How to get Masters tickets
Tickets for the Masters are almost as hard to come by as the playing spots themselves. NCG goes over how to find your way into Augusta
As far as sporting events go, particularly golf tournaments, this is bucket list stuff. It’s a tournament we would all love to attend – if you haven’t done so already, of course – but how do you get your hands on Masters tickets?
It would be fair to say generally not easy to get your hands on that precious piece of paper that will gain you access to the most sacred grounds in golf, even for the practice days. But it can be done.
When is the Masters?
The Masters Tournament takes place in the second week of April each year and is held at Augusta National Golf Club, where each year around 100 invited golfers will battle it out for the coveted Green Jacket.
Only the cream of the crop rise to the top on this delicious plot of land in this corner of Georgia, including Jack Nicklaus, who has slipped into golf’s most famous item of clothing on a record six occasions, and Tiger Woods, who is one behind on five. (Who can forget that famous win in 2019?)
As for British winners, Nick Faldo, on three occasions, Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam and Danny Willett have stuck the Union Flag into the Butler Cabin. (Metaphorically, of course.) That’s a good quiz question to ask your friends.
How much are Masters tickets?
Tickets for practice days – that’s the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Masters week – will set you back $100. That works out to about to £80 to you and me.
Tickets for tournament days – Thursday to Sunday – are priced at $140 – around £115 – per day.
How to get tickets for the Masters?
Here are a few options…
The ballot
The easiest way to get Masters tickets would be to apply for the ballot.
The ballot for each year’s Masters golf tournament opens shortly after the conclusion of the event, a year prior.
The draw which picks out those who will be eligible to purchase tickets usually takes place in the late spring and the results normally come out in July.
From there, the lucky individuals who are successful will be able to book their Masters tickets.
There are some things you do need to be aware of though if you are considering applying for tickets:
– You must be 21 years of age to be eligible for tickets
– Only one application per person and household will be accepted
– While you can apply for as many days as you like, eligibility will only be granted for one day
We don’t want to put you off, of course, but if you want to know just how difficult it is to get Masters tickets via the ballot, allow NCG’s Steve Carroll to tell you his first-hand experiences.
Patron Badge
Patron Badges allow access to Augusta National throughout Masters week, but saying they are hard to come by would be an understatement.
Patron badges cost $325 – around £250 – and if any badges are returned, then those at the front of the queue will see their eyes light up.
However, the last time a badge was up for grabs was back in 2000, so don’t get too excited about at this option.
Those who hold the badges simply don’t give them up, and why would you? In the unfortunate event that a holder passes away, the badge will be passed to any surviving spouse.
Travel packages
Finally, there are some golf travel companies, including Golfbreaks and YourGolfTravel, that offer a Masters ticket packages and Masters experiences that include flights, transfers, accommodation, and entry to the grounds. Sometimes you may even get in a round or two at nearby golf courses.
Prices will vary, but expect it to be mid-four figures per person.
Become a PGA professional
Are there any other ways?
Well, you could of course go down the second hand route – but anyone who has bought tickets before will know not only the added cost involved, but the risk factors too.
We wouldn’t recommend this route – even if you are desperate.
Now have your say
Have you won Masters tickets in the ballot? Have you forked out for a travel package or are you lucky enough to have a patron badge? Let us know how you visit the Masters by leaving a comment on X.
Alex Perry
Alex has been the editor of National Club Golfer since 2017. A Devonian who enjoys wittering on about his south west roots, Alex moved north to join NCG after more than a decade in London, the last five of which were with ESPN. Away from golf, Alex follows Torquay United and spends too much time playing his PlayStation or his guitar and not enough time practising his short game.
