For any sport fan on this planet, attending the Masters at Augusta National has got to be on top of their bucket list.
Not only is the golf course among the most beautiful sporting venue in the world, it also provides for some of the greatest battles ever fought to win golf championships.
While the quality of golf remains a huge attraction, there are many reasons why a trip to Augusta is much more than just the golfers. Having covered four Masters, here are some of my reasons why I would make the journey again and again…
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Watch the Par 3 Contest
Because even the stunning 18 holes of Augusta National Golf club cannot match the beauty of its nine par-3 holes. And of course, getting to see Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player playing as a group is priceless.
Sit down on the 12th grandstand
Because it is fascinating to watch how even the best players in the world are brought down to their knees by a hole where they would normally play a nine–iron, or even a pitching wedge.
Eat a pimento cheese sandwich
Not only is it gorgeous, but at $1.50 per sandwich, it is a steal. Masters has the lowest F&B prices for any sporting event anywhere in the world, but this is just ridiculously good.
See the drama unfold over the Amen’s Corner
The 11th, 12th and 13th still remains one of the most demanding stretches of holes and just about anything you can imagine, can happen here. I’d really add the par-4 10th to that and make it a four-hole stretch.
Watch the practice round on the 16th hole
Because every group tries to hop, skip and jump the ball across the water, and makes for a great spectacle. In 2009, I was there when Vijay Singh actually holed his shot.
Raid the Masters pro shop
It gives the greatest thrill to reach the shop early and get some of the best memorabilia and tee shirts, but it also hurts a lot in the end when you are paying your credit card bill.
Sit under ‘The Tree’
Few are privileged, but as part of the accredited media, you can stand and sit under ‘The Tree’ which separates the clubhouse from the first tee and the 18th green.