Masters help needed

I'm making my first ever trip to the Masters for a practice round this year. For those that have been....I know you can take a camera for practice rounds (no phones of course), but what about a GoPro? I want to get some good pics, but don't want to have my GoPro confiscated or anything. Does anybody know if GoPro's are ok? And if not, any suggestions on cameras? I've used my phone so long for pics, I no longer know what a good cheap camera is.

Also, any suggestions on "must do's" while in Augusta and at the tourney?

Im pretty excited about it. Bucket list item that my best bud made possible. He's an EliteDawgs member too...so I hope he sees this and knows how much I appreciate him inviting me to go. I'll be representing the Dawgs in some form or fashion while there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

No phones? I'm shocked. I think that's great, but very surprising.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CadaverDawg

I'm making my first ever trip to the Masters for a practice round this year. For those that have been....I know you can take a camera for practice rounds (no phones of course), but what about a GoPro? I want to get some good pics, but don't want to have my GoPro confiscated or anything. Does anybody know if GoPro's are ok? And if not, any suggestions on cameras? I've used my phone so long for pics, I no longer know what a good cheap camera is.

Also, any suggestions on "must do's" while in Augusta and at the tourney?

Im pretty excited about it. Bucket list item that my best bud made possible. He's an EliteDawgs member too...so I hope he sees this and knows how much I appreciate him inviting me to go. I'll be representing the Dawgs in some form or fashion while there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

---

As particular as they are about everything,I doubt they will allow you to enter with anything but a camera. I would suggest you start on 18 and walk the course from there to 1. The course is the real reason you are going and you will be able to see it better. Have fun. Great experience

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Csdog

As particular as they are about everything,I doubt they will allow you to enter with anything but a camera. I would suggest you start on 18 and walk the course from there to 1. The course is the real reason you are going and you will be able to see it better. Have fun. Great experience

---

Great advice, thanks man. I can't wait.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CadaverDawg

I'm making my first ever trip to the Masters for a practice round this year. For those that have been....I know you can take a camera for practice rounds (no phones of course), but what about a GoPro? I want to get some good pics, but don't want to have my GoPro confiscated or anything. Does anybody know if GoPro's are ok? And if not, any suggestions on cameras? I've used my phone so long for pics, I no longer know what a good cheap camera is.

Also, any suggestions on "must do's" while in Augusta and at the tourney?

Im pretty excited about it. Bucket list item that my best bud made possible. He's an EliteDawgs member too...so I hope he sees this and knows how much I appreciate him inviting me to go. I'll be representing the Dawgs in some form or fashion while there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

---

The biggest thing is just enjoy the course and wear comfortable shoes. TV does not do it justice how hilly that course is. 13 is like a race track. Also, the new merchandise shop, make sure to go in there with a list of things you want, otherwise you'll spend 5K before you know it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

The biggest thing is just enjoy the course and wear comfortable shoes. TV does not do it justice how hilly that course is. 13 is like a race track. Also, the new merchandise shop, make sure to go in there with a list of things you want, otherwise you'll spend 5K before you know it.

---

Comfy shoes and don't blow the bank at the gift shop. Both excellent pieces of advice, thank you

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CadaverDawg

I'm making my first ever trip to the Masters for a practice round this year. For those that have been....I know you can take a camera for practice rounds (no phones of course), but what about a GoPro? I want to get some good pics, but don't want to have my GoPro confiscated or anything. Does anybody know if GoPro's are ok? And if not, any suggestions on cameras? I've used my phone so long for pics, I no longer know what a good cheap camera is.

Also, any suggestions on "must do's" while in Augusta and at the tourney?

Im pretty excited about it. Bucket list item that my best bud made possible. He's an EliteDawgs member too...so I hope he sees this and knows how much I appreciate him inviting me to go. I'll be representing the Dawgs in some form or fashion while there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

---

I'm no help with golf, lol, but it's good to see you're still alive and well, CD!

My wife and I are going for the Friday round. They don?t even allow phones or cameras in the tourney rounds. Can?t wait. First time at the course.

Dont forget to get either a pimiento and cheese or egg and olive sandwich with a PEACH ICE CREAM SANDWHICH. Cost you about $3.50. If not for the walking i would have gained 10 lbs over 2 days from egg and olive sandwiches and ice cream sandwiches.

You lucky dog!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Csdog

As particular as they are about everything,I doubt they will allow you to enter with anything but a camera. I would suggest you start on 18 and walk the course from there to 1. The course is the real reason you are going and you will be able to see it better. Have fun. Great experience

---

That’s great advice, walking as much of the property as you can is a must, see all you can then find a good spot to relax. Be prepared for lots of up and down hill walks the property is way steeper than it looks on TV. Get to the merchandise shop it’s a must you will be there for a while. I have found the pimento cheese while good is topped by the egg salad its really good and a must. Most of all, take your time and let it all soak, it’s an experience more than a golf tournament. One thing you might not think of is to get a good look at 14 green the slope is amazing.

I've been to tournament rounds and practice rounds as well.... I've seen folks on a phone (over in a corner away from obvious traffic) including a friend of mine..... but I've never seen one during a tournament round. I've seen Greg Norman practically assaulted for a photo after a practice round... things are just different for tournament rounds- even the patrons are different.
I would start my walk on #1 through 9 ... then skip over to the par 3 course then walk 10 through 18 . The players are all in a relaxed mood and willing to talk sometimes but when the tournament starts EVERYTHING changes.... nothing better or more reasonably priced than the sandwiches and beer at the Masters.... go by the pro shop because you will definitely want a piece of memorabilia .... enjoy Dawg

Cadaver - I would suggest you take your GoPro, but have a backup option. The worst that will happen is that they tell you at the entrance you need to return it to your car. They have a check stand option, but I haven't used it so can't comment.

1) Get there super early, before the gates open. I think gates open around 8, so get there at 6:45 -7:00 and stand in line outside the gates for them to open.
2) Hit the merchandise shop before doing anything else. If you get there early and are one of the first ones in, getting your bulk shopping done will save you hours you could be spending later out on the course.
- Please note there are two merchandise shops, so keep that in mind. The main one on the north side (which is the preferred one) and another on the south side by Berkman's Place. You can check and ship what you buy so you don't have to carry all day - highly recommend.
- Outside of Monday, each day has a chance for rain. If there is lightning, they will clear the course and based on when it happens - they could keep it closed for the remainder of the day. Nothing would suck worse than being there, waiting to purchase items, then get kicked off and lose the chance.
3) They have breakfast options, so you can come hungry. Everyone talks about the pricing, so you can eat and drink all day for less than what a shirt will cost you.
4) They have grandstands at all the popular spots, so chairs aren't as needed as on tournament days. If you're going on Wednesday though, I would recommend buying a chair as you'll want to place one for the Par 3 tournament. They drop the ropes to place chairs for that around 10am (if memory serves correctly). They've completely renovated that course since I've been, so can't recommend a location. We used to post up behind #9 tee box and it was a fantastic view!
5) You can get your photo taken for free in front of the clubhouse. You have to loop around the clubhouse past #10 tee box, but it's worth doing. Gives you a glimpse of Magnolia Drive as well.
6) As others have mentioned, it is a very hilly walk. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
7) Everyone you encounter will be in great spirits! The lack of having a phone magnifies the experience! It's awesome!
8) Make sure to spend some time on #16. For practice rounds, you'll see them skip it over the water.

To summarize, get there early (well before the gates are scheduled to open and wait in line), merchandise shop as soon as you get there, walk the course first to take it all in, identify some spots you'd like to come back to, and finally just enjoy the day!

DM with any specific questions; I'd be happy to help so you're prepared and can maximize the day!

You guys never disappoint. Thanks for all the tips, I'm pumped. Never thought I would be fortunate enough to attend the Masters. Any must have merchandise that anyone was so glad they bought or hate they missed out on?

This is a bucket list item for me. I have a couple of former bosses that have gotten to work the Master's for about the last 33 years. They work rather long days from Monday until the final round on Sunday, the best part is their "payment". A round at the end of the year (May) on the best course in the world!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CadaverDawg

You guys never disappoint. Thanks for all the tips, I'm pumped. Never thought I would be fortunate enough to attend the Masters. Any must have merchandise that anyone was so glad they bought or hate they missed out on?

---

The one piece to have for me is the iconic bucket hat, but I have one of the green “Golf Course” caps that I haven’t worn since I left the property in Sunday morning in 2003.

Edit to add, take your time it’s easy to rush around, it’s a beautiful property. There has been so much work put in to the place to ensure that there isn’t a blade of grass or a grain of sand out of place, it’s unbelievable. Take the time to feel it.

You?ll never see a more efficient line for the bathrooms. Hold out as long as you need to. The move fast!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mr todd French

You?ll never see a more efficient line for the bathrooms. Hold out as long as you need to. The move fast!

---

And at least when i went in 2015, the bathrooms smell like a 5 star hotel lobby. The place is unreal. Not a thing out of place or not well thought out. The little things are what amazed me. The paint lines on the buildings are absolutely perfect. How they move people in and out of the merch store. Everything is first class.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Coursesuper

That’s great advice, walking as much of the property as you can is a must, see all you can then find a good spot to relax. Be prepared for lots of up and down hill walks the property is way steeper than it looks on TV. Get to the merchandise shop it’s a must you will be there for a while. I have found the pimento cheese while good is topped by the egg salad its really good and a must. Most of all, take your time and let it all soak, it’s an experience more than a golf tournament. One thing you might not think of is to get a good look at 14 green the slope is amazing.

---

Best advice. Walk it all and 14 is so legit. Have to stay there for a couple of groups to come through. Amen corner is fool in practice round too. Don't go to merchandise tent tat the start of the day. Line will be nuts and have to lug stuff around. Wait til the end. Practice area for a bit is a must as well. How. The place is run is literally second to none. Nothing else in sport is even close

I've been to three practice rounds and two tournament rounds and prefer the practice rounds. Everything is more relaxed.

There's good advice in this thread. Main point I would add is that the Masters "patrons" are awesome. You can take your lawn chair, plant it where you want to spend your sitting time, then leave it to walk the course. No one will mess with your stuff.

For a practice round, I'd definitely spend some time at 16. As players walk up, the crowd will be chanting "skip, skip, skip." Any player who doesn't try to skip one across the pond and onto the green gets booed in a good-natured way.

Another thing you'll notice is how organized everything is, starting with signage on the interstate as you approach Augusta. They make it pretty idiot-proof as far as how to get to your parking lot and the like. This is the upside for hosting the same event in the same city for several decades.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CadaverDawg

I'm making my first ever trip to the Masters for a practice round this year. For those that have been....I know you can take a camera for practice rounds (no phones of course), but what about a GoPro? I want to get some good pics, but don't want to have my GoPro confiscated or anything. Does anybody know if GoPro's are ok? And if not, any suggestions on cameras? I've used my phone so long for pics, I no longer know what a good cheap camera is.

Also, any suggestions on "must do's" while in Augusta and at the tourney?

Im pretty excited about it. Bucket list item that my best bud made possible. He's an EliteDawgs member too...so I hope he sees this and knows how much I appreciate him inviting me to go. I'll be representing the Dawgs in some form or fashion while there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

---

My 2 cents:

1. Get there as early as possible. Would aim to be in the parking lot an hour before gates open due to traffic on roads and foot traffic at gates
2. Personally, I would head to the picture spot in front of the clubhouse and get that out of the way. There are at least three lines to this, so should move quickly early in the morning. It's a free picture, so don't want to miss out.
3. Would then meander to the pro shop. I would have a premade list of items to purchase. It can be overwhelming in there - it's like the size of a walmart lol. There are two pro shops. one by number one fairway and one behind 16. 16 may be less crowded, but it's further away so thinking coming from the picture area you should stop at the main pro shop off 1. They can ship everything for you so if you don't want to lug purchases around you don't have to.
4. After that I would venture to the concessions right by the pro shop. Would snag a blue moon or their local beer. It's funny they are so anti-brand there that they don't list what beers they are. You just choose domestic or import or craft. pretty sure the craft is blue moon though (and you get a green cup instead of the clear one.)
5. Try every sandwich and ice cream there. Will set you back about $20 for all of that.
6. Walk the course and take as many photographs as you can. Would try to recreate some famous pictures you've seen for a personal/office shadowbox or scrapbook.
7. Wear the most comfortable pair of tennis shoes you have. Those puppies are going to be barking after you get home. A picture can't do it justice how downhill like the 10 tee box to 10 green is.
8. I don't think gopro's are okay. could be completely wrong, but I think it has to be a still camera.
9. Post the pictures in here so we can be jealous

As far as things to do in Augusta, if you are into bourbon, they have a distillery called 2nd City and you can do a tour and buy some of their goods. They also have started doing a Masters themed single barrel bourbon named after each of the holes at ANGC. This is their 3rd year doing it. Cool collectors item.

Enjoy!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CadaverDawg

I'm making my first ever trip to the Masters for a practice round this year. For those that have been....I know you can take a camera for practice rounds (no phones of course), but what about a GoPro? I want to get some good pics, but don't want to have my GoPro confiscated or anything. Does anybody know if GoPro's are ok? And if not, any suggestions on cameras? I've used my phone so long for pics, I no longer know what a good cheap camera is.

Also, any suggestions on "must do's" while in Augusta and at the tourney?

Im pretty excited about it. Bucket list item that my best bud made possible. He's an EliteDawgs member too...so I hope he sees this and knows how much I appreciate him inviting me to go. I'll be representing the Dawgs in some form or fashion while there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

---

Cadaver - what day are you going?

Didn't see the part about Augusta events, but if you're inclined - John Daly typically posts up in the Hooters parking lot if you want to go over and chat w/ him! :)