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Why Augusta National sets the standard for spectator viewing at The Masters

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Here’s how Augusta National Golf Club was designed with spectators in mind, and why patrons rarely miss a moment of the action.

Augusta National | Source: Getty Images

“The spectator experience is unbelievable,” said Tom Irwin about the layout of Augusta National on the NCG Golf Podcast.

A constant criticism of watching golf in person is that you miss most of the action. Open venues have copped their fair share of flack over this due to their lack of vantage points and huge crowds, that so often hinder the viewing experience.

But, there are no such complaints at Augusta.

Regarded as one of the most special exclusive venues in sport, it is of course home to the Masters championship every year.

Dustin Johnson on the tee at the 2026 Masters. Credit: Getty Images
Dustin Johnson on the tee at the 2026 Masters. Credit: Getty Images

Speaking on the NCG Golf Podcast Irwin spoke about his experience on day one of the Masters and how it is no accident that Augusta is such a good viewing venue.

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“If you read Bobby Jones’ original course notes it kind of explains that the original golf course is designed to enhance the viewing experience of the patrons,” he pointed out. “And it really does. 

“You could pick out several spots around the golf course from one particular vantage point you can see a phenomenal amount of golf.  

“The one that stands out to me is behind the third tee, where you can watch approaches into seven and two, and the tee shot from three as well as bits and pieces of other holes that are in the vicinity.”

It’s a viewing experience that feels immersive, with the course flowing from one hole to the next. Rather than chasing groups across different sides of the property or being hemmed in by infrastructure, Irwin noted how you are constantly surrounded by action.

“On the way around (the course) you are bumping into golf constantly,” he added. “You don’t feel like you have missed anyone really.  

“I feel like we have ticked almost everybody (the players) off, because as you make your way across the property, you’re not behind grandstands and you’re not behind hordes of spectators.  

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“I would compare it to my experience at Royal Portrush last year (the venue for The Open Championship), which was obviously teeming with people. 

Shane Lowry celebrating his Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2019. Credit: Getty Images
Shane Lowry celebrating his Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2019. Credit: Getty Images

“Portrush is not a bad spectator course. There are lots of high points. There are lots of dunes. But I felt like I did a lot of walking without seeing any golf.  

“Whereas here I feel you are walking round a park and golf is going on around you and you can’t fail to see it. 

“We were watching the Olazabal group and then glanced across to the adjacent fairway and saw two balls being played into the seventh green and one of them was McIlroy’s.” 

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NOW HAVE YOUR SAY

Have you been to Augusta National? If so, what was it like? If you went for the Masters what was the viewing experience like as a patron? Let us know by leaving a comment or getting in touch with us on X!

About the author

Max Mcvittie

A bit of a late bloomer to the game of golf, Max fell in love with the sport when he attended Saturday coaching sessions down at his local golf club after being inspired by friends and family members.

Max has remained a member of Eden Golf Club in Carlisle for a number of years now as he looks to get his handicap down into single figures. Most of his golfing career has been spent battling a permanent slice off the tee, which has led to some ugly rounds.

Having studied at the University of Sunderland, Max is starting out his dream career in sports journalism. During his time at university, he picked up valuable work experience at Reach PLC, BBC Radio Cumbria and GiveMeSport, whilst also getting work published in the Teesside Live. He also spent time working at a local weekly newspaper, Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, as a general news reporter partially covering some local sport just north of the border in Langholm.

Max has just started his journey with the NCG working as the assistant equipment editor. He looks forwarded to reviewing the latest golf equipment, taking up an interest in reviews when buying his first golf club, a Cleveland RTX wedge.

With his bag not going under too many changes throughout the last few years, Max carries an M3 driver, Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood, M2 hybrid, a set of M2 irons, Callaway Jaws wedges and a TaylorMade Spider putter. And yes, Max is a bit of a self-proclaimed TaylorMade fan boy.

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