My 2019 Masters Journey
April 15th , 2019
April 15th , 2019
Everything about The Masters is different than any other sporting event you have ever been to. Most golfers look at the ranking lists every year and spot the famous courses they see on TV and often wonder if they will ever get to experience those courses, or how? When it comes to Augusta National Golf Club golfers wonder if they will ever get the opportunity just to walk the sacred grounds during The Masters. It is one of the toughest tickets in sports. The face value of practice round tickets is $75 and $115 for tournament rounds, however Tuesday tickets were reselling this year for north of $2,000 and the 4 day tournament round pass was selling for $12,000. Most "patrons" will attempt to obtain tickets through the lottery system however every year this gets harder as the popularity grows. If you are lucky enough to score tickets through the lottery it will be one of the most affordable sporting events you'll ever attend. In fact you can purchase the entire menu for $60. I highly recommend it for a first timer that believes he/she will never be back. My personal favorite is a toss up between the Pimento Cheese Sandwich and the Egg Salad Sandwich, both which are not sold in my home state of PA.
Augusta National has its traditions and its rules. No running, no rowdy behavior, no shouting, and no cell phones. That's right folks, no cell phones, period! Attempting to sneak one in will get you to the phone check where you are sure to find a long line. If you are some how lucky enough to get the phone past security make sure you don't get caught with it on the grounds as you will be escorted out and banned for life. Most, including myself like the no cell phone rule. There's something about walking onto a golf course with tens of thousands of other people and no communication. I ran into multiple people I knew, headed in all different directions, and conversations ended with "I guess, maybe, I may see you around". You must adapt to old school tactics, like watches and meeting people at certain places at certain times. If you are smart enough to wear a watch prepare to be asked every few minutes what time it is. There are no clocks on the grounds, anywhere.
This year was my 5th trip to The Masters, so as a veteran there is a plan. We get there as soon as they allow parking and we walk to the south gate. Most people go through the north gate but if you want to bring in a Masters chair and plant your seat at A-Men corner, the south gate is the only way. I was able to get a front row seat behind 16 green, right behind the flag. During a practice round this is the best seat in the house because most players tinker with distance. There will be a few balls that roll right up to your feet.
This year was my 5th trip to The Masters, so as a veteran there is a plan. We get there as soon as they allow parking and we walk to the south gate. Most people go through the north gate but if you want to bring in a Masters chair and plant your seat at A-Men corner, the south gate is the only way. I was able to get a front row seat behind 16 green, right behind the flag. During a practice round this is the best seat in the house because most players tinker with distance. There will be a few balls that roll right up to your feet.
After planting my chair and claiming my territory the next mission is the pro shop. This is never an easy mission as everyone goes there early and often. You never know if play is suspended, or rain rolls in, but there is one certainty! IF they close the course for whatever reason they will immediately shut the pro shop doors and you have no chance at purchasing your masters gear. The pro shop is massive and has everything a golfer could ever want. I normally tell people whatever your budget is plan on multiplying it by 3. They have so many things you don't go in for but plan on buying once found. It's an impulse buyers worst nightmare! After the shop I head to the first tee and walk the course from there. See how its changed, appreciate the grounds, and check out some players along the walk. Every time I pass a concession its a mandatory stop for at least a snack and another soda or beer because every soda and beer comes in a commemorative cup and sodas are $2. The easiest way is to just keep stacking them and keep buying more! Leaving them under your posted chair is as safe as it gets. The Patrons at The Masters are first class all the way, no one would ever consider stealing your seat or your $2 cups.
You never know who you'll find on any given day. Celebrities, politicians, and athletes roam the grounds as normal patrons for the day just like everyone else. There is no special seating or viewing areas so they all get what you get when watching the action. After players are done you may even see them following friends. I was fortunate enough to run into a few friends during my time on the grounds. @LinksGems was there and I spent about 20 minutes with him at the practice green as he took at least a few hundred photos until he couldn't wait any longer and I last saw him heading down the first fairway. @Hafe_life and @Ashleykmayo were roaming around with @golf_com. @Geoffshac was walking around taking notes. I even got to spend some time with my friends @VGAGolf along with the @vgagolf supporters @yujin_the_wonderdog, @tommymorrison__, and @alexaapano.
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Every time I attend this event I feel like it gets better and I appreciate it more. I hadn't been to Augusta National Golf Club since 2011 which was the last time I ate a Pimento Cheese sandwich, saw a golf course with flawless conditions, and navigated my way through a day without a cell phone. It takes you back in time and there is something to be said for simplicity. It's a wonderful feeling to go through a concession stand and just grab whatever you want without even considering price and get to the friendly cashier who lets you know you owe $9 for the feast and commemorative cup on the counter.
The courses changes but the experience doesn't. It's classic. It's tradition. It's Perfect. It's The Masters.
The courses changes but the experience doesn't. It's classic. It's tradition. It's Perfect. It's The Masters.