Dressing for the Masters Golf Tournament

Few sporting events in America have maintained such a rich tradition, as has the Masters Tournament. One does not have to be a golfer to appreciate the exquisiteness of the grounds of Augusta National. Bobby Jones, one of golf’s true legends, founded the tournament that is held each spring in Augusta, Georgia. People from all over the world attend this class act.

Augusta National is probably one of the most manicured golf courses in the world. When the Azaleas are at full bloom words cannot describe the visual beauty. For many avid golfers, the first time they observe the course, the moment becomes an experience they will never forget.

The members of Augusta National Golf Club continue to expect proper golf etiquette and good manners from individuals who attend their golf tournament. Therefore, we thought it might be of interest to list a few rules regarding one’s behavior while on the hallowed grounds.

While being a member of the gallery do not: ¥ Run to your next viewing position.
• Shout, “You’re the man” after a player hits a good shot.
• Whistle loudly.
• Bring your own drinks on the grounds.*
• Try to take your camera on the grounds.**
• Move someone’s personal Master’s fold up chair out of position. Do not touch it!
• Talk loudly while a player is hitting a shot, or, at any time.
• Ask for a player’s autograph during the regular four days of the tournament.
• Try to speak to the players while they are playing during the tournament.
• Drop debris on the ground.
• Over indulge in the beer served in the tents. Zero tolerance regarding drunks.
• Try to sneak someone into the tournament without a ticket (Badge) because you and your uninvited guest will be removed from the grounds before Tiger Woods can line up his next putt. It is understood that the owner of the badge will lose his or her (badge) privilege forever.

* If you bring bottled water please remove the label. (A security person will ask you to remove the label before entering the grounds.) There is no promoting of outside brand products at the Masters.

**Cameras are allowed during the practice rounds of the tournament (Monday through Wednesday).

Helpful tips: Purchase a Masters folding chair. They will be at the Pavilion on the right after you pass through the security gates where your badge will be swept. Place your chair (Early bird gets the worm) at a key position on the course. You may leave it there and return after walking the course. Your chair will be in the same spot you left it earlier in the day, however you will need to make some identification mark on back of the chair. If you do not it may be difficult to locate the chair. Print your name on back of the chair or tie a ribbon around the arm.

If you do not have a Masters parking ticket to park on the grounds then park along Washington Street (Main drag) at one of the many parking facilities. Everyone turns his or her parking lot or yard into a pay to park. The price is reasonable. Entrance (Gates) to the course opens at 8:00 am for visitors. The earlier you arrive in the day, the closer to the entrance you will park.

Have lunch on the course. There are food tents in various locations. The price of sandwiches or drinks is very reasonable and enjoyable. Beer is served until 4:00 pm. If you wish to purchase Masters paraphernalia it is advisable to shop early in order to have a complete selection. You will not believe the amount of merchandise that is sold.

There are holding areas or will call areas for your purchased merchandise. The attendant will give you a claim check. The main will call facility is close to the front gates. There are other will call facilities in various areas on the course along with merchandise huts. UPS has a shipping station just outside the huge store near the front gate.

Watching the players practice at the practice tee is worth the time. Stands are provided for viewing. You will begin to sense the tradition and the reverence of the tournament.

Clothing

Do not wear tank tops, tennis or athletic shorts! Golf shoes with metal spikes are not recommended and may be prohibited. No warm up or jogging outfits, no tee shirts with vociferous silk screened designs, and please, no hideous looking hats.

The weather during the first part of April in Augusta can fluctuate. Generally it is very pleasant with temperatures ranging from the high 60′s to the high 70′s during the day. (Take a windbreaker and sweater just in case for daytime.) Temperatures in the evening can vary from the low 60′s, to the low 50′s’, and on occasion, to the high 40′s. Augusta is not immune to rain; therefore it is advisable to take rain gear or an umbrella. Of course, you can always purchase those items in the merchandise pavilion.

Depending on the weather you may elect to wear golf shorts (The out seam of the short should be 17 or longer.) We suggest wearing shorts that are solid in color or have small muted patterns. If you choose long pants follow the same color and pattern idea as mentioned above.

For that time of year, shorts or trouser fabrics such as khakis, mid weight cottons, or linens in a medium or dark color are appropriate. A lightweight wool trouser is great but might be a little hot if you stand in the direct sunlight for a while. The mid-weight and lightweight micro fiber fabric pant in medium or dark colors will perform nicely.

When dressed in golf shorts please do not wear your suit or regular dress socks. It is preferred that socks should be the regular athletic sock which extends approximately 1-1 &Mac251; inches above the ankle. The color white is generally recommended while wearing shorts.

For trousers, socks should match the color of the pant. Ankle socks seem out of place at Augusta National.

Regular golf shirts (Collared knit shirts) and attractive dress sport shirts in solid or tasteful patterns are great. 100% cotton fabrics are recommended because on a sunny day cotton is cooler. The Masters remains a conservative event; therefore it is not advisable to wear leading edge fashion apparel. You will not be thrown out. However, you may feel out of place. But go ahead and wear the layered look, crew neck or mock turtle cotton knits.

Regarding shoes; wear your non-metal spike golf shoes, a comfortable walking or casual shoe. Top siders and other boat type shoes are ok, but may not be the greatest thing for walking. A tasteful tennis or running shoe is acceptable. The clunky looking, high top sport shoe is out of place. So are laced up dress shoes!

Have fun. Attending the Masters is the treat of a lifetime.