I've gotten some nice messages the last few days from folks wanting suggestions for their first Masters trip. I'm almost as excited for you as I am to again have the privilege of covering the tournament.
Luke Kerr-Dineen tackled this topic for GolfDigest.com and includes very smart tips, including how to minimize your Washington Road time. (Long-winded BTW here: don't fret if you get stuck in traffic, the Sheriff moves things along well enough even at the peak arrival times. Plus, the views of T-Bone's and ticket scalpers make the drive all worth it. If you're really clever, you've also downloaded Dave Loggins' Masters theme to your phone, which you'll soon be saying goodbye too.)
Some tips:
Sunday To Wednesday Bring A Camera - No cell phones in case you had not heard, and since most of us only use them these days for picture-taking, dust off your point and shoot, charge that battery, make sure the memory card is inserted and bring it along. Otherwise, you won’t be able to capture a few memories. Disposables work too.
No Camera, Line Up For A Founders Circle Photo - The line can be long but it's worth it. With three club photographers and easy online retrieval, what's not to love? Ryan Herrington explained in this piece how it all works.
Timing - Practice round days, early arrivals are recommended as the traffic gets tough due to huge crowd sizes (larger than tournament days, some believe). Plus most players seem to arrive early and it allows you to do shopping. On the four tournament days, particularly Thursday and Friday, a later arrival and staying later affords some tremendous viewing. I’m amazed how early patrons leave on the weekdays. Though this is all with a caveat: an early arrival Thursday means being there for the Honorary Starts at around 8:15 am.
Two Ideal Meeting Spots - The main scoreboard just off the first fairway will always be the easiest designated meeting spot for most and is a must for a photo during practice days. Another great spot is the concession/restroom/phone booth local behind the 8th tee and near the 17th. This is more convenient if you’re meeting someone who has been out spectating. The 8th tee is centrally located and no more than 10 minutes from any point on the course.
Take A Stroll In The Park - For those wanting to just do a "lay of the land" walk, I have a weekend routine of scouting almost all of the hole locations early that helps you see almost every part of the property. Starting at the clubhouse, walk up the right of 1 fairway, down the right side of 2, then cut over, check out 3 and 4, before heading to the 3rd hole crossing for a look at greens 6 and 16. From there circle around 16 toward 15, then take the path through the trees to 13 green and the rest of Amen Corner. From there walk up hill to see the amazing 10th, 14th, 17th green and 7th greens, then head back up 18 to the clubhouse. It can all be done in about 45 minutes and you see every hole but the fifth.
Favorite Viewing Spots - Skip the 11th fairway where the pine tree planting has ruined any viewing of this fairway, once a really underrated spot for watching. Head to the 12th tee where you can see the putting and 12th tee shots. The 13th fairway landing area is also a good spot if you are mobile. The 2nd hole landing area, 3rd green and 4th tee area is another mobile locale that allows fun viewing. For all day sitting, there is no beating any grandstand at Amen Corner and at 15/16.
Shop Early And Ship - A massive new three story merchandise center opens this year near the first fairway, joining a newer facility near the Gate 6 entrance by the fifth green. Most days the merchandise shop is best the earlier you go, though weekend days you can shop relatively traffic free as play commences. But you’re there to watch The Masters, not shop. Right? Either way, just remember shipping is your friend. The UPS rates are fair and the operation is a scene to behold, with remarkable efficiency that gives you little excuse but to ship your purchases home. Fragile items are packed in a healthy wrapping of bubble wrap and if there is any question about the fragility of an item, the staff errs on the side of caution.
Buy The Timeless Stuff**** - Grabbing merchandise like hats and t-shirts with this year’s tournament year seems like a wise choice at the time, especially if you want people to ask about your trip to the Masters or it’s the anniversary of a previous trip. But I’ve found most tend to regret the date stamping preferring to have Masters-logoed stuff with a little more permanence. ****However, if this year's tournament is another 1986 Masters, you’re going to be wanting something with the date. Speaking of which, some retro gear emblazoned with 1986 Masters would be pretty sweet, wouldn't it?
Have A Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich - Essential, essential, essential! As are all of the sandwiches and chips thanks to cost and flavor. Regarding food lines, the concessions at Amen Corner and by 15 green/16 tee seem to be better designed for more patrons than some areas on the front nine and tend to have shorter lines. You rarely find lines at The Masters and most of those were for entering the shop, something that will likely be minimized with a new facility.
Don't Yell ShackHouse If You See Me - that behavior is strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated at all other golf tournaments. Just not this one.
