Augusta, Georgia, takes the world stage every spring for The Masters, considered to be the top tournament in golf. It’s been held every April since 1934 at Augusta National Golf Club, with famous names like Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods taking to the greens.
The golf club was founded on the site of an abandoned plant nursery and peach orchard known as Fruitland, developed during the Great Depression. It still has ties to the peach industry, serving peach ice cream every year.
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How to Get Tickets and Tips for Attending The Masters
Getting tickets to the Masters starts a year in advance through an application lottery system. The only way to purchase them is through the official website, so don’t get scammed. You’ll be notified by email when the process opens up.
When you do get your tickets, the other aspect to consider is how to get to and from the actual event. It’s in a residential neighborhood, so parking is limited. Several companies in Augusta operate shuttle services that you can book in advance. Otherwise, you’ll probably end up paying to park and walking to the gates.
The local bus, MyAT, can also get you to the event. Route 5 stops on Washington Road at the National Hills Shopping Center, just across the street from the north club entrance. Fares are only $1.25 per ride.
What to Wear and Bring to The Masters
The hardest part can be deciding what to wear. You’ll see all ranges of attire from casual shirts and shorts to glamorous dresses and hats. The most important thing to remember is that you’ll need comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking involved. It’s also hot, so a hat and lightweight clothing are ideal.
During tournament days, you can’t bring in your phone or camera, so keep that in mind. Small purses are allowed to carry your wallet and other essentials, but are subject to security screening. You can bring chairs, as many people do, but only certain sizes are allowed.
What to Eat and Drink at The Masters
The food inside the tournament is both famously delicious and famously inexpensive. There are several vendor areas around the course selling pimento cheese, egg salad, and chicken salad sandwiches, plus chips, biscuits, and ice cream sandwiches. Pair with a bag of chips and a Crow’s Nest beer, brewed exclusively for the Masters, and you’re all set. Don’t forget the Azalea, the event’s signature drink.
If you’re looking for a meal outside the gates, start at Trellis Coffee, a coffee shop with freshly baked pastries. Wife Saver is a local Southern food chain that created the pimento cheese and chicken sandwiches for the Masters from 1998 to 2013.
Finch & Fifth is a short drive from the gates, with tapas and charcuterie, a large whiskey selection, and weekend brunch. The downtown spot Craft and Vine is known for its craft cocktails, selection of over 30 bottles of wine on tap, and wood-fired pizzas.
End the day with a pint at Savannah River Brewing, which has rotating brews including No Jacket Required, a Czech-style pilsner, and a nod to the famous green jackets at Augusta National.
Where to Stay in Augusta
If you’re looking for a place to stay for this year’s Masters, it’s probably too late as the major hotels book up well in advance. You might have better luck with a rental, especially for a group, or staying in nearby towns and driving in, like Greensboro or Athens. But if you are planning ahead of time, these are our picks.
Olde Town Inn: The historic building only has five rooms, but gets a lot of repeat customers, especially during the tournament. Rooms have ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi, and parking. Enjoy a nightcap at the downstairs bar, the Fox’s Lair.
The Partridge Inn (review here): The Summerville hotel dates back to 1910, when it was a private home-turned-winter resort. Locals saved it from demolition, and it’s now an important part of the Masters tradition with its balcony rooms and onsite restaurant.
Where to Experience The Masters Beyond the Tournament
If you’re a golf fan visiting Augusta during the rest of the year or are just curious to learn more, start at the Augusta Museum of History. The museum is one of the only places beyond Augusta National to see the real green jacket, plus clubs from noted golfers and passes.
How to Get to the Masters
Driving is the easiest option for most attendees of the Masters, only a two-hour drive from Atlanta. But you can also join a shared vehicle like a Groome Transportation shuttle or a bus. Greyhound offers three bus trips from Atlanta every day, and so does Megabus. Both arrive on Broad Street.
If you’re short on time, Augusta Regional Airport is small but has connections to Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Washington DC. It also has an exhibit of James Brown outfits and a coterie of sweet airport pups. If you’re flying private with Wheels Up or similar companies, you’ll arrive at Daniel Field Airport.
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