Going to The Masters?

[FLOG4]

I did have the pleasure of going once...In 2001. Have a hankering to get back. Badges are so expensive. Has anyone ever gone and gotten a ticket once you were there? How did that work out? 

[iacas]

You can contact one of our sponsors…

https://thesandtrap.com/announcement/26-experience-augusta-and-the-masters-this-year/

Also, I think @jamo, @jsgolfer, and some others are going this year.

[jamo]

I'll be there for the Tuesday practice round this year. It's my first year going. I've never really thought about trying to get a ticket the day of, so I can't speak to that, unfortunately. 

[jsgolfer]

I got my tickets through the Master’s Lottery, this will be my second time for the Wednesday par three.  Last year was a washout.

 @coachjimsc is going.

Edited March 2, 2018 by jsgolfer

[nevets88]

Curious @jamo, @jsgolfer, how far in advance did you book your hotel/Airbnb? Are the step-up rates because of the event crazy or what you expected?

[FLOG4]

I put in for the lottery every year. Still waiting on a lucky draw.   I have attended many upscale events where many corporate invitees back out at last minute....and many tickets are just hanging. Two Ryder Cups and US Opens. 

@iacas I appreciate the link to the sponsor who notes his rates are 10% below others. I just think if you just show up.....A deal may be had. That's my opinion.   

[jsgolfer]

58 minutes ago, nevets88 said:

Curious @jamo, @jsgolfer, how far in advance did you book your hotel/Airbnb? Are the step-up rates because of the event crazy or what you expected?

We booked our VRBO about 4 months ago but we are also staying about an hour away from Augusta. So the price wasn’t that bad. But home rentals in and near Augusta were ridiculous.  

[nevets88]

Ouch

[jsgolfer]

13 minutes ago, nevets88 said:

Ouch

We are staying over by Lake Greenwood, much more reasonable, but much longer commute to the course.  But we are only going in one day, so not that bad.  I think we are spending about $125/night for a three bedroom place on the water.

Edited March 3, 2018 by jsgolfer

[nevets88]

1 hour ago, jsgolfer said:

We are staying over by Lake Greenwood, much more reasonable, but much longer commute to the course.  But we are only going in one day, so not that bad.  I think we are spending about $125/night for a three bedroom place on the water.

Yeah that's more like it. 

[jsgolfer]

9 hours ago, nevets88 said:

Yeah that's more like it. 

And we’re splitting the cost with another couple so with fees I think we are paying $275/couple

[nevets88]

Media goes gaga about the cheap food inside the grounds, but the captive audience situation lifts the price of everything else I'm gonna guess,  gas, restaurants, etc... I eye roll every time. Look, pimento sandwich is a bargain. OK.

[FLOG4]

The Masters is much like playing the Old at St Andrews....There is a system in place which allows for you to participate at an equitable price. A lottery well before hand. I know the systems well. My simple question was....Has anyone just gone last minute? How did that work out? The one time I did go was when they still had the corporate sponsors and I went with Travelers. They had a corporate building on the first hole in the woods on the right. Painted green as to blend in. Got to have dinner with Hal Sutton who was sponsored by them. They stayed in outskirts of Columbia and took a bus in. They had about 60 guests attend.  Except the big executives who had a house down town and that's where we had dinner with Hal and Co. So on one hand you can attend this event at a fair price. On the other hand the market price for attending is vast multiples of the face value.   

[Bucki1968]

On 3/3/2018 at 10:24 AM, FLOG4 said:

The Masters is much like playing the Old at St Andrews....There is a system in place which allows for you to participate at an equitable price. A lottery well before hand. I know the systems well. My simple question was....Has anyone just gone last minute? How did that work out? The one time I did go was when they still had the corporate sponsors and I went with Travelers. They had a corporate building on the first hole in the woods on the right. Painted green as to blend in. Got to have dinner with Hal Sutton who was sponsored by them. They stayed in outskirts of Columbia and took a bus in. They had about 60 guests attend.  Except the big executives who had a house down town and that's where we had dinner with Hal and Co. So on one hand you can attend this event at a fair price. On the other hand the market price for attending is vast multiples of the face value.   

About 7-8 years ago I drove up there with a buddy on Friday night and we tried to get tickets. We struck out all morning (on Saturday) but eventually a guy sold us a couple of his tickets and we got in on Saturday afternoon. We stayed for Sunday and were able to get a couple tickets that afternoon .  We paid 150.00 bucks for Sunday. 200.00 on Saturday. I don't think you can get tickets that way anymore because they scan your ticket when you leave so you can't get back in. I saw people selling tickets on Saturday and Sunday so I think you can get them if you really want them.

[FLOG4]

So I have done some digging and find this Berckmans Place listing....Not only can you go to the Masters but they have a special place for you with unlimited food and beverage...And a Monday only pass can be had for $3750......Yikes. 

[iSank]

I have a close friend that works deals with whatever station broadcasts the tourney so that’s his weekend, he goes every year, gets his tickets from the broadcasters, so I keep saying to him, one of these years, but so far I haven’t. It’s not an easy commute for me. The good news is I’ve scored a few dozen golf balls, because they give him some every year and he never uses them. So I’ve sprayed ESPN logo balls all across my travels. Well I’m not that bad but I have lost a few.

Aloha,

iSank

[fishgolf]

Attending The Masters is still on my bucket list. I still remember watching it with my Dad in the 60's on b&w TV.  He so loved the game and that tournament but never had the chance to go.  We talked about it years later, but as with so many things failed to take time serious.  I've been watching it on TV every year ever since - my favorite sporting event and the best major IMHO. I want to go for the both of us. It looks like one needs to plan 1-2 years out in order to get tickets and lodging.  Who on the forum is attending this year or attended in recent years? What tips and advice can you offer those of us who still have that bucket list item unchecked?  Thanks

[Piz]

I've been twice.  2008 and 2011.  The only advice I can provide (based solely on personal experience) is to not be surprised if a guy from South Africa wins.