I’ve been lucky enough to attend the Masters three times in my life.
The first trip I attended a Friday round and had an incredible time. I likened it to being Disneyland for adults – however on my second trip, while still having amusement park-esque features, I realized it was probably more like Las Vegas than Disneyland.
Let me explain.
In Vegas people three steps away from broke are casually rubbing elbows with others wearing $50k watches. The Masters is no different. A lot of local Augusta residents have had tickets passed down in their family for generations, so it’s not all money and flash like you might think.
Everywhere you walk you experience the smell of suntan lotion and cigar smoke.
Almost everyone has a beer in their hand — many have no problem throwing a few back at 8:30 in the morning.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a bad thing, it’s just all part of the Masters experience.
So this year perhaps you had a stroke of good fortune and found yourself with a one-day ticket to the Masters. Congratulations, you’re in for one of the best experiences of your life.
But if you only have 12 hours in which to enjoy golf’s holy grail, what do you do? Where do you go?
Well my friend, let me shed some light on where to go and what to do in this Masters guide so you can truly enjoy your experience at the Mecca of golf.
The Day Before Visiting the Masters
Find a local store in Augusta and go buy a couple armless, collapsible sports chairs. Each person is allowed to bring one chair in to setup on the grounds, and this has the potential to be the best seat you’ll ever get for any sporting event – ever.
Also, pick up some sunscreen. On my last trip, I forgot to put some on, and my forehead was still peeling a week later.
Review the Masters’ official dos and don’ts to get a sense of other things you might need, and those things you absolutely should never bring.
One critical thing: leave your cell phone in the car. Not just silenced — in the car. They are not allowed through the gates, full stop. I’ve seen people get escorted out for having their phone on the grounds, and once you’re gone, you are not coming back. Ever.
One last practical note: Augusta National is now completely cashless. Credit and debit cards only accepted at all concession stands and merchandise shops. Leave the cash in the wallet.
Masters Guide: The Morning Of
The gates usually open around 7:00–7:15 on Thursday/Friday and a little bit later for the weekend rounds.
If it’s your first time at Augusta National, you’ll want to spend as much time on the course as possible, so get there early and be prepared to line up to enter.
It’s here that you’ll begin to witness the most well-oiled machine in all of sports, nay, in all of the world. Seriously, it’s amazing how well The Masters is run. Even lines that seem huge will fly by.
If you’re going on Thursday, as soon as you get in pick up a coffee ($2) and a breakfast sandwich ($3) — and while you’re at it, grab a pimento cheese or egg salad sandwich for $1.50. Yes, $1.50. The same price since 2002. At a time when you’re paying $15 for a warm domestic beer at most sporting events, Augusta is basically running a charity operation. They’ve also added a savory handheld tomato pie for $3, which sounds bizarre but is apparently delicious. Beers are $6, and they now brew their own craft wheat ale called the Crow’s Nest that’s worth trying.
Take your breakfast and head directly over to the first tee on your left, grab a spot right in front of the name cards and hang out for a while in order to get a great view of the ceremonial tee-off. This is always a highlight of visiting on a Thursday — Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson all send one down the first fairway to officially open the tournament. Seeing those three legends standing on that tee together is something you don’t forget.
The one year I went on a Thursday, it was Jack, Gary, and Arnold Palmer at the time. Watching that is still one of my more memorable golf moments.
If you’re not going on Thursday or don’t care about watching the honorary starters, then you’re going to want to ditch your chair first.
Where to Put Your Chair at The Masters
So you went out and bought that chair yesterday, right? Great.
One of the great things about the Masters is the fact you can set up your chair almost anywhere on the course, leave it there, and no one will touch it. You have a few great options for where to set up shop in order to get really close to the action.
During year one, we were about 3 rows back of the 12th tee, right at Amen Corner. This is probably the most popular spot on the course for spectators because it’s so well known. You can see them coming in at 11, playing 12, and then teeing off at 13.
The reality though, is that there are grandstands right behind these holes that offer better viewing, and even then, you’re so far away from the action that it isn’t the best spot to be.
If I were you, I’d head to 16 and set up your chair either along the water or right at the green. You’ll have an incredible view of the tee shot, the green, and then, depending on the specific spot, you can also see the approach and green at 15, or the 6th green as well. A much better spot than Amen Corner in my mind.
Other viewing options:
- 18th green – Great on a weekend round when there’s real drama unfolding. During early rounds, less so.
- 2nd green – One of the best viewing spots on the whole course. You get to watch the approach shot and get right up against the green.
- 7th green – Really close to #2 and slightly elevated so you can see the action on two and the tee shot at 3.
How to Spend Your Day at Augusta National for the Masters
Alright, you’ve got ONE day to make the most of your time at ANGC, where should you go throughout the day to get the most bang for your Masters buck?
This is what I would do if I were visiting for the first time.
8:00 AM – Walk the Back 9
If you’re anything like me, half the fun of being at Augusta National is just being able to see and walk the course. Take your breakfast and walk the back 9. There won’t be any golfers out there yet, so the crowds will be minimal. This will give you a chance to see the spot where Bubba hit his amazing shot in 2012, where Phil got out of the trees on 13 in 2010, and of course, Tiger’s iconic chip in on 16 in 2005.
You’ll be able to get a sense of just how much elevation change there is on the course, and take in all the glory of Amen Corner.
After taking an hour or so to walk the back, I’d head back to #2 where there should be a steady stream of golfers coming through by now. Each year I’ve spent at least an hour standing behind the people sitting on 2, as it’s one the best vantage points on the course. Go spend some time there, and if you find a player you particularly like then just walk over and watch them tee off on three as well.
10:00am – Exploring the Front 9 at Augusta National
Once you’ve had your fill at #2, watch at least one group tee off at three and then head down the 3rd fairway to #4.
One year, I saw Tiger knock a beer cup out of a dude’s hand on his drive down three – not even sure he realized it happened.
If you can get close enough, the third green can be a fun place to watch from as you’ll get some people that layup and have an easy approach, whereas others will try and hit the crap out of the ball and end up in or near the traps over on the left side.
Watch a group or two and then head up to the 4th tee – one of my favorite spots on the course.
The 240-yard par 3 puts things in perspective for you. The pros will pull out mid-irons and just laaaaunch the ball from the elevated tee onto the green. It’s really pretty remarkable. It’s also fun up at the tee box because they usually have to wait until the group below finishes the hole, so you can hear the chatter and often they’ll interact with the fans as Phil was doing during my first time at the tournament
You can watch from here for a while if you want or try and snag a spot in the small grandstand down towards the green.
As you’re walking towards 4 green, keep an eye out for a nondescript building on the left hand side of the hole. This is a “members only” spot, which has an insane fully built-out restaurant that’s generally only used once a year – for the tournament.
Once done, head to the nearby concession stop to get more cheap pimento sandwiches and drinks – this should be a regular thing for you, as when else will you be at a major sporting event with $3 sandwiches and $5 beers?
You can walk down 5 from there if you want, which is interesting to watch as it’s one of the toughest holes on the course.
11:00am – Head to 7
At this point you’ll be right at the par 3, 6th, which is a really cool hole. But nothing will be happening on 16 yet, so it’s worth waiting to do that until you can get a good view of both. Head to 7 because there will still be a lot of action on the front 9 and some great opportunities for spectating.
Noon – Grab Lunch, Have a Seat
By now you’re going to be tired of all the standing and walking, and if it’s a hot day, you’ll be ready for a place to sit.
At this point, things should be cranking on the back 9, so I’d grab lunch, a cold drink and go head to one of the grandstands on the 13th green/14th tee.
This was one of my favorite places to watch all day. You get the full approach on 13, green on 13, and the tee on 14.
These were some of the most well-positioned grandstands for watching, so take some time and hang out here.
1:00 – Head to Amen Corner
Simply because it’s so legendary in the world of golf you need to spend some time at Amen Corner. Often, there’s a mid-afternoon set of groups that will be worth watching that will cruise around Amen around this time.
You really get a sense of just how difficult 12 is. We saw very few people actually play the hole well, and watched more than a handful of golfers drop one in Rae’s Creek.
2:30 PM – Take a Break, Get a Souvenir (and Make a Call)
By now you’ve seen a lot of golf, and you’ve been on your feet for hours. Head back up the hill to experience some of the rest of the culture of the course. Check out the putting green, the media buildings, and keep an eye out for anyone wearing a green jacket.
This is also the time to take advantage of what might be the best-kept secret at the Masters: The Photo. Walk around the clubhouse towards the par 3 course and continue around until you get to the front of the building. There, you can get your photo taken on Founders Circle in front of The Masters flower bed, as well as get a killer view down Magnolia Lane. The wait is usually short in the mid-afternoon, and it’s the best free souvenir you’ll find all day.
And now, what might actually be my favorite part of the 2:30 PM stop:
The Free Phone Banks: Augusta’s Best Hidden Feature
You already know you can’t bring your cell phone onto the grounds. And honestly? That’s one of the best parts of the experience — you’re forced to just be there. But Augusta National isn’t completely heartless about it.
Scattered throughout the grounds, there’s a bank near the first fairway and another just to the right of the eighth tee, are rows of free-to-use courtesy phones. Old-school, cord-attached, pick-up-the-receiver phones. And they’re completely free to call anywhere in the world.
Now here’s the best part, and the reason you absolutely need to make at least one call: when your call comes through on the recipient’s cell phone, the caller ID shows up as “Augusta National Golf Club.”
You get to call someone, like your buddy who couldn’t get tickets, your spouse, or your coworker who is very much not at the Masters, and they’re going to look down at their phone and see Augusta National Golf Club calling. The jealousy will be immediate and total.
Pro tip: Write down the phone numbers you want to call before you go in. It’s 2026, you probably don’t know anyone’s number by heart anymore, don’t be the person who gets to the phone bank and realizes the only number they remember is their childhood home from 1994.
3:30 PM – The Final Push
Remember those chairs you put down in the morning? Now is a great time to head back to 16, set up shop, and enjoy a few solid hours of golf. This is an excellent place to be late in the afternoon as you start to get some of the notable players coming through, and it’s one of the most picturesque spots on the entire course.
5:30 PM – What Have You Missed?
It’s been a crazy, exciting, memorable day of golf – but what haven’t you seen yet? Have you walked the whole course? This is a great time to go see anything you missed and enjoy your last hour at the National. Spend some time on the 18th green if you haven’t yet, as come Sunday, you’ll want to have a picture-perfect memory of that hole for when the drama begins.
Where to Play Golf When Going to the Masters
There’s a good chance that on your trip to the Masters, you’ve had thoughts about playing some golf yourself.
There’s just one problem with that.
You’re not the only one who is having that thought.
I’m not sure I can think of a single place or event where prices are more inflated and availability is more limited than trying to play golf near Augusta during Masters week.
That said, there are some options – you just might be paying (a lot) for the privilege.
Where to Play On a Budget at the Masters: Midland Valley
One my first trip to Augusta in 2012, I went out for a round of golf at Midland Valley Golf Club.
The course was a little brown, but it had some fun holes, and was a fraction of the cost of other courses in the area. We paid a locals rate of $35 for 18 with a cart, and at the time The Masters rate was a modest 50 bucks.
I’d imagine that’s gone up a bit, but regardless it’s a great budget option that’s less than 30 minutes from ANGC
Where to Play (Not) On a Budget at the Masters: Reynolds Lake Oconee
If money isn’t as much of an issue, and you’re willing to shell out some money to play golf while in the area, then I would highly recommend checking out Reynolds Lake Oconee.
It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from Augusta National, but trust me, the drive is worth it.
There are 6 courses at Reynolds. and they are all varied and really fun to play. There is a sizable local membership at Reynolds, but all the courses except the Creek Club have at least some public play access.
You can bet tee times will be scarce during Masters week, but it’s worth a phone call or two if you’re looking to play some truly spectacular golf during your Masters trip.
The back 9 of the top 100 public Great Waters course is one of the best 9 holes of golf I’ve ever played.
“Shake it, Don’t Break It!” – A Few More Things to Keep in Mind
If I were heading back to The Masters for the first time (or the fifth) that is how I would structure my day. If you’re there all weekend, don’t worry about it — you’ll have plenty of time to watch golf and see everything Augusta National has to offer.
That being said, here are a few other things to keep in mind:
- “Shake it, Don’t Break It!” – Pretty much everyone who works at the Masters is like a Disney or casino employee — they’re trained to entertain. You’ll meet dozens of greeters and people there just to improve your experience, not the least of which is the bathroom attendants. You’ll wonder why the bathroom line is going so quickly, until you get inside and the attendants have turned into hilarious traffic cops yelling things like “The first shake is free, after that we’ll start chargin’ ya!” You can’t miss it.
- Grab a Cup, or 5! – All of the drinks come in awesome plastic cups with the Masters logo and year on it. Grab a bag and save these as they make great take-home gifts. I still have multiple from each year I’ve attended. And the cups have gotten bigger over the years, so that’s a win.
- Look for the Masters Gnome – If you haven’t heard, Augusta releases a limited Masters gnome each year, and it has become a genuine phenomenon. Each patron can only purchase one per person, and there’s been speculation that 2026 could be the last edition. If you want one, get to the merchandise shop early.
- People Watching – One thing many people who attend the Masters don’t realize is just how much of a social event this is. Up at the clubhouse, there are throngs of people eating lunch outside, doing media interviews, and just hanging out. If you’ve ever wanted to meet a member of Augusta National, watch a legend on the putting green, or rub shoulders with some of the world’s elite, hanging out near the clubhouse is the place to do it.
- Merchandise: Buy It on Your Way Out – Do your souvenir shopping on the way out, not on the way in. You don’t want to lug stuff around all day. Also, Augusta has a merchandise check service where you can buy your items and drop them off at a designated spot to pick up on your way out. Use it. There are also both FedEx and UPS available on site if you’d rather just send everything home without having to worry about it.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes – I wore golf shoes to the tournament once, which was a mistake and a rookie move. Wear comfortable walking or running shoes. You’ll be on your feet a lot.
- Cameras: Practice Rounds Only – If you’re visiting on one of the practice round days (Monday through Wednesday), bring your camera, as they allow real cameras on the grounds those days. Tournament days are phone and camera-free. If you want a photo during tournament rounds, head to Founders Circle in front of the clubhouse, where they’ll take one for you.
- Write Down Phone Numbers – Related to the phone banks above: Seriously, jot down three or four numbers before you go in. You’ll thank yourself.
However, if there’s one thing to keep in mind during all of this, it’s simply enjoy it! You’re at the Masters, and who knows when you’ll have the chance to be back.
Now get out there and make that phone call.
Recent Updates:
March 30th, 2026: Updated everything for 2026 including food options, pricing, and more. Added details about merchandise and phones.