Guide to the Masters and Augusta National

With Augusta National's azaleas and dogwoods in bloom, The Masters is a symbol of spring and the arrival of golf season

Hallowed ground awaits just a short drive down Magnolia Lane. For any golfer (or sports fan, for that matter), attending The Masters is one of the most cherished events in the country. Augusta National Golf Club was founded by the legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones along with Clifford Roberts. With help from acclaimed Golf Course architect Alister Mackenzie, they created one of the greatest stages for golf in all of the world. The most legendary figures in the sport - Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have all triumphed here in spectacular fashion, from Sarazen's double eagle to Woods' runaway 1997 breakthrough.

Getting tickets to the Masters to be a patron can be difficult (practice rounds and the par 3 contest are more accessible, however), and most groups tend to make a longer vacation out of it, playing golf in the area before, during or after the event. Golf Channel provides full tournament coverage on Live From, but here at Golf Advisor, we're here to help with the travel X's and O's, from things to do off the course to which private clubs in the area open their doors to the public each April. We've handpicked a selection of our best content to help guide you through the gates.

It's a thrilling week to watch the greatest players in the world on the grandest of stages. Just be sure to leave your phone in the car and stop and smell the azaleas.

Golf courses to play around Augusta during The Masters

If you're in town for the Masters and want to play a round or two, you can choose from private clubs that open their gates, or more affordable public courses.
Unless you previously held a cabinet position in Washington or are the CEO of a large corporation, you're unlikely to ever get the opportunity to play golf at Augusta National. Good news, though. Although you may never get to test the tricky winds at Amen Corner, you do have plenty of golf options when you visit Augusta, Ga. It won't be the place with the pimento cheese sandwiches in the green wrappers, but it's not bad. Veteran Georgia sports writer Stan Awtrey suggests six must-play golf courses in the Augusta area.
Whenever the Masters approaches, we get questions about where to find the best public golf courses in Atlanta or in Augusta, Ga., itself.
Golf Advisor Round Trip Feature: Augusta

Golf courses inspired by Augusta National

There are a handful of courses in North America with replica holes taken straight from Augusta National. From Golden Ocala to Tour 18, here's where you can play Amen Corner and more.
Many public courses have traces of Augusta National. Brandon Tucker shares some elements, from a grand entrance to scale and short courses, that anyone can experience.
A handful of courses in North America that have tried to replicate some of Augusta National's most famous holes. Here's where you can play Amen Corner and more.
Browse courses, golf packages and read ratings and reviews of courses around Augusta, Georgia.

Notable moments in Masters history

We look back at 10 of the Masters Tournament's greatest tragedies. Fair warning: They're difficult to recall without reaching for the Scotch.
Need a refresher course on the greatest Masters victories ever? From Sarazen to Spieth, here are ten of the best.
Alister MacKenzie
About the famous architect of Augusta National
Alister MacKenzie is considered one of golf's finest architects. His course designs span four continents and include Augusta National and Cypress Point. Read more about the influential figure.
Your invitation to Augusta National may never arrive, but you can play a small sampling of Alister MacKenzie's public designs.
Which golf course architects have had the greatest influence on major championships? We look at the ten best, which include Tom Fazio, Pete Dye and Donald Ross.

About Augusta National

The extraordinary effort that presents a flawless, green Masters
Here's how to play Augusta National Golf Club if winning a PGA Tour event isn't in your future.
It's the holy grail of golf, and several Golf Channel team members have had the opportunity to play Augusta National over the years. See what they had to say about their respective rounds.
With an assist from some of the top superintendents in the business, here's 10 reasons it's unreasonable to compare your home course to Augusta.
The Masters Par 3 Contest has been an Augusta National tradition since 1960. Here's what you need to know.
The Bear Trap. The Green Mile. The Snake Pit. We rank the 17 best collection of holes in America and the Caribbean from least favorite nickname to the most iconic.
What's it like being the course next door?
Augusta, Georgia
The caddies are fully aware of the gravity of your experience and they do everything they can to enhance your experience.
Gary Williams, Golf Channel Morning Drive host
Augusta, Georgia
I played a usual mediocre round but my caddie Steve was an absolute joy. He saved me at least 10 shots that day, and we're still in contact now, 6 years later.
Jay Coffin, GolfChannel.com Editorial Director
Augusta, Georgia
The greens are so undulating, I three-jacked at least 10 times. Distance control is imperative there, and, um, that's one of the many weaknesses of my game.
Ryan Lavner, GolfChannel.com Senior Writer