A tradition unlike any other, The Masters has graced television screens and millions of human souls every year during the first week of April. Augusta National was found in 1931 by legendary amateur champion Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts on the grounds of a hilly plant nursery called Fruitlands (hence the names of each hole: Tea Olive, Magnolia, Juniper, Azalea, etc.). Since the opening of the National and the creation of The Masters, the founders have insisted on maintaining consistent ideals that are still alive and well in Georgia some 90 years later.
RESPECT
“In golf, customs of etiquette and decorum are just as important as rules governing play,” a creed which guides Masters patrons to a “reputation as the most knowledgeable and considerate in the world.” These quotes appear on the back of every patron's ticket/badge and remind them of the seriousness of Mr. Jones' ideals. You will not find these rules and policies at any other sporting event in the world, but check these out!
No cell phones, cameras or other electronic devices are permitted (except in the press building
No running or loud talking is allowed
Spectators are not allowed to cheer when a player makes a mistake
Security guards enforce these rules and rule-breakers are permanently banned, if not prosecuted when possible
HOSPITALITY
Aside from an entire team of people that are in charge of pinecone removal, you will not find a friendlier staff (many of which are volunteers). Bathrooms are well attended and there are always more than one staff member ensuring cleanliness at each restroom. Concessions are famously affordable and simple - pimento cheese & egg salad sandwiches have maintained their $1.50 menu price for the last few decades and most other sandwiches are sold at less than $3. Because cell phones are not allowed inside the gates, there is a complimentary phone bank (where else can you see a dozen land lines in one place?).
SPIRIT OF THE GAME
You will hear roars, applause, birds chirping, and the sound of golf clubs striking golf balls. That's about it. There is a quiet stillness that permeates throughout the property as though you can hear everything that is happening and not much happening all at the same time. There are no cell phones or digital scoreboards or screens at the property, so you are gently encouraged to immerse yourself in the spectating experience engaging in conversation with other patrons to find out what is going on in other parts of the property. You will find traditional scoreboards throughout the course that are manually updated showing the hole-by-hole progress of the leaders. You will always hear applause when a putt is dropped even for bogey or worse. You will never hear a boo (unless Boo Weekley is playing) and you will never hear someone cheer when someone misses a putt or puts a ball into the water.
FAMILY FOCUS
This event provides joy for the whole family. Whether it is admiring the flora and getting excited for Springtime or watching one of the many Masters week festivities on TV or in person. The Saturday before the Masters features the final round of the Augusta Women's Amateur featuring the best amateur women in the world compete on the same course as the men. The Sunday before the Masters is the National Final for Drive, Chip and Putt (there is a local qualifier at Broken Top on July 22nd) featuring 80 juniors (aged 7-15) from all over the country. The Wednesday before the Masters is the annual Par 3 Tournament in which many tournament participants will invite their family and friends out to play and caddy for them making it a very engaging experience!
The Masters is truly a unique event which has upheld the ideals of golf for 90 years and I implore you to enjoy every minute of it!