The Masters Tips for First Timers

The Masters Golf Tournament usually takes place each year in early April. The 2025 Masters begins with the first practice round on Monday, April 7 and concludes with the fourth round on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

Going to future Masters? Here are the dates for the next few years:
2026 Masters Dates: April 6-12, 2026
2027 Masters Dates: April 5-11, 2027

The Masters takes place every year at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

Augusta National releases a limited number of tickets through their website via a lottery system. As one of the hottest tickets in sport, obtaining these lottery tickets is no easy feat. Our best advice is to keep trying, cross your fingers and you may end up one of the lucky few.

Some of the ways golfers can qualify for the Masters are as follows:

• Previous Masters Champions
• Winner of the other 3 Grand Slams (US Open, British Open, PGA Championship) – Honorary, non-competing after 5 years
• Past winners of The Players Championship (3 years)
• Summer Games Gold Medal Winner (1 year)
• US Amateur Champion or runner-up (Honorary, non-competing after 1 year)
• British Amateur Champion (Honorary, non-competing after 1 year)
• Current Asia-Pacific or Latin America Amateur Champion
• Reigning US Mid-Amateur Champion
• Top 12 players (including ties) from the previous year’s Masters
• Top 4 players (including ties) from the previous year’s US Open, British Open, and PGA Championship
• PGA Tour event winners that award a full-point allocation for the Tour Championship (from previous Masters to current Masters)
• Golfers who qualify for the previous year’s Tour Championship
• The 50 leaders of the Official World Golf Ranking (final ranking of the previous calendar year)
• The 50 leaders on the Official World Golf Ranking released the week prior to the Masters
• Current NCAA Division I Champion (One Year)

Source: Augusta National Golf Club

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 only available at Augusta National during Masters week. The question isn’t whether you will buy something, it’s when and how much. No doubt you’ll have a long list of requests from friends and family but when to buy it all will require some careful planning. Buy it too early and you’ll be lugging it around with you all day. Buy it too late in the tournament and you’ll find little selection left. It’s a fine line and the struggle is real. Your brother-in-law and your friends at the club are counting on you.

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 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). We definitely recommend buying a Masters chair; few things are more fun than showing up at a summer event and nonchalantly putting down your green Masters-logoed chair. “Oh yeah, that’s right, I did go the Masters this year.” Spots are first come, first serve. Many patrons (as you’ve likely noticed on TV, Masters attendees are referred to as patrons, never fans) will claim their spot early in the day and come and go as they please. There’s no need to worry about someone taking your chair or spot, that’s simply unheard of at this event and one of the many joys of the Masters. If you plan to plant a 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 Sunday.

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.

The Masters Tournament is seven days long, beginning with the practice rounds on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and concluding with the four tournament rounds that run from Thursday to Sunday. Each day of the tournament offers something a little different and the best day to attend is largely a matter of personal preference.

• Wednesday offers the par 3 contest along with a more relaxed atmosphere and the option to take pictures on the course.
• Thursday or Friday affords the opportunity to see all the golfers in the field, before cuts are made.
• Sunday patrons get to witness the grand finale and often the most exciting golf action of the tournament.

After round two on Friday, the top 50 players (and ties) move on.

Some of our favorite tips (including when you can use cameras at the Masters practice rounds) include:

• Bring a camera! Cameras are only permitted during the Masters practice rounds, not during the tournament rounds. This is your opportunity to take pictures on Augusta National.
  Monday practice round: Cameras are allowed
  Tuesday practice round: Cameras are allowed
  Wednesday practice round: Cameras are allowed
  Tournament rounds (Thursday-Sunday): No cameras allowed
• While you can take pictures, you still cannot bring your phone onto the course. Make sure you bring an actual camera and don’t try and sneak your phone in. Trust us, they’re very strict on this rule.
• If you decide to split up from others in your party, make a plan on where/when to meet up later. The course is big and busy and the lack of cell phones makes communication obviously difficult.
• Get your shopping done early. Official Masters merchandise is only available at the course during Masters week. As the week goes on, the inventory gets more limited. The earlier in the tournament you go, the better selection you’ll find.
• If you can manage to be there on Wednesday, the Par 3 contest is worth your time. It’s a unique part of the tournament where you’ll see the pros in a more relaxed atmosphere.
• If you’re lucky enough to have badges for the full week, the practice round days are a good time to walk the course, both to scope out good viewing spots and simply to experience it all in person.
• It’s a good idea to mark your chair with an identifying feature if you leave it, as it may be difficult to find in a sea of chairs when you return.
• Don’t forget to dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear.

Scottie Scheffler won the 2024 Masters tournament.

The winner of the Masters receives the iconic green jacket and also an impressive purse: in 2024, Scottie Scheffler’s first place prize money was $3.6 million. The second-place prize of $2.16 million went to Ludvig Åberg.

A long-standing tradition, the Champions Dinner is held the Tuesday of Masters week. The exclusive guest list is made up of past Masters champions. Also known as the Masters Club Dinner, the previous year’s Master’s winner acts as host and selects the menu. The dinner is held at Augusta National Golf Club.

The official field for the 2025 Masters has not yet been announced. The eligibility list is comprised of a number of categories including past winners of golf’s grand slam tournaments, amateur champions from around the world, and the top ranked players according to the Official World Golf Ranking. Players have until the Friday prior to the tournament to commit to participating.

If you’ve watched the Masters on TV, you’ll notice that fans on the course are almost always referred to as “patrons.” This tradition is attributed to Clifford Roberts, co-founder of Augusta National Golf Club, who strived to provide a more distinguished experience for spectators. The term dates back to the beginning of the tournament in 1934.

The weather in April in Augusta is typically quite pleasant, with average daytime highs in the 60s.

Roadtrips’ 2025 Masters packages include your choice of first-class accommodations, a Roadtrips on-site host, a Masters commemorative program and gift package, a personalized itinerary, pre-trip travel planning services, and a number of other extras that can be added to create the best golf trip experience.

There’s no one answer here, Augusta National has plenty of great vantage points and of course personal preference plays a factor as well. Some of our favourite places to watch the action include:

• Hole 16: The top of hole 16 – a dramatic green with a variety of pin placements that make for great risk vs. reward on the shots in.
• Hole 12: Amen corner – it’s just as amazing as you’d expect
• Hole 15: The grandstand at 15 – a viewer favorite with great sightlines
• Hole 13: Halfway down 13 – one of the most famous holes in the world, fringed by thousands of brilliant azaleas
• Hole 8: Behind the green on hole 8 – views of most of hole 8 plus the first part of hole 9
• Hole 18: On the green – home to some of the most iconic Masters moments
• All of them: If mobility allows, walk the course from 1-18 to get a sense of the famous course in its entirety

For more detailed information, along with others Masters tips, check out our
Augusta Travel Guide.

Without cell phones to communicate with traveling companions, it’s not a bad idea to figure out a meeting spot at Augusta National. The most common spot to meet is the iconic 150-year-old oak tree bedside the clubhouse.

Roadtrips guests will have access to our onsite host team, who can provide suggestions on getting to the course based on your hotel and the day of the week. If you have your own vehicle, there is complimentary parking onsite.

While patrons are not permitted to take photos on the course (with the exception of the Masters practice rounds), it is possible to get a picture at Augusta National. Near the first hole you’ll likely spot a lineup, this is picture line. 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.

Patrons are permitted to request autographs around the practice range and on the Par 3 course during Wednesday’s Par 3 contest. Other than that, the tournament enforces a strict no autograph policy.

There are a few ways to do Augusta and The Masters. If budget allows, we cannot recommend the comfort of a private home enough. We can turn an executive home into your own luxury boutique hotel for the week including a host and private chef. We’ll stock the kitchen with your choice of snacks and beverages, arrange private transfers from your property to the course, and more. The acquiring of luxurious executive homes during Masters week is a tradition that goes way back and is still our favorite way to do the event.

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel experience, there is a fantastic option about 75 miles east in Greensboro. The Ritz Reynolds is perched on a gorgeous piece of property overlooking picturesque Lake Oconee.

That said, the convenience of Augusta holds a lot of appeal. The Sheraton is a really solid option and the Hilton Home2 Suites offers spacious accommodations, both convenient to restaurants, shops, and most importantly, Augusta National.

At Augusta National, be sure to check out the food vendors for legendary (and surprisingly inexpensive) items like the famed pimento cheese sandwich. When you’re not on the course, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Some of the more popular and traditional food items include:

• Sandwiches and wraps (Pimento Cheese, Egg Salad, Chicken Salad, just to name a few)
• Potato chips
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Ice cream sandwiches
• Peanuts

While Augusta may be a small city, it does have plenty of great dining options from casual to upscale. We’ve noted our favorites in our Augusta Travel Guide.

One of the grandest traditions of the Masters is shopping for Merchandise. Official Masters merchandise is only available at Augusta National during Masters week. The question isn’t whether you will buy something, it’s when and how much. No doubt you’ll have a long list of requests from friends and family but when to buy it all will require some careful planning.

You’ll want to get your shopping done early to get the best selection (many items sell out) but you’ll also want to avoid carrying it around with you all day on the course. Augusta National has a check stand as well as Federal Express and UPS Shipping Centers located near the exits of the merchandise centers so you can ship your purchases home and not have to worry about lugging your bags around with you.

If you’re planning to attend the Masters, you’re likely to want a souvenir of your experience. Some of the more popular items to purchase include:

• Masters chairs (these can be used on the course too)
• T-shirts
• Golf shirts
• Baseball caps
• Bag towels
• Golf balls
• Umbrellas
• Key chains/fobs
• Tumblers

Many Masters patrons choose to fly into Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) as it offers a wider range of flight options. From Atlanta, most will rent a car and drive the 2.5 hours to Augusta. Check out our Augusta map for directions.

Complimentary parking is available at Augusta National Golf Club on a first come, first serve basis.

In order to keep things running smoothly at the Masters, Augusta National prohibits patrons from bringing the following items onto the grounds:

• Cellular Phones
• Any bag, backpack, purse exceeding 10” x 10” x 12”
• Laptops, tablets, or other electronic devices
• Cameras (permitted for practice rounds only)
• Weapons of any kind
• Alcoholic beverages
• Coolers
• Flags
• Banners
• Signs
• Any chair that is not collapsible without armrests
• Ladders
• Periscopes
• Selfie Sticks
• Radios
• Radios/TVs/Recording devices
• Strollers
• Golf shoes with metal spikes
*List is subject to change without notice

We recommend Masters patrons consider the following list when planning what to bring to the course for the day:

• Sunscreen
• Hat or Visor
• Cash or Credit Cards for food and merchandise
• Collapsible chair
• Comfortable shoes
• Camera (for practice rounds only)
• Binoculars
• Watch (remember, you won’t have your phone to check the time)
• Sunglasses

Yes, patrons may bring umbrellas to the Masters. That said, the tournament prohibits patrons from wearing or carrying anything displaying large corporate logos, which does include umbrellas.

There is no age restriction at the Masters. Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior and ensuring they follow the tournament rules. Strollers are not permitted.

Most patrons will dress in “golf casual” attire. Collared shirts and long pants are a safe bet for men and women. Jeans (denim) are not acceptable, nor are golf shoes with metal spikes. Golf shorts are acceptable for warm weather. A good guideline is to dress like you’re playing.

A few last pieces of Masters etiquette advice that we haven’t covered above:

Two gate entries per day
Patrons are not permitted more than two gate entries per day, or in other words, you can leave the club only once after you have been admitted. But really, once you’ve arrived on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, why would you want to leave?

No animals other than service animals
This one is fairly common sense but don’t plan on bringing your pet to witness the golf action. Service animals are permitted.

Quiet
Be quiet during play. While the norm at some sporting events involves shouting and making noise, the Masters is not one of them.

Walk, don’t run
Running is not permitted anywhere on the course. As patrons move from hole to hole, you’ll notice plenty of people speed walking, but no running.

Stay behind the ropes
At the Masters, there are ropes blocking areas where patrons are not permitted. This rule applies whether there are players in the area or not. Never go under the ropes and be sure to use the marked crosswalks to get around.

No napping
As tempting as the plush green grass of Augusta National is, refrain from laying down for a rest, and from taking off your shoes at any point.

Leave the course as you found it
Augusta National is one of the most pristine courses you’ll ever see and it is expected that patrons will help keep it that way. Be respectful, don’t litter, and don’t help yourself to a souvenir; in 2012, a patron was arrested for trying to take sand from the course as a memento.

Be on your best behavior
Like most professional golf tournaments, proper decorum is rule of the day. So bring your best manners with you, make sure you follow the expectations and you’re sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

According to the Masters rainout policy, if the rain isn’t unusually heavy, the tournament will continue as planned. In heavy rain or in the case of lightning, a rain delay is possible. The affected round will be completed once the inclement weather has subsided, though in some cases that may not be the same day. Augusta National’s policy dictates no rain checks or refunds on badges.

Augusta National Golf Club does not offer tours. It is a private club and is not open to the public with the exception of Masters week. During Masters week, public visitors must provide a proper badge (ticket) in order to be permitted entry. The rest of the year, it is open only to club members and their guests.

1. The club couldn’t afford to pay the first winner of the Masters in 1934, who was Horton Smith. They could not pay any of the top finishers until some 17 club members chipped in for the purse. The financial hardships of the club are legendary as it was founded at the beginning of the Great Depression, which was followed by WWII. At the time, they only had 74 paying members instead of the 1,800 they had planned for.
2. Alister MacKenzie, the world reputed golf course designer, died before the course’s grass had been planted. Despite his dedication and ambition to play on Augusta National, he never did play or see the course in its finished form.
3. The Masters Golf Course was first planned as a 19 hole course as per the request of Bobby Jones, one of the founders of Augusta National. However, the idea was dropped not only because of economic reasons but also because the 19th hole would impede the view to the 18th green for patrons watching The Masters. The 19th hole was to give another opportunity to the losing golfer to win back his money in a game of double or nothing.
4. The green jacket, now an icon of the tournament itself, was not meant to be awarded to the Masters winner but was intended as an usher’s coat. Members of the club would wear the green jacket to help fans in attendance spot them easily in case they needed to ask questions. The first time the jackets were worn by golfers was in 1937.
5. During World War II, Augusta National was forced to close in 1942. Instead of glamorous tournaments, the Masters Golf Course accommodated cattle and turkey to make money. However, despite the profits on the turkeys, the project barely broke even. The Masters Golf Course was then reopened in 1944.
6. The first person who coined the term “The Masters” was Clifford Roberts. He first used it in 1938 and the name was adopted in 1939. The tournament was originally known as the Augusta National Invitational Tournament. Bobby Jones was never a fan of The Masters name and used to refer to the tournament as “the so-called Masters.”
7. Augusta National was not the founders’ first choice for the tournament. In fact, they originally petitioned the USGA to host the 1934 US Open, but they were rejected. The tournament was therefore listed unnamed for the first time in a brief note in the PGA 1934 schedule.
8. One of Augusta’s famous landmarks is Ike’s Pond, located on holes 8 and 9 of the Par 3 course. The pond was named after Dwight Eisenhower, who made the suggestion to add a pond on the property.
9. It seems hard to believe now, but prior to 1982 players at the Masters were not permitted to use their own caddies. Instead, the club assigned each pro a local caddy who knew the course well. The decision to allow players to use their own caddies ended this 46-year tradition.
10. There are three bridges on Augusta National and they are all named after someone special to the course. Hogan Bridge, which leads to the 12th green is “to commemorate Ben Hogan’s record score for four rounds of 274 in 1953.” Nelson Bridge, between the 12th and 13th holes, is a tribute to Byron Nelson, who launched an impressive comeback on those same holes in the 1937 Masters tournament. And Sarazen Bridge on hole 15 was named for Gene Sarazen, who scored a 2 on this par 5 hole in the 1935 Masters.

At Roadtrips, we understand that there is no “one-size fits all” package when it comes to experiencing major sporting events. All of our packages are fully customizable but if you need suggestions, here are some possibilities.

The Ultimate
Spend the week in lovely Augusta in a private residence, complete with a full staff to cater to your every need. Enjoy all the comforts of home when you’re not at the course. We can arrange a driver to chauffeur you to and from the course each day. Take in the Masters practice rounds where you’ll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to take photos on the course. Then continue on to the main event: the tournament rounds complete with access to the luxuries of your chosen hospitality venue. Our onsite host will be at your service to assist with suggestions on how to spend your time in Augusta and where to eat. You may wish to follow up your ultimate Masters experience with some golfing of your own at one of the many incredible courses in the area.

Close to the Course
Augusta is a small city with limited hotel options. Our favorite property in Augusta is the Sheraton. Spend your time in Augusta with easy access to great restaurants and shops as well as Augusta National. Take advantage of our onsite host to get their recommendations on dining and to answer any questions you have while you’re there.

The Golf Resort Experience
There are no luxury properties in Augusta but there is an incredible golf resort just 75 miles away. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds rests on Lake Oconee and in addition to its stunning scenery, it boasts five championship golf courses. It’s close enough for you to experience the elite golf action at the Masters, yet removed enough that you can enjoy your own personalized golf vacation at one of the finest resorts in the area. Of course we will fully customize your experience with any extras that will make your trip perfect.

2025 Masters packages are available now. Contact one of our Sports Travel Specialists to get started planning your experience.