OFF THE COURSE

f you are looking for accommodation, try renting a house through the the Masters Housing Bureau (www.mastershousing.com), which has a listing of homes from townhouses from about $1,500 a week to nearly $20,000 for a mansion within easy reach of the course.

Staying close to the course is sometimes difficult and many Masters patrons opt for cheaper accommodation options in Colombia, South Carolina, about 60 minutes’ drive, or Aiken about 20 minutes away.

Playing a round or two during Masters week also requires some planning ahead of time to ensure a tee-time. There are several excellent courses within easy reach of Augusta with one of the best being Palmetto Golf Club, an Alistair MacKenzie-designed layout that is a 20-minute drive away in Aiken. For 51 weeks of the year the course is strictly private but tee-times are available for visitors during Masters week.

Sage Valley is modelled on Augusta National and is very private but some Tour companies have the contacts to get a game here.

Finally, walking Augusta National all day will fire up your appetite and the best steakhouse in Augusta is just a short walk from the course. T-Bonz is a must for any Masters visitor, including some players. Fred Couples is a regular, while Rory McIlroy has eaten there several times in recent years. Most importantly, it opens until late after the final round and is a celebration hot spot.