The Masters Tournament, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the most prestigious and sought-after tickets in all of sports. As the first major championship of the year and the smallest field of the four majors, demand for Masters tickets far exceeds supply. So how do people actually get the coveted opportunity to attend the Masters?
The Masters Ticket Lottery
One way that fans can get Masters tickets is through the tournament’s ticket lottery. Applications are accepted during a designated window, usually in June of the previous year. Fans can register online and are selected at random. If chosen, they have the opportunity to purchase two practice round tickets and two daily tournament round tickets.
The odds of winning the Masters ticket lottery are extremely low, often less than 1%. In 2022, approximately 35,000 applicants were selected from 3.5 million entries. Still, for many fans, entering the lottery each year provides a glimmer of hope for a chance to experience Augusta National and the Masters.
Practice Rounds Tickets
Compared to tournament round tickets, practice round tickets are slightly easier to come by. A limited number are sold to the general public each year through the Masters website in July or August. The majority, however, are distributed to badge holders and through special promotions or contests.
Badges provide access to the practice facility and concessions at Augusta National and are highly coveted. Badges are typically inherited or require one to be an established patron. Companies like AT&T and IBM also award badge-inclusive packages to clients and employees through special partnerships with Augusta National.
Daily Tournament Tickets
Daily tournament round tickets are the most coveted. Most are reserved for club members, sponsors, and resellers. Here’s a breakdown of how the other portion are distributed:
- A small number are included in the lottery.
- Around 8,000 are allotted to PGA Tour players.
- Augusta National members can request 4 tournament guest badges.
- Major corporate sponsors get packages.
The remainder trickle out through local vendors in Augusta. These tickets often come at a huge markup, fetching over $1,000 per day on the secondary market.
Purchasing Resale Tickets
Fans who want guaranteed tickets often resort to the secondary market. There are risks, as counterfeits abound, but resale tickets offer access for those willing to pay the premium:
- StubHub – An official ticket resale partner of MLB, NBA, etc. Prices easily over $1,000/day.
- Vivid Seats – Reputable ticket reseller with buyer guarantees. Similar pricing to StubHub.
- Craigslist – Riskier option with potential for scams, but may find deals.
- Ticket brokers – Many brokers acquire badges and packages to resell at high margins.
These secondary options often have the best availability for practice rounds too. Yet no matter what, buyers must be wary of counterfeit tickets.
Lodging Packages
Scoring lodging in Augusta during Masters week is nearly as difficult as getting tickets. Local hotels, vacation rentals, and anywhere within 30+ miles are booked far in advance. Some resorts and sports travel companies offer lucrative Masters packages that combine lodging and tickets:
- The Lodge on Augusta – Cottage-style accommodations package with house badges.
- Augusta Rental Company – Cabin rentals outside Augusta include badge and ticket options.
- Event Tickets Travel – Hospitality chalets near Augusta National with packages.
- PrimeSport – Official provider includes ticket and hotel packages.
These all-inclusive packages bring peace of mind but cost a small fortune. Packages during tournament week easily exceed $10,000-$15,000 per person.
Joining a Waitlist
Die-hard fans unable to secure badges or tickets have one last option – join the waitlist. Augusta National maintains waitlists for practice round tickets and tournament tickets. Requirements are strict and waits can stretch 10+ years, but it guarantees access once your name is called.
Interested individuals must mail a written request to Augusta National including:
- Full name / contact info
- Specific ticket type being requested
- Agreement to the club’s policies
There’s no fee to join the waitlist. But given the long odds, most see it as a legacy move to one day bring children or grandchildren to the Masters.
Winning the Masters
The best way to guarantee lifetime access to the Masters? Win the tournament and become a member of the exclusive club. Only the game’s best professional golfers can realistically aspire to don the green jacket. But past champions like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and newer winners like Patrick Reed enjoy privileged access for life.
Conclusion
In summary, Masters tickets remain out of reach for most fans. The lottery provides hope, but the odds are astronomical. Joining a waitlist or splurging on resale tickets or packages offer the best chances today. Otherwise, selecting a favorite pro golfer and hoping they get a green jacket might be the smartest play.
No matter the option, demand for one of sports’ most coveted tickets continues to outweigh supply at the Masters. But for golf fans dreaming of hearing the echoes of “Fore please” at Amen Corner or seeing the back nine on Sunday, the thrill of just having a slim chance makes entering the lottery or waitlist a time-honored tradition.