Masters Tournament Tips & FAQs For Going For The First Time (2023)

A long-standing ritual of spring, the Masters has its own personality. Some of its traditions are well known, others not so much. Many of the questions we get from our Masters guests are about how to get the most out of their visit, including how to navigate its celebrated customs and traditions. We’ve learned a lot from our many visits to Augusta and have compiled some information to help all of those who hope to experience this iconic tournament one day.

The Merch

Official Masters merchandise is available at Augusta National during Masters week. The question isn’t whether you’ll buy something, it’s when and how much. No doubt you’ll have a long list of requests from friends and family and with some careful planning you can maximize your shopping experience. You’ll find the longest lineups at the gift shop early in the morning and later in the afternoon. If you’re able to do your shopping midday, you’re likely to enjoy a shorter wait. Once you’ve made your purchases, we recommend taking advantage of the nearby lockers so you don’t need to lug them around all day or use the onsite FedEx or UPS facility to ship your items directly to your home.

The Food Most first time visitors are shocked at the food and drink prices at Augusta National. Not because they’re so high, because they are so wildly inexpensive. You’ll feel like you’re in a different era. Where else in the world of sport can you grab a beer and one of those famous pillowy soft pimento cheese sandwiches for just $5.50?

The Chairs If you want to sit down somewhere other than the grandstands on Augusta National, you’ll likely want to purchase or bring along a chair (but you’ll need to make sure it’s collapsible and doesn’t have armrests – Augusta National is strict with their rules). Masters chairs are available for purchase in the gift shop and they make a great souvenir to take home with you. Spots on the course are first come, first served. Many patrons will claim their spot early in the day and come and go as they please. There’s an unwritten rule throughout the course that anyone is welcome to sit in an unoccupied chair until the rightful owner returns. If you plan to plant your own chair on Sunday for the lucky golfer’s emotional walk up 18, you will need to be there very early. It’s coveted real estate on the final day.

The Rules As with anything related to the great game of golf, it is important to know the rules. Masters patrons are keen observers of the etiquette and rules of this well-heeled event. Don’t worry, before you go we’ll send you a complete list of items that you can and can’t bring with you, like no phones or cameras after the practice rounds conclude. So for now, politeness rules the day, decorum is the modus operandi, and make sure your golf outfit is properly matched.

The Souvenir Photo You know how they say you can’t get a picture during the Masters? Well, that’s not entirely true. To be clear, we are not recommending flouting the very serious rule about cameras. Instead, as you are making your way towards the Par 3 Course, you will likely see a line forming near the first hole. This is the picture line. Right near Founders Circle the Club will take your picture with the magnolias, Masters logo, and clubhouse in the background. After they have taken your picture, they will give you a small plastic card that will allow you to retrieve the picture online later. Apart from the time spent, it won’t cost you a thing.

The Big Decision For many people the highlight of the tournament is watching the last few deciding holes on Sunday afternoon. The anticipation and excitement is there and the whole week often comes down to the back nine at Augusta. While most patrons want to stay to experience this live, it makes for a challenge to find a good spot to view the action from. In fact, many patrons will leave early and head to a hospitality venue or somewhere else where they can watch the action on TV to guarantee themselves a great view. Should you stay or should you go? It’s something you may want to think about before Sunday.

The Hospitality To do hospitality or not do hospitality, that is the question. This is something that is very much personal preference and another unique aspect that makes Augusta special. Unlike any other golf event, there is no hospitality on the course at Augusta National. This has created a variety of offsite hospitality venues, each with their own strengths. Roadtrips partners with the most solid hospitality providers and we can match you with the most well suited option.

The Extensions After a few days on a golf high, we know first hand how hard it is to head back to real life. Instead, many of our clients choose to extend their trip with a few extra days in Hilton Head, Savannah, or a number of other golf destinations in the area.

For more Masters tips, take a look at our travel guide full of tips for attending the Masters, from the practice rounds right through to the tournament rounds, to help you get the most out of your experience.