Making the most of The Masters

Our Golf Travel Experts provide hints and tips for attending the iconic first major of the year. Ensuring you can maximize your Premier Golf Masters package experience and make the most of your time on the course.

Be prepared

The undulating landscape is a notorious characteristic of Augusta National, especially the famous walk up the 18th fairway. Although well documented, and regularly highlighted on TV coverage, first-time patrons remain surprised by just how significant some of the hills and slopes are on the property. 

We recommend dressing accordingly. ‘Golf Attire’ is the advised dress code, but we suggest leaving the golf shoes at home (unless they’re particularly comfortable!) and wearing durable sneakers or walking shoes, to ensure your feet endure. Ladies, no heels, and no metal spike golf shoes.

Be sure to also pack binoculars, sunglasses, sun cream and a hat, waterproofs, a poncho or an umbrella in case of a storm, cash and/or credit card, and most importantly, a chair.

Leave your phone at your accommodation or the check area

Bring a camera (not a phone) for the practice rounds. This is the only opportunity to take pictures all week.

When they say “NO CELL PHONES” they mean it. Seriously, don’t try to take one in, or you will be escorted from the property. This includes radios, TV’s, tape recorders or walkie talkies.

Augusta National Golf Club does provide a great photo opportunity, offering official shots in front of the clubhouse.

Rise early

If you arrive when the gates open, you can place a chair anywhere on the course you would like to sit, and it won’t be moved. But make sure you have the right kind of chair – no arms, foldable, etc. just as you’ve seen on TV. Write your name on your chair before you arrive at the course to avoid any issues later in the day.

Best vantage points

When attending a major championship, and seeing the course for the first time, it’s always a great idea to walk the 18 holes (remember those comfortable shoes!). Especially at a venue with as many iconic and memorable vistas as Augusta National. This also allows you to scope out the best places to watch golf the rest of the day.

However once you’ve done this, you’re better off trying to settle in a couple of great spots, rather than following a group. Continually walking the course all day can be tiresome, and it can be tricky to always get a good view, especially for a popular group.

We recommend the following locations:

– Behind the 12th tee. You can watch tee shots on both 12 & 13, along with approach shots into 11.

– In the right-side trees of 13, just passed the dogleg. There’s a food stand tucked back there, along with some high-top tables so you can pick up some food & drink while watching the play on 13.

– Behind the 16th green. This iconic hole has seen some drama through the years, most memorable was Tiger Woods in 2005 “In your life have you seen anything like that?”. Watch the players try to skip the ball across the pond during the practice rounds. You can also see the 15th green and the par 3, 6th.

– Behind the 2nd green. Watch approach shots into 2 and tee shots on 3.

– The 11th green/12th tee stands. There is a concession stand and restrooms nearby and always good action there.

Sample the tasty treats

You can’t attend the Masters without sampling the pimento cheese sandwiches, even if the recipe has changed through the years.

We can also recommend the egg salad. The fresh popcorn is popular, as is the peach ice cream sandwich. All of the food and beverages on site are well priced, so you can keep fueled through the day.

A great souvenir is the plastic cups you get your beverages in, especially the Eagle’s Nest, used for the beer (sold until 4pm). There’s no greater fun back at home than pouring guests a drink and using that cup!

After enjoying a drink at the Premier Golf Hospitality, be sure to stop and eat at T-Bonz for a great steak, as well as the possibility of running into some golfing VIPs.

Explore the merchandise

We love Masters merchandise, why wouldn’t you? They have everything you could possibly think of. Plus with all Masters Packages, Premier Golf includes a free gift. 

We recommend you start your day with a trip to the Official Merchandise tent. Don’t forget you can’t find these items anywhere else, so stock up. They provide the ideal souvenir and reminder of your week at Augusta National.

If you’re looking to keep it simple with shirts and hats, the facilities around the course are easier to shop. The merchandise near the Berkmans experience is just as well stocked and usually not as busy.

Augusta National also provides FedEx and UPS shipping centers by the entrance. Once you’ve finished shopping, we highly recommend shipping everything home so you do not have to carry it around the course all day.

Collecting autographs

The best time to collect Autographs is during the relaxed atmosphere of the Par 3 contest on Wednesday or around the practice range. Autograph-seeking is allowed only on the Washington Road side of the clubhouse near the new practice facilities. The best spots to ask are along the rope lining the practice putting green and short-game area, particularly where the golfers enter and exit.

2023 Masters Package availability is now very limited, to inquire about 2023 or to be added to the 2024 waiting list, please email [email protected] or call 866 260 4409.