GOING TO THE MASTERS IN APRIL!!

[tarrantian]

 

Staying with buddies at a place near Columbia SC (Lake Murray), our tix are for the first round and we'll be playing in the vicinity before and after our trip to Augusta (Our rental is about an hour away)...

Haven't done too much research into courses in the vicinity where we are staying, but hoping to get some suggestions here.

Also would love any other 'tips and tricks' for those that have been to Augusta. 

Thanks guys!!

 - Ian

[Tom the Golf Nut]

24 minutes ago, tarrantian said:

 

Staying with buddies at a place near Columbia SC (Lake Murray), our tix are for the first round and we'll be playing in the vicinity before and after our trip to Augusta (Our rental is about an hour away)...

Haven't done too much research into courses in the vicinity where we are staying, but hoping to get some suggestions here.

Also would love any other 'tips and tricks' for those that have been to Augusta. 

Thanks guys!!

 - Ian

I'm no help on courses. Once I get to Columbia I keep a going to Myrtle. But I have been to the Masters several times. My suggestions:   Sorry this will be lengthy.

Get there early and get a good parking spot up close. Leave you cell in the car of your going  to be walking back to the car when you get to security. Thursday - Sunday no cameras. Once through security hit the big merchandise building get your stuff and head back to the car and drop it all off. Be sure to get a ticket lanyard. Keeps your ticket nice for a keep sake  and from losing it. You have to have it on display. This place is packed later in the day when people are leaving. I mean packed with people with lists for others and trying to resell on ebay. Now apply sunscreen, put on a wide brim hat and spikless golf shoes. Why you ask? The grass is slick when damp. I've had buddies go down at the course with their nice white shorts. You might be sitting on a hillside so watch the color shorts or pants your wearing. Now back through security. The range will be on your left you can stop for a bit to watch some players warm up.  You definitely want to see the entire course. Pictures and TV doesn't do it justice. Take your time. Pick a spot, sit in the stands for a bit watch some groups go through and move. Pick up a tee time sheet and a map when you first get in. If there are some groups you want to really see it is best to get ahead of them. Get to the stands and grab a seat and wait for them to come to you. All the stands have dedicated Marshall's they will let you know when you can get up to a seat.. No motion is allowed when players are on the green or tee box. Don't bother trying to follow anybody you won't see crap. Last time I went, there was a literal sea of people following Tiger. You could see and hear them from a hole or two away. Looked like a tidal wave coming.

Keep hydrated lots of people pass out from huffing around the course, out of shape and not hydrating. Practice rounds the players will interact. From Thursday on its their job and they won't even look your way.

Food is cheap and very good, lines go fast. Each line has the same food. Pick the shortest. All drinks come in collector's cups. Some people don't save them but leave some on top of trash cans for others. So if you want to bring home 6 and you only had three drinks in those cups you can pick up 3 more. Water bottles have the Masters label on them as well. Bathroom lines are long but get on it anyway it goes really fast. There are people inside the bathrooms to direct you to your required place of business. You can get on a line 30 people deep and be in and out in 5 minutes. The line never stops moving. They got their sh_t together. Pun intended.

If by chance you want to get something you forgot to purchase there is another small shop on the right near the exit. Look for it on the way in so you know where it is.

When you use one of the fairway crosswalks meander a little to the side where its not trampled. The feel of the fairway under you feet is amazing.  Note that heckling will get you thrown out. There is zero tolerance there. I've seen them toss out a few. Not that you are but stay away from any who are to prevent any mistaken identification. Drunks are common as the beer is cheap too.

You will have a great time.

[tarrantian]

37 minutes ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

I'm no help on courses. Once I get to Columbia I keep a going to Myrtle. But I have been to the Masters several times. My suggestions:   Sorry this will be lengthy.

Get there early and get a good parking spot up close. Leave you cell in the car of your going  to be walking back to the car when you get to security. Thursday - Sunday no cameras. Once through security hit the big merchandise building get your stuff and head back to the car and drop it all off. Be sure to get a ticket lanyard. Keeps your ticket nice for a keep sake  and from losing it. You have to have it on display. This place is packed later in the day when people are leaving. I mean packed with people with lists for others and trying to resell on ebay. Now apply sunscreen, put on a wide brim hat and spikless golf shoes. Why you ask? The grass is slick when damp. I've had buddies go down at the course with their nice white shorts. You might be sitting on a hillside so watch the color shorts or pants your wearing. Now back through security. The range will be on your left you can stop for a bit to watch some players warm up.  You definitely want to see the entire course. Pictures and TV doesn't do it justice. Take your time. Pick a spot, sit in the stands for a bit watch some groups go through and move. Pick up a tee time sheet and a map when you first get in. If there are some groups you want to really see it is best to get ahead of them. Get to the stands and grab a seat and wait for them to come to you. All the stands have dedicated Marshall's they will let you know when you can get up to a seat.. No motion is allowed when players are on the green or tee box. Don't bother trying to follow anybody you won't see crap. Last time I went, there was a literal sea of people following Tiger. You could see and hear them from a hole or two away. Looked like a tidal wave coming.

Keep hydrated lots of people pass out from huffing around the course, out of shape and not hydrating. Practice rounds the players will interact. From Thursday on its their job and they won't even look your way.

Food is cheap and very good, lines go fast. Each line has the same food. Pick the shortest. All drinks come in collector's cups. Some people don't save them but leave some on top of trash cans for others. So if you want to bring home 6 and you only had three drinks in those cups you can pick up 3 more. Water bottles have the Masters label on them as well. Bathroom lines are long but get on it anyway it goes really fast. There are people inside the bathrooms to direct you to your required place of business. You can get on a line 30 people deep and be in and out in 5 minutes. The line never stops moving. They got their sh_t together. Pun intended.

If by chance you want to get something you forgot to purchase there is another small shop on the right near the exit. Look for it on the way in so you know where it is.

When you use one of the fairway crosswalks meander a little to the side where its not trampled. The feel of the fairway under you feet is amazing.  Note that heckling will get you thrown out. There is zero tolerance there. I've seen them toss out a few. Not that you are but stay away from any who are to prevent any mistaken identification. Drunks are common as the beer is cheap too.

You will have a great time.

Wow Tom, thank you so much for this - Really amazing advice...

I've always worried about the hecklers, more my reaction to them and the possiblity of violence LOL. Happy this is not the case with the patrons at Augusta. Amazing advice around cell phones, hydration, attire, etc. 

Thank you so much for this!

[tarrantian]

Should have added - Looking for any golf recommendations in the general vicinity of Lake Murrray, Batesburg-Leesville. Doesn't seem to be much, but also (either on our way down or home) willing to pay for showcase courses as well...

For perspective, we're driving down primarily via Interstate 77 from Ontario, Canada.

Thanks again. 

[Middler]

I’ve only been once in 1989, so I can’t top the great advice Tom gave you above. Having first round tickets is probably a very good thing, it’ll be a little less crowded and chaotic. I’ll only echo you won’t believe the place in person, TV doesn’t begin to do it justice - the manicured beauty, the living history and the extreme contours. Soak it all in while you’re there. I apply every year without success, I only hope to go again at least once. 

I don’t know courses near Lake Murray (even though I have family on the lake). It may be a little out of the way off I77 and too far from where you’re staying, but I highly recommend Pinehurst #2 or #4, Pine Needles or Mid Pines.

Or if you want to see the most unique good course in the world, Tobacco Road. If you consider TR, watch a couple videos first. There isn’t another course like it I’ve seen, and it looks harder than it actually is IF you’ve studied the holes a little in advance. Everyone I know who’s been there either absolutely loves it or hates it, no one falls in the middle (IOW watch a video to decide, skip to 7:45 for the actual course).

 

[Headhammer]

Enjoy!

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by Headhammer

[Tom the Golf Nut]

Check out Timberlake Country Club. It's member owned but offers public tee times and it's right on Lake Murray. Has good ratings.

[tarrantian]

9 hours ago, Middler said:

I’ve only been once in 1989, so I can’t top the great advice Tom gave you above. Having first round tickets is probably a very good thing, it’ll be a little less crowded and chaotic. I’ll only echo you won’t believe the place in person, TV doesn’t begin to do it justice - the manicured beauty, the living history and the extreme contours. Soak it all in while you’re there. I apply every year without success, I only hope to go again at least once. 

I don’t know courses near Lake Murray (even though I have family on the lake). It may be a little out of the way off I77 and too far from where you’re staying, but I highly recommend Pinehurst #2 or #4, Pine Needles or Mid Pines.

Or if you want to see the most unique good course in the world, Tobacco Road. If you consider TR, watch a couple videos first. There isn’t another course like it I’ve seen, and it looks harder than it actually is IF you’ve studied the holes a little in advance. Everyone I know who’s been there either absolutely loves it or hates it, no one falls in the middle (IOW watch a video to decide, skip to 7:45 for the actual course).

 

Thanks Middler - Great advice, Pinehurst and Tobacco are definite considerations. Really appreciate the advice!!

6 hours ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Check out Timberlake Country Club. It's member owned but offers public tee times and it's right on Lake Murray. Has good ratings.

Thanks Tom!! I'll check it out...

[Tom the Golf Nut]

This might help some as well. 

Augusta National rules: dos and don'ts - National Club Golfer

[tarrantian]

18 hours ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

This might help some as well. 

Augusta National rules: dos and don'ts - National Club Golfer

Thanks Tom!

[juspoole]

Have a great time!  Great advice Tom.  I know if it were me, I'd definitely need to go back to the car to store my purchases.  I don't even want to think about the dollar figure that I might put down in the pro shop!

Certainly on my bucket list as probably every golfer on Earth and if I don't get picked for the draw (most likely that I won't) I plan to buy tickets for my 40th in 2027.  My birthday is in Mid April as well so it works out pretty well.

[Jay Vecchiarelli]

You will never forget the experience! If you are lucky and get in the first wave you can put your chairs at the eighteenth green. Leave them no one will move them. At least that’s the way it was when I went.

in Aiken, you may be able to play the Reserve club as they accept outside play. It’s a Nicklaus course and it is in every aspect a championship course. Aiken golf club is a public course. Neat because of the history. Many PGA pros from the area cut their teeth on it. I lived at the Reserve Club for many years. Sage valley is another great course. Walking and caddie is required. You won’t regret playing it.

 

[tarrantian]

1 hour ago, Jay Vecchiarelli said:

You will never forget the experience! If you are lucky and get in the first wave you can put your chairs at the eighteenth green. Leave them no one will move them. At least that’s the way it was when I went.

in Aiken, you may be able to play the Reserve club as they accept outside play. It’s a Nicklaus course and it is in every aspect a championship course. Aiken golf club is a public course. Neat because of the history. Many PGA pros from the area cut their teeth on it. I lived at the Reserve Club for many years. Sage valley is another great course. Walking and caddie is required. You won’t regret playing it.

 

Thank you Jay - I'm checking out courses this weekend. Appreciate the advice my friend!!

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I think at the Masters last year they started an only one re-entry per ticket holder policy. So only send one guy back to the car with the merchandise. Just in case you need a couple runs back to the car during the day for stuff.  I would check and see if they are still doing that.

[tarrantian]

Just got back from my trip - Too much to say, but it was exactly as hoped (The chair thing is a bit of a myth, we planted ours adjacent to the 11th green 12th tees, came back from following Tiger and some @ss was in my chair, couldn't get to it until later when the crowds thinned and kicked him out LOL)...

Felt like Field of Dreams - "Is this heaven?"

Good times.

- Ian

(Attached photo w/my friend Sham)

[Hobert]

On 2/4/2022 at 7:20 PM, Tom the Golf Nut said:

I think at the Masters last year they started an only one re-entry per ticket holder policy. So only send one guy back to the car with the merchandise. Just in case you need a couple runs back to the car during the day for stuff.  I would check and see if they are still doing that.

You are correct. The other option is to use the complimentary shopping bag check service next to the shop. The line to drop off wasn't bad and the pick up took a minute max.

[Hobert]

On 4/11/2022 at 9:26 PM, tarrantian said:

Just got back from my trip - Too much to say, but it was exactly as hoped (The chair thing is a bit of a myth, we planted ours adjacent to the 11th green 12th tees, came back from following Tiger and some @ss was in my chair, couldn't get to it until later when the crowds thinned and kicked him out LOL)...

Felt like Field of Dreams - "Is this heaven?"

Good times.

- Ian

(Attached photo w/my friend Sham)

Your photo is much better than mine. I was on the mat on the other side and the photographer did not get the logo flowers...he zoomed in too much.

[lefty110golf]

I got Tickets for the Wednesday practice session for 2023. Trying to figure out where to stay without paying an arm and a leg! I will be taking the week off and driving from Chicago but not yet sure if I will be heading up from Florida or not. So where to stay? Aiken? Columbia? Macon?

[Tom the Golf Nut]

1 hour ago, lefty110golf said:

I got Tickets for the Wednesday practice session for 2023. Trying to figure out where to stay without paying an arm and a leg! I will be taking the week off and driving from Chicago but not yet sure if I will be heading up from Florida or not. So where to stay? Aiken? Columbia? Macon?

I stayed in Aiken the last few times. 

[cnosil]

15 hours ago, lefty110golf said:

I got Tickets for the Wednesday practice session for 2023. Trying to figure out where to stay without paying an arm and a leg! I will be taking the week off and driving from Chicago but not yet sure if I will be heading up from Florida or not. So where to stay? Aiken? Columbia? Macon?

The time I went I stayed an hour away.   The difficulty is that you are waiting until now to make reservations; when I went,  I made mine months in advance.  

 

[MGoBlue100]

You could stay around Columbia or even Greenville, SC. Drive would be a bit long, but Greenville is a great town. Better golf options too if you’re looking to play. 

[tarrantian]

18 hours ago, lefty110golf said:

I got Tickets for the Wednesday practice session for 2023. Trying to figure out where to stay without paying an arm and a leg! I will be taking the week off and driving from Chicago but not yet sure if I will be heading up from Florida or not. So where to stay? Aiken? Columbia? Macon?

We stayed at a home rental via VRBO in Lake Murray, west of Columbia and about an hour from Augusta…

In hindsight, the place was awesome but a bit in the middle of nowhere - Kind of shocked at the minimal golf options, but considering the area likely gets tourist activity only once a year somewhat understandable.

We had such a great trip and we found courses that fit the bill regardless - Just can’t get over how cold it was on Masters Saturday (we were there on the Thurs when the weather was beautiful)…

While the 3rd was being played we were playing a course near Columbia and were unprepared for the Canada late fall-like temps we were playing in LOL.

Enjoy!!

 

 

 

[OldApp79]

Moved to house on Lake Murray last fall. Yes, we have neighbors that rent their house via VRBO or Airbnb. The drive to Augusta is about 1:15. I play Timberlake because it's closest course to my house & a great design (Willard Byrd). Course conditions are steadily improving but still a work in progress. Back 9 greens new last summer. Front 9 to be renovated this summer. Bermuda grass tee to green. How much of the Bermuda grass is not dormant depends on how much warm weather preceeds Masters week. Other courses to consider are Oak Hill & Mid Carolina.

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