13 Things I Learned Attending My First Masters
- Updated: April 3, 2022
Attending the Masters is an experience unlike any other. Back in 2017, I was fortunate to win lottery tickets and attend Monday’s practice round. It was my first time winning anything.
While the weather barely cooperated and I was only able to walk the second nine due to thunderstorms and a tornado warning, it still shattered any and all expectations I had.
Bottom line, it’s magical. It’s basically like the Disney World of golf.
Here are 13 things I learned – or confirmed – during my short time there including some viewer tips and overall impressions.
If you’ve never been, I suggest you get on it. As for me, I need to get back there ASAP.
1. Amen Corner Is Perfect
There are no words to describe the beauty of Amen Corner. It literally looks like the coolest theater you ever have seen. TV doesn’t really do it justice because of how it’s laid out.
11 green is well below 12 tee and looks like a table top. Speaking of 12 tee, it looks like it’s in the middle of nowhere, just thrown into an open field. Plus, the patrons can’t even sniff the 13th tee. Of course, Hogan’s bridge is iconic and you can’t forget about the swirling winds.
Each of the 3 holes is like a painting. The whole thing is breathtaking.
2. It’s True. The Beers Are Cheap
One of the most magical parts of Augusta is the prices, more specifically, the beer. For just $4 you can get a Domestic Light (which is basically Coors light), then for $5 they have Domestic Craft (Blue Moon), and Import (Stella Artois). Plus they come in their patented Masters souvenir cups. A far cry from the $12 at a normal sporting event which has become the new normal.
3. Azaleas
They are real and they’re spectacular.
4. Skipping Balls On 16 Is Electric
If you have the chance to witness this, do it. Such a cool tradition. The hole itself is beautiful. Red Bud. 170-yards over water to a green that’s produced some of the greatest moments in Masters history.
5. TV Cannot Explain The Elevation Changes
One thing TV can’t show you are the elevation changes on the grounds. They are stunning. You’ve heard about how undulating the greens are but you’d never imagine what the fairways are like.
Specifically the uphill approach on 18, the downhill tee shot on 10, and the fairway around the corner on 13. You get a sense sure, but they are nothing compared to see what players face in person.
6. You May Want To Buy Everything From The Gift Shop
One of the best parts of attending Augusta has got to be the gift shop on the grounds. In a word, it’s amazing. It’s Masters stuff for days. It’s literally tremendous. And it gets packed! But word on the street is that they renovated it for 2018.
Do yourself a favor and set some time aside to get in there. Start with the Masters Collection and work your way from there. Quarter zips, flags, mugs, umbrellas, they have it all. Just make sure you budget correctly because you can spend a month or two worth of rent in there easily.
Unveiling the newest upgrade to the patron experience. #themasters pic.twitter.com/z7jbRDjxWY
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 2, 2018
7. 15th Fairway Crosswalk
Around 100 yards in on the par-5 15th (Fire Thorn), there’s a crosswalk. What a legit vantage point. You really get a sense of what it’s like to be inside the ropes. The pristine pond in front of the green, the downhill approach, Sarazen Bridge, everything.
8. Yes, There Are Unwritten Rules
No running, yelling, backward hats. No “MASHED POTATOES” or “GET IN THE HOLE.” It sounds crazy but this doesn’t happen there. And if it does, you’ll be removed from the premises.
9. Scoreboards Are Not Only Manual, They’re Permanent
The manual scoreboards at Augusta National are awesome. They’ve conveniently tucked them away in places that aren’t obtrusive and actually look like artwork. You completely forget that digital boards exist as you walk the fairways of the hallowed grounds. The permanent TV towers are cool too. Actually, everything about this place is cool. It’s the best stadium in the universe.
10. Fact: There Are No Pinecones Or Animals On The Grounds
This is actually true. Makes you wonder how they do it.
11. A Lunch Unlike Any Other
Much like the tournament itself, the sandwiches at the Masters is a tradition unlike any other. At $1.50 a pop, you can indulge yourself in the most basic of sandwiches but feel like you’re in a 3-star Michelin restaurant as you tear into the Masters green wrapping.
Egg salad or pimento cheese on white bread are the staples, but if you feel like splurging, spring for the $3 BBQ sang. Would classify these as the big 3.
They also have some other options like the club, chicken and ham & cheese. And for dessert, there’s the Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich. Oh. Baby.
12. Southern Hospitality At Its Finest
The Augusta National experience is first class from the moment you enter the main gate. Everybody working the event is nice. This isn’t an exaggeration. Plus the lines are efficient, especially at the concessions – and the bathrooms where attendants direct you to which urinals to use – you know, so you can spend more time watching the golf.
13. The Big Oak Tree Is Really Big
One of the landmarks on the grounds of Augusta National is the Big Oak Tree outside the clubhouse. Not going to lie, it is a big freaking oak tree and no matter what time of day it is, there’s usually an interview taking place under it. Sure it may not be as glamorous as Amen Corner, but it’s really special to see in person.
Have you been to the Masters? Let us know. We’d love to hear about your experience.
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I told my friend he wouldn’t find a pine cone at the masters and he brought me one back. lies
Check out google earth the tv towers are in fact removable. 33.508396°N 82.024732°W · 100 m