The Master's - practice rounds vs. tournament - pros and cons

[scottinkc]

I attended for the first time last year on Sunday. I'm thinking about going back again this year, but considering the practice rounds (Wednesday). Besides the obvious - it's not the actual tournament, the badges are cheaper and you can take cameras in, what are the pros and cons for those of you who have done both?

Thanks in advance!

[David in FL]

The difference to me is better interaction with the players and it's easier to get a decent spot to watch, even at the really popular spots like Amen Corner or the tee box on 16 where they're skipping balls across the pond to the green, vs seeing the actual tournament. I personally prefer the practice round and then watch the tournament at home.

Favorite story...... We were on the tee box on 16 a few years back for an early practice round. Tom Lehman and his group hit a couple to the green, then walk to the front of the tee and each skip a couple across. Tom then looks into the crowd, walks up and picks up a 10 year old boy, takes him to the tee and hands him a club and two golf balls and says "have at it son". Tom's caddie grabs dad's camera and takes a ton of shots of the whole thing. Of course the kid promptly dumped them both in the drink, but no one could have cared less! You'll never get a memory like that at the tournament proper, I don't care what happens!

[HoosierGolfer]

I agree. I've only been there once and it was for a practice round. You get to see all of the players and the pace is a little slower as they are working on setups etc. Would be nice to be there someday on Sunday, but I normally go to all events either on practice day or Thursday/Friday so I can see everyone in the field.
Practice round gets my vote.

[Chief Broom]

I've always preferred going on tournament days versus the practice rounds. The atmosphere during the tournament is what makes the difference. That's not to say that the practice rounds aren't fun. Previous posters have laid it all out pretty good, but there is just a different vibe in the air when it's for real. Even the crowds are better during the tournament proper. If it's a matter of money or availability go with what you can get, but whenever I get badges for the practice rounds I sell them.

[MSDOGS1976]

I've been to about 1/2 dozen practice rounds. Enjoyed them all except the first. Froze my butt off that day. I would love to go to the main event someday but have never been able to come up with those tickets. Plus I'm too cheap to pay the scalpers price.

[RCF]

Practice rounds: less crowds and less formal.

[MSDOGS1976]

Practice rounds: less crowds and less formal.

If the regular rounds have more people there than the practice rounds, I'd just as soon not go. The practice rounds for the Master's are packed. Tickets are sold through a lottery only. My first time there back in the early 90's, all you had to do was show up and pay $10. Got to where so many were showing up, they had to go to a lottery.

[Dub]

I've found the actual tourney to be more tension filled.

Wednesday is a fun day. Get out on the course early as the play shifts over very early afternoon to the Par 3 Tournament.

Tuesday is usually the best day to see all your favorite players on the course.

I'll be going on Monday due to my work schedule. Would like to go over the weekend but haven't secured tickets at this point.

[deronsizemore]

I attended for the first time last year on Sunday. I'm thinking about going back again this year, but considering the practice rounds (Wednesday). Besides the obvious - it's not the actual tournament, the badges are cheaper and you can take cameras in, what are the pros and cons for those of you who have done both?

I went last year to Monday's practice round. Got lucky and won four tickets in the lottery. I enjoyed it, but it was a crappy day (windy and cold) and a lot of the players weren't out. Didn't really care about watching them golf as I've been to enough tournaments to see them before. Was more interested in seeing the course. Would love to attend one of the tournament days though; probably any day but Sunday. Better to watch Sunday on TV as you can see more of the tournament.

Curious how you were able to get tickets to the tournament round? I know they're on ebay and other places online but they are outrageous.