Curator’s statement
Heading to Georgia in April for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Course is on the top of every golfer's bucket list. It’s a tradition unlike any other! To best experience the Masters and all it has to offer on your week in Augusta, it's recommended that you work with a company who has access to VIP tickets, local accommodations and the ability to book tee times for a round of golf or two during your stay. Tickets to the 2024 Masters are sold out for this year (registration to enter to purchase tickets for 2025 starts in June 2024), but many packages are available through on-site destination management companies to suit your travel needs. Here are our suggestions for navigating the ins and outs of Masters week in Augusta.
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Day 1: Arrive in Augusta
Arrive in Augusta National Airport and stay in a local hotel or better yet, work with an on-site destination management team and get picked up at the airport in luxury transport and be driven to your house at Champions Retreat. Other option are to fly to Charlotte or Atlanta and rent a car and drive to Augusta.
Just outside the city limits of Augusta is Evans, Georgia, and Champions Retreat. Champions Retreat is a convenient location for your stay during Masters Week, about a 15 minute drive to the course. It’s a place custom-built around the idea of offering an exceptional experience. It is only available to members, but through designation managers you can stay at the resort designed by Champions for Champions. The golf course is designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, a historic collaboration that makes this location the ideal place for your stay if you would like to include a few rounds of golf during your stay. In 2023, the first and second rounds of Augusta National Women’s Tournament were held at this resort. This is where members enjoy exceptional service, food served at the onsite Grill House and a chance to mingle with golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Day 2: Practice Round Day
Whether it is a group of golf friends, a change to entertain special clients or celebrating a milestone birthday, there are several options to consider.
Practice round day
On practice rounds days, Augusta National Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at approximately 6:30 pm
A package to attend these days include:
Two nights, five-star accommodations for four people at Champions Retreat
Unlimited VIP ground transportation
Four total badges to The Masters Tournament Practice Round (four Monday or Tuesday)
Tee time at Palmetto Golf Club (Monday or Tuesday)
Unlimited access to Champions Retreat Golf Club entertainment complex
Full In-House Hospitality program
Day 3: Weekend Tickets
To get the true bucket list experience, opt for weekend tickets to the Tournament.
Two weekend nights at Champions Retreat (two of Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
Unlimited VIP ground transportation
One weekend Masters badge per person
One VIP Club Magnolia Hospitality badge per person
Unlimited access to Champions Retreat Golf Club entertainment complex
Full In-Home Hospitality Program
Day 4: Sunday at the Masters
For the premier experience at the Masters consider a "Sunday at the Masters" Package
One night, five-star accommodations at Champions Retreat
Unlimited VIP ground transportation
Club Magnolia Hospitality Badge and Sunday at The Masters Badge at Augusta National Golf Course
Unlimited access to Champions Retreat Golf Club entertainment complex
Private jet from your location also available
Additional days
Things to do while in Augusta beyond Golf
Augusta is a charming place to visit outside of Golf offering exceptional food, wonderful outdoor activities, art and history.
For the outdoorsy visitor, Petersburg boat tours through the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area are a great way to see the city from the river. On shore, opt for a Historic Trolley Tour of Augusta.
Other places to visit
Augusta Museum of History
Celebrating the Central Savannah River Region, the museum includes an exhibit spotlighting soul music legend James Brown, who called Augusta home. The museum collects, preserves and interprets the past of Augusta for education and enjoyment.
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art
Into art? Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art is the only independent nonprofit visual arts school in the area, the Institute is housed in historic Ware's Folly and the Walker-Mackenzie Studio. They offer classes and workshops, and the facility exhibits a collection of contemporary art.
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History
Honoring one of Georgia's most celebrated educators, this museum houses four permanent exhibits and additional rotating ones featuring the contributions of African American Augustans. It offers an array of educational and outreach programs.
Betty's Branch
Kayakers love this section of the Savannah River. You can arrange rentals or tours with Cole Watkins Tours, owned and operated by an Augusta local.
Forks Area Trail System
Perfect for mountain bikers (or hikers), "FATS" offers six densely forested loops and 34 miles of trails just across the South Carolina border.
Phinizy Center for Water Science
Looking to connect with nature during your time in August? From the Mayor's Fishin' Hole to the Floodplain Boardwalk and Observation deck, this educational facility may have what you are looking for.
Some suggestions for great places to eat and drink
Craft & Vine
This intimate spot downtown is known for craft cocktails and touts "the best wine selection on Broad Street." Choose from hand-crafted cocktails, draught beer, and an impressive selection of 32 bottles of wine by the glass. Drop into this art deco designed building and metal-modern-inspired bar to taste the unique menu of small plates.
Cork & Flame
An elegant wine bar which offers tasting menus and wine pairings with a menu that change weekly.
Finch & 5th
After a day in the sun at the masters, stop by for a charcuterie plate with a craft cocktail and chill before enjoying a casual dinner. This restaurant takes a creative twist on Southern classics.
River Watch Brewery
The mother-daughter brew team at River Watch has three main brews but also experiments with new flavors and offers unique beers in limited release.
Buona Caffe
Get your coffee fix from their full menu of specialty coffees and espressos. They offer organic, loose-leaf tea and French and Italian sodas crafted with Buona's house-made syrups. They roast their own beans—Buy them by the bag to take home as a souvenir.
Abel Brown Southern Kitchen/Oyster Bar
They change the menu daily, Chef-owner Todd Schafer works with local producers to get the freshest, local ingredients. For a taste of the south, try the Anson Mills Johnny Cake, topped with Andouille, pimiento cheese, and chives.
The Boll Weevil Café & Sweetery
Satisfy your sweet tooth with strawberry, red velvet, chocolate, and banana chocolate chip are some of the cake flavors on Boll Weevil's dessert menu. Then there's the cheesecake menu that features a range of flavors, from cinnamon to turtle crunch.
Rhineharts
A definite Masters hangout on Washington street featuring daily specials shrimp basket and fresh shucked oysters - the best I’ve had anywhere and they are shucked behind the bar by an expert who makes it look easy! If you are looking for a casual place with great food to catch some of the Masters action on TV this is your place!
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Travel Advisor
Terri O'Connell
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Georgia. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Discovering the Magic of Western Ireland.