The Masters
The Masters Tournament, one of four major
championships in professional golf, tops the travel bucket
list for golf fanatics, newbies, and many who’ve never
picked up a club. Founded in 1934, the tournament itself
comes steeped in tradition, only to be matched by the
culture and history of the host city of Augusta. Together,
they create a perfect environment to break from the world,
smell the azaleas, snack on pimento cheese sandwiches,
and soak up the action on the greens. You’ll feel as if it
was you that scored a hole in one.
Located on the Savannah River across from South
Carolina, Augusta is Georgia’s second-largest city after
Atlanta. It was established in 1736 and named after
Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, mother of Britain’s King
George III of Revolutionary War fame. During the Civil
War, the city housed the principal Confederate powder
works. Augusta became a popular vacation destination
in the mid-20th century due to its moderate climate and
proximity to major hubs like Atlanta and Washington D.C.
PLANNING A MASTERS TRIP
The 2019 Masters Tournament runs from April 8 to 14 and is expected
to draw a crowd of around 200,000 to the Augusta National Golf Club,
one of the most exclusive courses in the world. Just like with any
world famous sports event, attending the Masters requires advance
planning. Tickets for both the practice rounds (Monday–Wednesday)
and the tournament days (Thursday–Sunday) go on sale in June the
previous year, while flights and hotel rooms both fill up quickly.
Broad Street
A favorite is the five-star Club Magnolia, which caters to golf fans’
every need. Founded by Atlanta entrepreneur Robbi Raitt, the
hotel offers several turn-key Masters Golf Tournament packages
that include accommodations (private or hotel rooms), tee times,
meals, and transportation. Alternatively, guests can purchase a daily
membership for all-inclusive access to the Club from 7am until one
hour post tournament play at Augusta. The indoor/outdoor spaces
include two sweeping decks, a three-hole putting course, a cigar
terrace, sculpture gardens, and the Par Tee Stage with live music.
Tiger Woods wannabes can tune up their skills at the on-site driving
range simulator, where a golf pro will measure their swing and
give instructions on how to improve yardage. The extensive dining
options range from an open pit BBQ to oyster and dessert bars, plus
eight full-service bars.
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SPRING 2019 31 FLYWASHINGTON.COM