear—you’ll be again once more. You’ll be able to’t simply see Amen Nook solely as soon as. For that motive, it’s best to go away the twelfth gap by round 10 a.m. or so.
Head over the par-5 thirteenth, arguably probably the most well-known threat/reward gap on the earth. The world to the appropriate of the inexperienced is one other nice picture alternative. The flowers are top-notch (Choose Smails’ voice) on this gap.
The 14th gap deserves extra love than it will get. You want a minimum of 10 minutes round what’s the most unusual inexperienced on the course.
Head to the par-5 fifteenth gap and ensure to get one other image from the center of the green whereas standing within the crosswalk. Course workers will enable this so long as there aren’t any gamers coming.
Go across the left facet of the fifteenth inexperienced and behind the sixteenth tee. There are a couple of fascinating elements to this space of the property.
There’s a fountain with a plaque devoted to Arnold Palmer. There may even be a small board the place course workers are updating pairings for the observe spherical as they get data of every group on the course. By this time (round 11 a.m.), the course could have loads of gamers.
And in case you take the trail to the left of the tee, you can find one other complimentary telephone financial institution. I at all times say it’s price making a minimum of one name to a pal to allow them to see Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership present up on the caller ID.
It’s time for an additional cease at concessions. You’ve obtained at some point so energy don’t rely. Could I curiosity you in a peach ice cream sandwich? Refuel with a beer? Go loopy.
Make your self a bit of picnic by sitting left of the sixteenth inexperienced alongside the hill. This can be a cool vantage level and I like to recommend coming again right here later within the afternoon.
Head up the seventeenth gap after which make the trudge up the 18th, making certain you cease on the tee to totally respect how slim it’s.
By the point you’re again on the clubhouse, it ought to be proper round midday. You’ve formally walked 9 holes at Augusta Nationwide.
Methods to Spend the Afternoon
You’ve seen plenty of the golf course however most likely not a ton of the gamers at this level. Let’s change that.
The primary hour of the afternoon is nice for resting on the observe vary watching gamers hit balls—or heading to the Par 3 Contest if you’re occurring Wednesday.
You realistically received’t be capable to hold going continuous all through the day because of how bodily demanding the stroll is, so I’m constructing in mini breaks alongside the way in which.
In your manner again from the vary, take one other run on the merch store or admire the Masters scoreboard alongside the primary fairway. The latter is an absolute should throughout match days.
Round 1:30 p.m. or so, it’s time to stroll the rest of the course whereas stopping at Amen Nook and the sixteenth gap for an additional stint.
This time, we are going to begin strolling the course from the start. Begin on the first tee and stroll the primary six holes till you’re standing behind No. 6 inexperienced.
A few of my favourite highlights on this part of the course:
Are you able to imagine how steep it’s to stroll up the primary fairway? Fairly cool.
Strolling down the appropriate hand facet of No. 2 provides an awesome view of the method shot.
The one strategy to see No. 3 is correct of the inexperienced. It’s unimaginable how daunting that placing floor is.
No. 4 isn’t my favourite gap however recognizing the lone palm tree (proper of the inexperienced) is enjoyable.
The golf green bunkers on No. 5 are huge as is the undulating inexperienced.
No. 6 is an exceptional gap. The inexperienced is tough to imagine and it’s neat to take a seat under the tee and have gamers hit over your head. You’ll know what I imply if you’re there.
I allot about two hours for this part. It’s superior to observe a bunch observe across the inexperienced—or decide a gap and see the method pictures land. Take your time and revel in it.
The urge will probably be to complete out the 9 holes—however I don’t advocate this for a few key causes.
You’re already at one of many lowest ranges of the property and also you solely need to stroll again as much as the clubhouse yet another time to preserve vitality.
That’s why we’re skipping throughout from No. 6 to No. 16, a wedge shot away. Throughout practice-round days, you’ll be able to watch gamers come via and skip balls throughout the water. That is additionally probably the greatest holes to observe throughout match rounds.
Spend as a lot time right here as you need. There’s loads of room on that hill and you’ll mess around with the angles by going up close to the inexperienced or sitting within the grandstands subsequent to the tee. It’s fairly one thing.
Now it’s time to return to Amen Nook (you’ll be able to stroll from 16 tee proper across the nook to 13 inexperienced).
The world ought to be packed at this level, which is all part of the expertise. You’ve seen Amen Nook in relative solitude however now it’s time to be part of the environment.
If you’re attending throughout a match day, I might spend a minimum of an hour at Amen Nook. It’s not snug and the viewing isn’t essentially nice but it surely’s a non secular expertise to be among the many plenty.
PRO TIP: Purchase one BBQ sandwich and one pimento cheese sandwich. Open the BBQ bun and put the pimento cheese on prime of the meat.
I’m going to say that between the sixteenth gap and Amen Nook, you’ll be prepared to maneuver on to different areas of the course by 5 p.m.
Now it’s time for one last trek up the hill however this one will are available in a special type.
Head on over to No. 7, proper subsequent to No. 16 inexperienced. It could be my least favourite gap on the course however the inexperienced is thought for providing an fascinating vantage level. It’s price watching a couple of method pictures are available in to see how balls react on that inexperienced.
No. 8 is a poor spectator gap outdoors of patrons being within the grandstands behind the inexperienced. It’s price ready for a spot there to get a very good really feel for the size of that slim inexperienced. The second shot is totally blind and you will note why after strolling up the hill.
No. 9 is without doubt one of the most visually hanging holes on the property. It’s price spending 20 minutes round that inexperienced.
The course formally closes at 8 p.m. so be at liberty to remain as late as you’ll be able to. Many will probably be prepared for dinner or have a protracted drive again to their resort so it’s comprehensible if you wish to go away a bit of earlier.
Sure, this itinerary is exhausting. Strolling Augusta Nationwide is exhausting. It’s price it.
Greatest Dinner/Bar Choices
I get this query quite a bit so I figured it’s price mentioning a couple of night time choices.
Dive bar with surprisingly good meals: Tipsey McStumbles. They’ve a Golden Tee.
Nice vibes: Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar. The boiled shrimp slaps.
Enjoyable cease for drinks: Metro Espresso Home. Not simply espresso.
Nice meals: Sole. Greatest sushi in Augusta.
Classiest institutions: Hooters or Twin Peaks. Simply kidding.
Closing Ideas
I’ve been lucky to attend quite a lot of sporting occasions in my life however nothing is just like the Masters.
I’m assured it’s the perfect sporting occasion on the earth to attend. Every little thing is so organized and the course exceeds any expectation you might have. No consequence may take that away apart from the climate.
Even in case you don’t comply with this itinerary, work out a plan that works for you. Have a blast.
If you wish to ask me extra particular questions on attending, electronic mail me at [email protected] or go away a remark under.
