re: Masters Travel Info

Augusta is an hour from Columbia, SC if you stay in the Lexington area. There are some decent hotels there. of I-20 which is a straight shot to Augusta. I'm not sure where you are coming from though, so Atlanta might make more sense for you. I will say if you can save an hour on Wednesday you will have more time to enjoy the course.

Bring a camping chair but make sure it does NOT have arm rests. Most new people don't realize that you can bring these into the tournament. Better yet, chairs are placed all over the course by patrons and there is a first come first serve understanding. I usually get there, go place my chair where I want to spend most of the day, then walk around.

I have never paid for parking in the ten years I've been going. The free parking is tremendous. The line moves and exit is easy. It is also very close to the gate. Close enough that the $25 Washington Road parking isn't worth it to me. The main gate is tremendous since they redid it. You walk right by the practice area which is second to none then right through the main food and gift shop area and onto the first fairway. I always by pass that and go through Gate 9. It's a slightly longer walk but less crowded. It puts you out on 5 green just above 16. It is the closest walk to Amen Corner as well.

The best way to walk the course is to walk it as its meant to be seen. Start at 1 and go around. If you're interested in seeing big name players, I suggest staking out a spot a few holes ahead of them and letting them come to you. The scoreboard on #1 fairway gives practice groupings. Galleries around Phil, Tiger, Rory, etc. are huge and you can't see anything. Best place to get close to players is on tee boxes.

Sorry for the dissertation. If you want to know anything else let me know. Have fun and report back! I tell people all the time before they go, you will not go to a sporting even that is as organized and patron-centric as the Masters. Everyone is so happy to be there it makes for a great environment.