Attending the Masters Practice Round is a bucket list item for many golf enthusiasts. It’s a chance to see the world’s top golfers up close, soak in the beauty of Augusta National Golf Club, and experience the excitement of the tournament before it officially begins. But, as with any major event, there are ways to maximize your experience and make sure you have the best time possible.
In this article, we’ll share our top tips for attending the Masters Practice Round, from when to arrive to where to park, and everything in between.
Tips for going to the masters for the first time
By following these tips, you can make the most of your first-time experience at the Masters and create lasting memories.
- Plan ahead: The Masters is a popular and highly-attended tournament, so it’s important to plan ahead for transportation, accommodations, and ticket purchases. Make sure to research and book well in advance to secure your spot.
- Check the weather: The weather in Augusta can be unpredictable, so make sure to check the forecast and dress accordingly. Layers are recommended, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.
- Follow the rules: Augusta National Golf Club has strict rules and guidelines for attendees, such as no cell phone usage and no running on the course. Make sure to review the rules beforehand and follow them during your visit.
- Be prepared to walk: The Masters course is a walking-only course, so be prepared to do a lot of walking throughout the day. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a small bag with essentials such as water, sunscreen, and snacks.
- Enjoy the experience: The Masters is known for its beautiful course and historic traditions, so take the time to appreciate the atmosphere and soak in the experience. Consider attending the practice rounds for a more relaxed and low-key experience.
When is the Masters Practice Round?
The Masters Practice Round takes place the week before the official tournament begins. In 2023, the practice round will take place from Monday, April 3rd to Wednesday, April 5th. Gates open at 8:00 am and close at 6:30 pm.
Where is the Tournament Held?
The Masters Tournament is held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, located in Augusta, Georgia, USA.
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How to Get Tickets to the Masters Practice Round
Getting tickets to the Masters Practice Round can be challenging. The tournament has a long-standing reputation for being exclusive, and tickets are highly coveted. There are a few ways to try to obtain tickets:
- Apply through the Masters Tournament website: Starting in June of the previous year, you can apply for tickets through the Masters Tournament website. Applications close in August, and the tournament uses a random selection process to allocate tickets.
- Purchase tickets from a reseller: If you’re willing to pay a premium, you can purchase tickets from a reseller. Be cautious when purchasing from a reseller, as there are many scams out there.
- Enter a lottery: Some organizations hold lotteries for Masters Practice Round tickets. For example, the Augusta National Women’s Club holds a lottery every year.
How to Get to Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta National Golf Club is located in Augusta, Georgia, approximately 150 miles east of Atlanta. The club is easily accessible by car, and there are several airports in the area, including Augusta Regional Airport, Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Where to Park at Augusta National Golf Club
Parking at Augusta National Golf Club is limited, so it’s important to plan ahead. The tournament offers free parking and shuttle service from the Augusta National Golf Club Greenbrier lot, located off Washington Road. Parking opens at 7:00 am, and the shuttle service runs continuously from 7:30 am until 7:00 pm.
What to Wear to the Masters Practice Round
The dress code at Augusta National Golf Club is strict. Men must wear collared shirts, and shorts are only allowed if they are Bermuda shorts. Women must wear conservative golf attire, and skirts or shorts must be at or below knee-length. Hats and sunglasses are allowed, but they must not have any offensive logos or wording. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the course is hilly and there is a lot of walking involved.
What to Bring to the Masters Practice Round
There are certain items you should bring with you to the Masters Practice Round to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. These include:
- Sunscreen: Even if it’s not particularly sunny, the Georgia sun can be intense, and it’s important to protect your skin.
- Hat and sunglasses: As mentioned, hats and sunglasses are allowed, and they can help keep the sun out of your eyes.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Again, the course is hilly and involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.
- Rain gear: April is known for its unpredictable weather, and it’s not uncommon for there to be rain during the practice round. Bring a poncho or umbrella just in case.
- Cash: While there are ATMs on site, they can be busy and may run out of cash. It’s a good idea to bring some cash with you for food and merchandise purchases.
What Things You Can To Do At The Masters
For any golf fan, going to the Masters is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What other things can you do at the Masters besides watch the best golfers in the world? You can learn about Augusta’s history, shop for unique items, and eat and drink delicious food and drinks. By using our guide to things to do at the Masters, you can make sure that your trip is one you will never forget.
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Food and Beverage Options at the Masters Practice Round
There are several food and beverage options available at the Masters Practice Round, from traditional southern fare to international cuisine. Prices are reasonable, and there are plenty of options to suit all tastes. It’s important to note that outside food and beverages are not allowed on the course.
Etiquette and Rules at Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta National Golf Club has a strict set of rules and etiquette guidelines that all attendees must follow. These include:
- No running: Walking is the only way to get around the course.
- No cell phones: Cell phones are not allowed on the course, and there are designated areas for their use.
- No chairs: Chairs are not allowed on the course, but there are plenty of viewing spots available.
- No autographs: Players are not allowed to sign autographs during the practice round.
- No cameras: Cameras are not allowed on the course, but there are designated areas for taking photos.
Top Viewing Spots at the Masters Practice Round
There are several great viewing spots at the Masters Practice Round, including:
- Amen Corner: Holes 11, 12, and 13 are known as Amen Corner and are some of the most iconic holes on the course.
- The 16th Hole: This is a great spot to see players attempt to make the difficult par-3.
- The Practice Range: This is where players warm up before the round, and it’s a great spot to get up close and personal with them.
- The Putting Green: This is where players practice their putting, and it’s a great spot to see them up close.
Making the Most of Your Masters Practice Round Experience
To make the most of your Masters Practice Round experience, follow these tips:
- Arrive early: Gates open at 8:00 am, but lines can be long, so arrive early to ensure you get in as soon as possible.
- Plan your day: Take a look at the course map and plan which holes you want to see and when.
- Take breaks: There are plenty of food and beverage options available, so take breaks throughout the day to rest and refuel.
- Soak it all in: The Masters Practice Round is a unique experience, so take the time to appreciate the beauty of the course and the skill of the players.
What is the best day to attend the Masters?
- The best day to attend the Masters will depend on your personal preferences and schedule.
- If you’re interested in watching a specific golfer, it’s recommended to attend on the day they are scheduled to play.
- However, if you’re more interested in avoiding crowds and enjoying the scenery, the earlier practice rounds may be a better option.
- The Wednesday before the tournament also features the famous Par 3 Contest, which can be a fun and lively atmosphere.
- Ultimately, it’s important to plan ahead and consider all factors when deciding which day to attend.
Who gets invited to the Masters Tournament?
- Invitations to the Masters Tournament are extended to a limited field of professional golfers who meet certain criteria.
- Past champions and select amateurs are also invited to participate.
- The current criteria for professional golfers include:
- Winners of major professional tournaments.
- Winners of PGA Tour events.
- The top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking.
- A few other categories such as winners of certain amateur tournaments.
- The exact field size may vary from year to year.
- Typically, the field size falls between 90 and 100 players.
What are the best accommodations for the Masters?
The best accommodations for the Masters will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Many visitors choose to stay in Augusta or nearby cities such as Aiken, South Carolina, which offer a range of hotels and vacation rentals.
However, for a more exclusive and luxurious experience, some visitors may choose to rent a private home or villa near Augusta National Golf Club.
Another popular option is to book a package with a hospitality provider, which may include tickets to the tournament, transportation, and other perks. It’s recommended to book accommodations well in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly during Masters week.
Masters Tips for Merchandise Shopping at the Masters?
By following these tips, you can make the most of your merchandise shopping experience at the Masters and bring home some unique souvenirs to remember your trip.
- Arrive early: The merchandise shop can get crowded quickly, so it’s best to arrive early in the day to avoid long lines.
- Bring cash: While credit cards are accepted, the merchandise shop can experience connectivity issues during peak hours, so it’s a good idea to bring cash just in case.
- Look for unique items: The Masters merchandise shop is known for its exclusive and limited-edition items, so keep an eye out for unique souvenirs and collectibles.
- Consider pre-ordering: The Masters website offers pre-ordering for select merchandise items, which can help you avoid the crowds and secure the items you want.
- Check for re-stocking: If an item you want is sold out, don’t give up hope just yet. The merchandise shop often restocks popular items throughout the tournament, so check back periodically.
- Don’t forget about the online shop: If you’re unable to make it to the tournament or prefer to avoid the crowds, the Masters website also offers an online shop with a wide selection of merchandise.
How much does it cost to attend the Masters in person?
The cost of attending the Masters in person can vary depending on a number of factors, including the day you attend, the type of ticket you purchase, and your accommodations.
Tickets to the Masters are notoriously difficult to come by, with many fans entering into the annual ticket lottery in hopes of securing a spot.
If you are lucky enough to win the lottery, prices for tickets can range from around $75 for a practice round to over $1,000 for a tournament round. In addition to the cost of tickets, you will also need to consider the cost of accommodations, transportation, and meals during your stay.
Hotel prices in Augusta can skyrocket during Masters week, with some hotels charging upwards of $1,000 per night. Overall, attending the Masters can be a significant expense, but for many golf fans, the experience is well worth the cost.
FAQs:
Augusta National Golf Club is a private club, and as such, is only accessible to its members and their guests. The public is not permitted to play a round of golf at the course or visit it at any time outside of the Masters Tournament.
The price of beer at the Masters can vary depending on the location and type of beer. In recent years, prices for beer at the Masters have ranged from around $5 to $8 per serving.
Yes, patrons attending the Masters are allowed to sit in designated areas throughout the course. These areas include bleachers located near some of the holes, as well as areas where patrons are permitted to bring and set up their own chairs.
At the Masters tournament, fans have the opportunity to purchase an official Masters chair for a cost of $30. This price is about a third of the cost of chairs found on the online secondary market. The chairs are adorned with the Masters logo and the tournament year, Each chair has a small plastic sleeve on the back that can hold a business card or display the owner’s name.
Conclusion:
Attending the Masters is a bucket list item for many golf fans. While it requires a lot of planning and preparation, the experience is one that is sure to be unforgettable. From watching the best golfers in the world to exploring Augusta, there is something for everyone at the Masters.