Visitor’s Guide to the Masters and Augusta, Georgia

When I told my husband that I had been invited to The Masters last April, he was ready to pack his bags! My golfing skills are mostly limited to putt-putt, but I realized that it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and we definitely made the most of it.

Augusta National is a private golf club and is only open to the public during the week of The Masters. Most people get tickets from the Augusta National Ticket Lottery, and the odds are pretty steep. (I’ve heard rumors of around a 1% chance of being selected.) Event tickets to even the practice round are coveted, so if you get a chance to go, you better take it!

Things to know before you go to the course

⛳️Cell phones aren’t allowed inside, but you can check them at the gate.

⛳️If you want to buy a garden gnome, do it early. Those highly-collectible critters sell out quickly!

⛳️You can set your chair up at one hole, but sit in an empty one at another hole. (Just be prepared to give up the seat if the owner comes back.)

⛳️The gift shop lines may look long, but they move quickly. Think something like a cross between the New York Stock Exchange and Chick-fil-a.

⛳️You can check your gift shop purchases so you don’t have to carry them all day.

⛳️Don’t even think about asking for autographs. Except for the practice range, and on the Par 3 course, requests are prohibited.

Things that are not to be missed

📸Get a picture at Champions Circle. Since cell phones aren’t allowed, take advantage of the one photo op. You’ll get a card to download your picture later.

🧀Try the iconic concessions. The pimento cheese sandwiches are probably the most popular, but the chicken salad sandwiches and Georgia peach ice cream sandwiches are also not to be missed.  Surprisingly, food prices are low, to the tune of $1.50-$3.00 for a sandwich.

Have a Coca-Cola (excuse me, I mean Cola). The course doesn’t allow branded drinks, so don’t even try asking what kind it is. Thankfully someone in line heard me ask and told me that it’s actually Coca-Cola. (I rarely drink soft drinks, but if I do, there is only one choice for me.)

🏌️‍♂️Follow one of your favorite golfers. With so much going on, and such a large course, a popular strategy is to pick one golfer and follow him around the course.

🚶🏻‍♀️Walk the course (at least several holes). Another strategy is to walk the entire course instead of focusing on just one golfer. It may be tiring, but you’ll get a chance to see one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

🛍️Shop at the pro shop. Don’t expect to just walk in and shop at Augusta. You get in line and work your way up to the store, much like a Disney ride. Have your shopping list ready because you’ll need to choose quickly. People are everywhere, but the shop runs like a well-oiled machine!

📞Phone a friend from a courtesy phone. Don’t let the lack of cell phones prevent you from letting your friends know where you are! Free pay phones are located at the first and eighth tee.

What to Wear

Instead of what to wear to The Masters, it’s probably best to start with what not to wear. Jeans are a no-no, and so are overly casual clothes. Don’t even try to bring a bag, unless it’s 10″ x 10″ x 12″ or smaller.

I’ve heard it said that it’s a good idea to dress like you are there to play, and I don’t mean at the local par 3 course. The Masters is classy, so most people try to step it up a little bit!

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Men

Khaki shorts or pants with collared shirts are the most popular choice for men to wear at The Masters. For men, like my husband, Jeff, who like the feel of dri-fit shirts, the Nike Men’s Dri-fit Victory Polos are a good choice.

You’ll be outside, so hats are also a good idea, too – straw hats, bucket hats, golf hats – whatever you like.

Women

Spring comes early to Augusta, so sun dresses and skirts are popular with the ladies. I opted for a matching Lilly Pulitzer Luxletic skort and top because it was appropriate for the course, and also comfortable. I found this golf skort by Stelle with inside pockets for a less expensive alternative.

Mornings often start out cool, so a light jacket or sweater is a good idea. For me, another must-pack are sunglasses, like my favorite Ray-Ban Elliots that are perfect for small faces.

Comfortable shoes are also a must. You’ll be walking a lot, and the hills on the course are no joke. This is not the time to show off new sandals or heels unless you want to get blisters. I chose my white ASICS Japan S PF Sportstyle because they were comfortable and broken in.

I had Jeff carry everything in his pockets, but if you decide to bring a bag, make sure it’s 10″ x 10″ x 12″ or smaller. I like to have my hands free, so I would go with something like this CLUCI Crossbody Sling Bag.

What to Bring

Refillable water bottle. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, but you can bring an empty water bottle. If you’re like me, and want your hands free, the Stanley Cross Bottle is a bit pricey, but it fits the bill.

Sunscreen. You’re going to be outside all day, so don’t bring home a sunburn as a souvenir. For faces, I like Coppertone Complete Face or CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen to give a little tint. For the rest of the body, Sun Bum SPF 30 is great for those who like lotion, or Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 70 for those who prefer spray sunscreen.

Collapsible chair without armrests. If you already have a Masters green chair without arms, bring it. If not, spring for one in the gift shop.

Credit or debit card. Augusta National is cashless, so be sure to bring a card for payment.

Where to Stay

Hospitality Houses

Hospitality houses are some of the most popular accommodations for The Masters. What is a hospitality house, you might ask? They are single-family residences, like the one where we stayed, that locals rent out for the week of the tournament. Many locals choose to take a vacation to escape the crowds and earn some extra cash. 

The Partridge Inn

The Partridge Inn, known as the PI, just celebrated 115 years and has been “THE place” to stay in Augusta for over a century. President Harding held a gala there, and famous golfers are frequent visitors. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth a stop for a meal at 8595 Restaurant and Bar, and the best rooftop view in Augusta at Six South.

No matter where you stay in Augusta, you’re sure to have a great time at The Masters. As they say, even a bad day on the golf course is still better than a good day at the office.