Golf is a sport where the fear of missing out is rife.
This is increased tenfold at the Masters, especially at the par 3 contest when a hole-in-one could drop at any second on any hole. Hear one cheer, and your head pivots like an owl.
The same can be said for Augusta National. I suspect the noise will travel even more in 2025, given that 1000 trees were lost on the golf course in Hurricane Helene last year.
When I’ve been to The Open Championship in various corners of the UK, both as media and a spectator, I meet a dilemma: Sit in one grandstand and watch several groups pass through, or follow a marquee pairing.
But there are so many more dynamics at the Masters. It has a mythical presence in the world of golf and bucket-list standing in the eyes of millions of fans. How you navigate this event, should you get a ticket, requires a unique mindset.
There is natural beauty to take in at Amen Corner, there are Masters gnomes in the shop that won’t buy themselves, and there is no concept of time with no mobile phones allowed on the golf course. There are also strict rules to follow, like not running.
So, considering all of these variables, I went on a journey through the pines and perfection of Augusta National Golf Club for some advice – the advice current patrons would give those who get the golden ticket to the golf factory in 2026:
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How to watch the Masters at Augusta – using the advice of the patrons
“Definitely bring a watch!” – Michael from Savannah, on his first visit to the Masters.
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“You have to plan. Plan your route, plan where you want to be. We try and go around in an order, so you’re not stressed” – Maria from Augusta, on her umpteenth trip to the Masters.
“It is difficult to follow the likes of Scottie Scheffler. I’m a big fan of getting a spot, like here on the 16th hole, walking around for a bit, and then coming back to this spot” – Brian from Chambers, Indiana, a visitor of 20 years to Augusta National.
“You need to come early. Get here early” – Glen from Charlotte (For context, fans were waiting at the gates at 5 am on Friday morning, and they didn’t open until 7 am).
“Unless you want to get a gnome from the merchandise shop, arrive here any time around 7 am” – Joseph from Alabama.
“Just come here to the 16th hole to watch golf. And bring a watch!” – Josh from Iowa.
“Don’t worry about not being able to use your phone and just let go” – Tim from Washington D.C.
“Everyone likes to walk and follow. But you should take the time to sit down, and don’t just be in ‘go, go, go’ mode” – Miranda from North Carolina.
“First thing – get comfortable shoes! And if you want to go to the shop, get here early” – Carey from Augusta.
“You need come with a best friend and come with no expectations. Don’t go to a hole, or try to follow a player. Just come and enjoy it with a best friend” – Kathy from Savannah.
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Are you surprised by anything in this Masters spectators guide? What would you add to this Masters spectators guide? Tell us on X!
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