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The Old Course at St Andrews aside, Augusta
National is arguably the most iconic and
recognisable golf course in the world, inspiring
generation upon generation of golfers with its early
April azaleas, its immaculate fairways lined with
monumental pines and a history littered with
unforgettable championship moments.
Ask a golfer of middling age for their most memorable
golfing moment and the majority will immediately
respond with Sandy Lyle’s 1988 triumph, final hole
bunker shot and all. Ask a golfer of a more youthful
vintage and they will likely tell you that Tiger Woods’
millimetre-perfect chip from behind the 16th green in
2005
was their favourite. The list goes on: Woosnam’s
tartan-trousered victory, Faldo overhauling a stricken
Greg Norman or Nicklaus’ final nine of 30 strokes to win,
aged 46. All incomparable moments, all united by one
thing: Augusta National.
Tucked away not far from the centre of the
unassuming town of Augusta, Georgia, you could say
that this is something of an unlikely venue for one of the
world’s greatest sporting events but that’s part of the
US Masters charm; for a single week each year, this oth-
erwise nondescript town becomes a golfing madhouse
and soaking up this inimitable experience is a real part
of attending the tournament.
As a patron – watching the golf at Augusta you are a
patron, no mere guest or spectator – is a once-in-a-life-
time experience that every avid golfer should achieve.
Walking through the entry gates, taking a peek up
Magnolia Drive and feeling the springy, carpet-like turf
underfoot cannot effectively be put in words. There’s
an excited hush, rich with tension, around the property,
and with patron numbers strictly limited, you can expect
to get far closer to the action than at any other major
championship.
Ticket and accommodation packages, with optional VIP
hospitality in a bespoke lodge just moments from the
main gates, will see you sitting across the water from
the 16th green, behind the tee at the narrow avenue of
the 11th and keeping a close eye on the drama at Amen
Corner. It’s something that every avid golfer
should aspire to, and that will never
be forgotten.
The US Masters
Augusta, Georgia
7
th - 13th April, 2014
The Par-3 Tournament’s unique setting
Your seat for the day, even if you’re not there
Staring up the 18th’s daunting avenue drive