Finally!

[Bucki1968]

After years of trying I finally got Masters tickets this year (practice round) on Wednesday via the drawing. I live in Fla. and am going to drive up there (about 6 hours). It's already ridiculous for a hotel room in Augusta so I was wondering if anyone with experience can give me some advice about getting a room an hour or so away. Also any tips on where to park or just how things work there. I am PUMPED! I have heard that the prices there are pretty reasonable for food and drink etc. Are you allowed to take pictures during the practice rounds? Are the souvenirs (hats, shirts, etc) also reasonable? I would appreciate any information.

[boogielicious]

After years of trying I finally got Masters tickets this year (practice round) on Wednesday via the drawing. I live in Fla. and am going to drive up there (about 6 hours). It's already ridiculous for a hotel room in Augusta so I was wondering if anyone with experience can give me some advice about getting a room an hour or so away. Also any tips on where to park or just how things work there. I am PUMPED! I have heard that the prices there are pretty reasonable for food and drink etc. Are you allowed to take pictures during the practice rounds? Are the souvenirs (hats, shirts, etc) also reasonable? I would appreciate any information.

Great news.  We are expecting a full report!

[David in FL]

After years of trying I finally got Masters tickets this year (practice round) on Wednesday via the drawing. I live in Fla. and am going to drive up there (about 6 hours). It's already ridiculous for a hotel room in Augusta so I was wondering if anyone with experience can give me some advice about getting a room an hour or so away. Also any tips on where to park or just how things work there. I am PUMPED! I have heard that the prices there are pretty reasonable for food and drink etc. Are you allowed to take pictures during the practice rounds? Are the souvenirs (hats, shirts, etc) also reasonable? I would appreciate any information.

Damn, that means I didn't get selected this year....

I've stayed several times at the Sleep Inn in Aiken, on Monterey Drive. Less than 30 minutes away. Clean and plenty of restaurants nearby.

Any place within driving distance jacks their rates way up, and you're right, you have to book NOW. Rates a couple of years ago were about $300 per room per night during Masters week. Assuming you're going with someone, it'll cost you half that.

Everything on the course is pretty reasonable, even souvenirs. Not any more than you'd pay at any other proshop.....and food/drink on the course is silly cheap. You can take pics during practice rounds, but cell phones are strictly prohibited. I wouldn't even try to bring one along.

A must see is the Hooters just down from the course, on Washington. For one week, it's the busiest in the country. They bring servers in from all over the country, and the "talent" is incredible. A fun place to spend some time the day before......though my wife wasn't terribly impressed with the Hooters Masters Week t-shirt that I brought back for our 5 year old daughter. Go figure.....

Have fun......it's one of the few experiences in life that will actually surpass the anticipation.