Featured image: Keaton Thurmond
Recognized as one of the most important events in golf, the Masters Tournament was first played in 1934 at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. It’s now an April event in which people come from all over the world to see the top names in the sport tee off like Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer. Announcer Jim Nantz famously dubbed it “a tradition unlike any other,” a title that remains years later.
The prestigious and exclusive golf club was founded by a group that included legendary Atlanta golfer Bobby Jones. He worked with famed course architect Alister Mackenzie to transform an abandoned peach orchard called Fruitland amidst the Great Depression. Today, the course is known for its greenery and sloping hills, with each hole named for different plants like camellia and azalea.
How to Get Masters Tickets
Perhaps one of the toughest tickets in sports, entry into the Masters is on an application basis. Log onto the website well in advance and prepare for an email about ticket release days. Note that practice days are also enjoyable, plus you can bring in your camera and phone. The Par3 Contest day, where golfers compete with their family members, is a fun one to attend. No matter the event, give yourself plenty of time to browse the gift shop, too.
Where to Eat and Drink
One of the common discussions around the Masters is the food, and we have good news: it’s very affordable. Southern-drenched fan favorites include the pimento cheese sandwiches, chicken salad, biscuits, and the ice cream sandwich. You’ll find the usual drinks, like sweet tea and lemonade, plus event-specific concoctions like a Belgian beer, Crow’s Nest, and the tournament’s signature drink, Azalea, made with vodka, grenadine, pineapple juice, and lemon juice.
Outside the event, Augusta has some fantastic restaurants a short drive away. WifeSaver is a local chain that created the pimento cheese for the Masters from 1998 to 2013. French Market Grille is a favorite of the golf reporters for the Cajun and Creole dishes, not to mention the proximity to Augusta National. Calvert’s Restaurant is another spot sure to be booked during the tournament with the finest steak and seafood.
What to Wear and Bring to the Masters
During tournament days, no electronic devices are allowed including phones and cameras. This is probably the biggest rule of the day and is enforced with lockers outside the gates. Chairs are allowed, but they must adhere to size restrictions. Pro tip: you’ll see hundreds of similar green chairs around the course so if you bring one, make sure your name is written on it.
The Masters offers a chance to dress your best, with many donning their best pastel sundresses and golf shirts. But, comfort remains important. With several hilly and uneven areas and balmy temps, choose your footwear strategically and bring a hat. If you’re looking for outfit inspiration, the Masters has a “Fashion at the Masters” Pinterest board.
Where to Stay in Augusta
After you’ve secured your tickets, the next challenge lies in lodging. Many of the top hotels will be booked up well in advance, especially those closest to Augusta National. The Partridge Inn is one of Augusta’s timeless gems, located in the historic Summerville neighborhood. Originally opened as a winter resort in 1910, it’s hosted celebrities and presidents, especially after its reopening in 1988.
The Olde Town Inn is short on rooms but big on charm, with cozy rooms and a basement bar hosting live music nightly. Rentals are best for groups, which you’ll find throughout Augusta and even neighboring areas like Lake Oconee.
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