Why every golf fan needs to attend the Masters
Every year we’re all captivated by the Masters at Augusta National, one of golf’s great spectacles, but watching it in-person takes it to a different level, explains golf writer Kit Alexander.
You can feel the sense of history. Because it’s the only men’s major that always gets played on the same course, each of the holes and all of the greatest moments in the Masters’ history are indelibly inked into every golf fan’s brain. Your memories will be triggered by virtually every inch of the property, and it’s always special to see and stand on the locations of some of the most iconic moments in golf history. I got goosebumps next to the 16th green as I imagined the moment when Tiger holed THAT chip.
View the action in a different way. Seeing the course set-up and what the players face with each shot at ground level gives you a whole new appreciation of the skill level required to play well at Augusta National. It’s a cliché, but the undulations are staggering, especially heading downhill off the 10th tee. There are also spots where you can watch multiple holes at one time. My personal favourite is the grandstand between the 15th green and 16th tee, where you can witness anything from a hole-in-one to career-making or breaking eagles and double bogeys.
Immerse yourself in the course from different angles. Walking the entire course gives you a totally different understanding of how all the holes fit together and how the terrain affects the way the layout is routed and the shots you see the players hit. You’ll notice things you never would on TV, and I guarantee you’ll never forget the first time you walk down the hill from the top of 11 and see the 12th hole and Amen Corner lying ahead of you.
Choose your favourite spot and take it all in. Once you’ve had a good look round, it’s well worth picking one location to just spend a few hours relaxing and taking it all in, watching play go by and cherishing the fact that you’re at the Masters. One of the wonderful things about this tournament is that you can put your chair down anywhere (if you get there early) and it will stay there all day for you to return to.
Watch Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy warming up. It always pays to take a visit to the range at any tournament you attend, and Augusta National has some of the best facilities on the planet. Seeing the best players in the world hitting a variety of shots, having lessons and preparing for one of the biggest weeks of the season is not to be missed.
The Par 3 Tournament is one of the highlights of the week. The atmosphere at this annual Wednesday event is fantastic and it’s amazing how close you can get to the players. The vast majority of that year’s competitors will take part, as well as all the legends including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player and so many more. This is the place to be if you want to see your heroes playing up-close in a relaxed atmosphere, and cheer some amazing aces.
The superstore is next-level. Of course clothing is a big one, but there aren’t many things you can’t get with a Masters logo. You could easily spend thousands of pounds, but there are also a host of fantastic keepsakes that will remind you of your time at Augusta without breaking the bank. I have a set of Masters cups that I use every day.
Experience the Masters with all your senses. The food in the concessions stands is excellent, and unlike most sporting events, it’s incredibly good value. You have to try the almost legendary pimento cheese sandwich for just $1.50. I love pink lemonade and you can get a special drink called a ‘Stand 12’, which is half pink lemonade and half blue Powerade, topped with a splash of Sprite.
No television will ever do justice to Augusta National. The first time you hear an ‘Augusta roar’ echoing around the property it will give you goosebumps and you’ll never forget that sound. The same can be said for the incredible colours – the vibrant green grass, intense pink of the Azaleas, dazzling white sand and the instantly-recognizable yellow flags. The memories are vivid, emotive and long-lasting.
Fulfil a dream and make lifelong memories. A trip to The Masters is at the top of the wishlist for most golf fans. It can be an expensive undertaking, but I promise you won’t regret it. It’s an incredible experience that you will never forget. It will give you endless experiences and stories to share with your friends and playing partners, and it will completely change how you watch the Masters from the comfort of your own couch. It really is an experience of a lifetime.
The Masters
Experience Augusta, Atlanta and beyond with Golf Traveller