The Masters

As I sit here and watch the last round of The Masters on this glorious Sunday. (Is there a better way to spend a Sunday than watching The Masters??) … I am convinced that it is indeed the BEST golf tournament in the WORLD. Furthermore, I was lucky enough to go to a practice round this year on Tuesday at The Masters. It was a surprise gift for my boyfriends’ 50th birthday. … and it was a great day!!

What is it like to go to The Masters?

It’s like MAGIC! I have never seen a course (and I have been to Sawgrass, across The Pond to most of the courses in Scotland and Ireland. Also, to Whistling Straits and so many other amazing golf courses) … that is more manicured and pristine … The Masters is a 7-day event, and each day is special … it is an EXPERIENCE to say the least. I have been three times … but this year was so unique as due to COVID. Subsequently, there were only 10,000 people allowed in each day. We had the whole place to ourselves!

There are three days of Practice Rounds

…and then four days of Competitive Rounds. One notable difference is that cameras are allowed on the golf course during Practice Rounds but not on the Competitive Rounds. Here is a detailed breakdown with day-by-day tips:

  • Monday Practice Round: Cameras are allowed. Stand by the Clubhouse and watch the players arriving. This is also the best day for merchandise shopping, as high demand items will sell out later in the week. We did some MAJOR shopping in the Golf Shop….make sure to plan at least an hour there!
  • Tuesday Practice Round: Cameras are allowed. Sit on #16 and watch players skip their ball across the water and onto the green. Get your picture taken at “Amen Corner.” We went on Tuesday and I think this is the best day! We watched on # 16 as Phil Michelson SKIPPED his ball….the crowd loved it and so did we! We pretty much saw everyone on Tuesday except my heartthrob favorite, Adam Scott!
  • Wednesday Practice Round: Cameras are allowed. Walk the course in the morning, but head over to the par-3 Executive Course by 1:00 for the Par-3 Tournament. This tradition-rich event is really enjoyable and allows you to get very close to the players. Many players have their children serving as caddies, and they are in an especially festive mood. Unfortunately due to Covid they did not have this event this year…but I am sure they will next year!
  • Thursday Competitive Round: No cameras for the rest of the tournament. Start Thursday with the Ceremonial First Tee Shot, always taken by a legend of the tournament. Unlike the Practice Rounds, every shot counts now. It was wonderful to see Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Elder. In 1975, he became the first African-American to play in the Masters Tournament.
  • Friday Competitive Round: The good thing about Thursday and Friday is that no one has missed the cut, so all of your favorite golfers are guaranteed to still be playing.
  • Saturday Competitive Round: Often called “moving day.” Only the top 50 golfers (or anyone within 10 shots of the lead) are left playing, and everyone else has missed the cut. Those remaining are doing their best to get into the final pairing for Sunday. This is the day we know who will be in contention for the victory.
  • Sunday Competitive Round: It’s been said that the tournament doesn’t really begin until the back nine on Sunday. This is Championship Sunday and a winner will earn the coveted Green Jacket in the awards ceremony right about sunset. It is an amazing opportunity to watch the previous year’s champion place the green jacket onto the new winner.

Where are the best places on the course to watch golf?

Here is where we watched from and these spots are highly recommended ….

  • Amen Corner: From a single vantage point you can watch the players make their putts on #11, then watch them play the magnificent #12, and finally see them tee off on #13. With so few fans this year we had a GREAT VIEW! This year there were no stands…but normally this is one of the largest stands on the course…but bring a hat as it is in the sun all day!!!
  • #16: This par-3 over water is an excellent place to watch golf, especially during Practice Rounds where the players will often make an attempt to skip their ball across the water. From this hole it is also possible to watch the players making their putts on #15. We LOVE this location!
  • #6: There are numerous vantage points around this par-3 hole that allow you to view as many as four holes simultaneously. I love how high you are here…you can see forever!
  • Any Tee Box: It’s worth finding a good spot up close to a tee box and waiting as multiple groups play through…my favorite threesome this week was Westwood, Willett and Wallace…they were having a blast playing!
  • #1 Tee Box:  If you stand under the giant oak tree by the clubhouse, you can watch all of the greats move from the clubhouse to the tee box for their first shot.  This is the best place to be on Thursday morning, to watch the ceremonial first tee shot by a legend of the game. Jim sat here and watched while I walked the back nine …. when I was done I caught him chatting with all the old fart locals!!

 

HOW CAN YOU GET TICKETS TO THE MASTER’S?

The Masters has long been known as “the toughest ticket in sports.” However, the Augusta National offers a small number of tournament tickets online. You can enter their lottery HERE →. I didn’t win the lottery so I got my on SeatGeeks (or try any of the Ticket company’s) … or really treat your someone special to a Bucket List Trip … by clicking HERE →

Just don’t forget to stop at the concession stand and enjoy the amazing Pimento Cheese Sandwiches ….. oh ….. we had 2 sandwiches …. two drinks … two chips and only spent $14!!!  GO TO THE MASTERS!!!!

As always, if you have any questions, let me know →