Each April, Augusta, Georgia is the epicenter of the golf universe. Since Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones founded Augusta National in 1933, and started the Masters Tournament shortly after, this small town about two hours from Atlanta draws golf fans from all over the world to experience Amen Corner. Augusta National is one of the most coveted and exclusive private clubs in the world, but the area is full of other golf options both private and publicly accessible. And many of the private clubs like Champions Retreat or Forest Hills will open up their gates. Affordable golf can also be found at Fort Gordon Golf Course, a popular military facility designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., or head to nearby Aiken, S.C. and play the affordable and historic Aiken Golf Club. Allister Mackenzie designed not just Augusta National but nearby Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, which dates back to 1892. Golf history and southern hospitality converge nowhere better than around Augusta.
The River Golf Club is located just a few miles from Augusta National, and it's a favorite spot for patrons who attend the Masters and want to bring along their golf clubs. But you better book way in advance during Masters week. Tee times are a little easier to get during the other 51 weeks, and it's a terrific playing option for golfers any time of year, Mike Bailey writes.
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.
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.
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.
If you've never been to the Masters before, how do you know how you're supposed to conduct yourself as a patron? If you're fortunate enough to have credentials (i.e. tickets), just follow these guidelines, and you'll be fine.
Say you're fortunate enough to have Masters tickets. Where can you go to scratch that golf itch? Here's a look at some of the other courses that can be played near Augusta National.
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.
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.
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.
The 2011 Masters will feature picture perfect conditions and weather. Though a storm blew through earlier in the week, the golf course is in prime shape leading into the first round. Brandon Tucker spent Wednesday at Augusta National and captured a few shots of the action, both players' practice rounds, and the annual Par 3 Contest.
Before the real tournament kicks off, a Wednesday tradition unlike any other is the par-3 contest at Augusta National. Mike Bailey was there and shares some pics.