Planning a trip to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National? It’s a dream for many golf fans. While we can’t magically grant you tickets, we can provide a realistic look at the potential costs involved in making this pilgrimage. Understanding the expenses beforehand allows you to plan effectively for your future, unforgettable Masters experience.
Let’s delve into the specifics of what you can expect to spend.
Securing Masters Tickets
Let’s address the elephant in the room: tickets. You can’t experience the Masters without them. The reality is that obtaining tickets is notoriously difficult. The good news is that if you manage to get them through official channels, they’re relatively affordable. The primary method is entering the Masters lottery. If you’re lucky enough to win, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase tickets. In recent years, practice round tickets have been priced around $100, while tournament round tickets are approximately $140.
There’s also the coveted Masters Series Badge, granting access to all four tournament days. However, these are incredibly rare, with a waiting list that hasn’t opened in decades. These badges cost around $450 directly from Augusta National.
However, the resale market tells a different story. Just prior to a recent tournament, resale sites were listing series badges for upwards of $8,800! Single-day tickets weren’t cheap either, with Wednesday practice rounds fetching over $1,600 and Sunday tournament rounds exceeding $1,100.
For those seeking a hassle-free experience, several companies offer “Masters experiences.” These packages, while expensive, typically include tickets, lodging, transportation, and other amenities.
Travel Costs to Augusta
Depending on your location, travel expenses can vary significantly.
Flying is often necessary. Fortunately, several airports are within driving distance of Augusta. Atlanta (approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes away) and Charlotte (around 2 hours, 30 minutes) offer major airport options. Columbia, South Carolina, is even closer (1 hour, 15 minutes). With careful planning and advance booking, you might find flights for as low as $250, but prices can easily climb higher depending on demand and flight times.
Consider the cost of a rental car from these airports, which can range from $400 to $700 depending on the vehicle size and rental duration.
Augusta does have its own regional airport. During Masters week, it often adds direct flights from major hubs. However, these flights tend to be pricier, potentially costing between $400 and over $1,000. The advantage is that you can avoid renting a car, relying instead on ride-sharing services like Uber, which are readily available during the tournament.
Accommodation During Masters Week
Finding lodging during Masters week requires advance planning and can be a significant expense.
Renting a house in Augusta is a popular option, especially for groups. Prices can start around $500 per night for smaller properties and increase to $1,000 or more for larger homes with more amenities.
Hotels are also available, but expect to pay premium rates due to high demand. Budget-friendly options might be found for $150-$200 per night, but more comfortable accommodations can range from $300 to $500, or even approach $1,000, particularly for hotels located closer to Augusta National.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Don’t forget to factor in daily expenses. Meals are a necessity. A quick breakfast at a local spot, plus food and drinks at the course (where you can surprisingly get a lot for around $40), and dinner at a restaurant will all add up. While you can certainly find budget-friendly options, consider indulging in the full Augusta experience by enjoying a steak at a local favorite.
And, of course, no trip to the Masters is complete without a visit to the Golf Shop. Souvenirs, apparel, and memorabilia are highly sought after. It’s easy to spend a few hundred dollars on gifts for yourself and others. Some visitors readily admit to spending $1,000 or more, stocking up on items for their collections, future gifts, or simply because they’re unsure if they’ll ever return.
Final Thoughts
Is attending the Masters expensive? It doesn’t have to be exorbitant, especially if you secure tickets through the lottery. Compared to other major sporting events like the Super Bowl, a Masters trip can be relatively affordable. By winning the ticket lottery, booking flights and accommodation well in advance, and opting for reasonably priced lodging, a Masters experience can be an achievable bucket-list item for many golf enthusiasts.
Of course, if you’re inclined to splurge on luxurious accommodations and high-end experiences, the sky’s the limit. After all, you’re in Augusta!
