TIPS FOR MASTERS WEEK

Over the course of an historic week for Australian golf at Augusta National, I learned a fair bit about the Masters experience – on and off the course – which might be helpful for you to know if you are planning to cross a Masters visit off your bucket list in 2014.

Make sure you have a ticket for at least one of the official practice days (Monday and Tuesday). This is the only time you can take a camera onto the course and grab some photographic memories of your trip. There are no mobile phones allowed so take a camera.

If you are attending more than one day of the tournament proper, set aside one day to walk the entire course. On the other day, find a good viewing spot around the course. You can buy a fold-up Masters chair for $30 from the merchandise shop, put a business card or similar in the holder on the back of the chair and place it in your chosen viewing spot along the gallery rope. You are then free to wander the course and return to the chair any time you like, without concern that your seat has been taken.

The best viewing spot without a chair is in the stand behind the 12th tee. You have to get there early to get a spot, though. From here you can watch approach shots and play on the 11th green, the tee shot at the par-3 12th and the tee shot from the 13th. This is the heart of Amen Corner, arguably the most famous holes in golf, and there is no better spectacle for golf fans.

There are plenty of landmarks scattered across the course but the most recognisable natural landmark is the massive oak tree that stands between the back of the Augusta National clubhouse and the 1st tee (pictured). A lot of media interviews are carried out here so you can get a chance to see players off the course (no autographs, though). It is also a hub for spotting celebrities and former champions.

The Augusta National merchandise shop is a must and if you plan to spend up big, there’s also a mail service available to send gifts home. Hats (from $20) and shirts (from $40) are the hottest items but you can find Masters wine glasses ($20), Masters phone covers ($30), Masters pin flags ($25) and Masters ball markers ($20 for four).

The cheapest of treasures comes when you buy a drink on course, which comes in a Masters-logoed plastic cup. For $1.50 you get a Coke and a souvenir. The food and drink at the Masters is very affordable. The famous Masters pimento cheese sandwiches are just $1.50, while an imported beer will only set you back a couple of dollars.