There are plenty of things that make the Masters in Augusta so special and a large part of that is down to the course. It’s the only one of the four major golf tournaments that is hosted by the same course each year and it’s a real players’ favorite.
As the youngest of the majors, the Augusta Masters combines the charm of a bygone era with the technological advancements that make the course truly cutting-edge. During the 1980s, the course maintenance team was already altering the type of grass they grew, installing air circulation systems beneath the holes, and incorporating all kinds of new technology into the designs.
The course was built on a site that had previously been owned by Fruitland Nurseries and there are still plenty of beautiful, mature trees growing there. The course looks stunning during the spring, particularly when the Masters is held, and the holes are named for the trees nearby, contributing to the rustic atmosphere.
The course at Augusta is so renowned for its perfection that all other courses inevitably pale in comparison. This has led to an effect called ‘The Augusta Factor’ whereby golfers see just how incredible the course at Augusta looks, particularly on high-definition televisions, and find that their local course doesn’t compare well.
It is fair to note that these levels of perfection are only possible because the course can be closed for large parts of the year. The team at Augusta also has a significantly larger budget than most courses simply because of the Masters’ high profile.
For those that like to make the game even more exciting, there are plenty of potential contenders for the top spot. Betting fans can check the Masters’ odds to see who the bookies think is in with a chance, but there’s always all to play for in a tournament of this caliber.
An exclusive competition
The golf course at Augusta has a small but select membership, and membership is on a strictly invitation-only basis. While the club has a strict policy that protects the privacy of its members, some of the most notable national figures are on record as being members, including:
- Peyton Manning
- Bill Gates
- Warren Buffet
- Condoleeza Rice
- Pete Coors
- Jack Niklaus
As a private golf club, Augusta is only open to the public for the Masters competition, so only a very few actually get to see the world-class course close-up. However, at the end of the season, before the course closes for the summer to protect it against the ravages of the hot weather, the staff have a day on which they are allowed to tee up and have a game.
Who goes to the Augusta Masters?
As one of the most exclusive events of the global golfing calendar, reports from the club suggest that the contest usually sees between 1,500 and 1,600 corporate jets landing in Augusta. These bring some of the best-known golfing fans from a variety of backgrounds, including sports, film, music, and business.
At the most recent tournament, there were plenty of big names in the crowd watching the best golfers in the world take on the course. These included:
- Charles Kelley
- Little Big Town
- Aaron Murray
- Ryan Zimmerman
- Lynn Swann
- DJ Shockley
- Eric Church
With such a beautiful location, it’s easy to see why people flock to Augusta for the Masters. The excitement of the golf combined with the tranquil backdrop and excellent facilities make it one of the most popular events of its type.
Be an Augusta VIP
But anyone can have the VIP experience at the Augusta Masters if they want to and there are plenty of packages for those that want to enjoy the luxurious side of golf spectating. With so many famous guests, it’s no surprise that the club’s team is used to prioritizing the comfort of their guests.
There are plenty of events to enjoy as the early rounds of the competition include the Women’s Amateur competition, a Chip and Putt championship, and the tournament’s practice rounds. There are usually exclusive, invitation-only events in the evenings for the VIP guests.
Fans that want to go all out and enjoy the top club lifestyle can get a package that includes services such as:
- exclusive access to the climate-controlled clubhouse
- breakfast buffet
- gourmet lunch
- sushi bar
- concierge services
- massage therapists
- wine tastings
- outdoor deck
- heated outdoor patio
- valet parking
A VIP experience at the Augusta Masters is one of the most decadent ways to enjoy a golfing tournament. The natural beauty of the area and the exceptionally high standards of hosting combine to make this a truly incredible way to enjoy this prestigious event.