If you're lucky enough to have won the lottery, you're probably thinking about travel during Masters Week in April. For those of us who aren't as familiar, we're not talking about a huge cash prize worth millions of dollars (though for some it feels that way!). We're talking about the selection process for tickets to the Practice Rounds and the Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Are you making your way to Augusta for the first time? Perhaps you haven't experienced a spring in the South. We have compiled a quick list of tips as you plan your trip. Don't go overboard planning as if this were a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation to a certain theme park in Florida. But with a bit of planning (and the good fortune of great weather), you'll have a better chance of a great time while you enjoy the Masters. We even have a hot tip on where to play golf during Masters Week. Hint: It won't cost you an arm and a leg! Read on...
When You Have Masters Tickets, You Have to Be Prepared for Warm Weather...and Cool Weather. 🤷♂️ Just Be Prepared.
If you're not familiar with the South, we want to make sure you are prepared for the weather before you arrive. This is especially important for those of you who hail from cooler climes like New England and the Northern Midwest (we're thinking about you, North Dakota). One thing many people note about the weather in the South is that we experience all four seasons, and this is true. However, what may not be apparent until you arrive is that we may get a taste of all four seasons inside of one week. So what will the weather be like in April of 2020 at Augusta National? It's anyone's guess. We would recommend you pack the following:
- Men: Golf-Appropriate Slacks and Golf-Appropriate Shorts (nothing too short)
- Women: Golf-Appropriate Slacks or Skirt and Golf-Appropriate Shorts (again, nothing too short)
- Everyone: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Umbrella, Light Jacket.
A good rule of thumb is to dress like the golf pros you are going to watch.
Plan Your Dining 🍽
Everyone raves about the egg salad sandwiches at Augusta National. Plan on enjoying one or two. However, think about how you'll cover breakfast, lunch and dinner the rest of the time. There are some fabulous dining options in the Augusta area! With a little bit of planning (and maybe even some reservations...), you won't become a victim of a last-resort fast-food meal for convenience.
Plan to Actually Play Golf ⛳️
Before you fall out of your seat or drop your phone, let me explain. We know that rounds of golf are steep in Augusta during Masters Week. It's only slightly more difficult and costly to be a professional player vying for the green jacket than it is to simply secure a tee time as a recreational golfer. Some tee times go for upwards of $2,000 per foursome. That's a pretty stiff bill! However, Savannah Lakes Village is home to two lakefront championship courses, Tara and Monticello. Our location is close enough to be accessible to Augusta, but we are far enough away that we are mostly outside of the inflation bubble that affects tee time pricing during Masters Week. Golfers can lock in a tee time at Savannah Lakes for only $99 per player during Masters Week, including green fees and cart rental.
So there you have it. If you are among the lucky few to make it through the selection process, we salute you! And while you're enjoying the golf-watching spectacle that is the Masters, we invite you to carve out time to play a round or two yourself.