Augusta National Golf Club is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world and was designed by the world’s greatest golfer, who teamed up with the world’s greatest architect.
Augusta National Golf Club is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world and was designed by the world’s greatest golfer, who teamed up with the world’s greatest architect.
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For a number of years now I’ve dreamt of an eventual visit to the sacred ground that is Augusta. I’ve often joked that I’d finally believe it was happening when I was driving down Magnolia Lane without a police escort and flashing lights behind me. As luck would have it a friend of a friend took pity on my quest to play the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World as ranked by top100golfcourses.com. In fact, a visit to Augusta was all I needed to complete several lists. As nearly everyone knows it’s not an easy ask. In fact, rumor has it you are not allowed to ask at all as this can result in an immediate mark against your name and a permanent ban. This was not a theory I was personally willing to test. Fact is, as many before me, I just simply was lucky and fortunate to be graced with such a wonderful opportunity to experience the home of the famous Masters Tournament myself.
It all really started with an email that said, Augusta National with (insert members name). I didn’t even open it at first as I was not expecting it and I thought it was an advertisement, likely inviting me to attend the Masters with an organized trip. It sat a couple days in my in box until I went in to randomly clean it out. That’s when I checked this mail which was anything but an advertisement. It read: “Great that you will be joining (insert member’s name) on November 30 and December 1st .” It went on to detail the exact time we were to arrive and meet the member and contained an attachment with the local rules for guests. These were quite standard really with things like, no phones being allowed outside of your cabin. Cameras were fine but phones were not to be used as cameras. This is also obviously to discourage the use of social media which one can only assume the club does not appreciate. Interesting given that during the week of the Masters it may well be the most highly photographed course on the planet and social media is completely flooded with photos of everything there. However, it’s most certainly done in order to maintain the privacy of the members and one can only respect this. Finally, and most importantly the rules said it’s extremely important to play fast, something that should be a generally accepted rule at all clubs but still, it’s great to see a place like Augusta National putting a premium on this as part of the experience.
Upon arrival guests are taken to the cabins assigned to their host member where you can unpack and prepare yourself for the festivities. Then it’s quickly off to either have lunch or head to the practice range. There are no tee times and with a limited number of members each with a maximum of 3 guests there at any one time, tee times are simply not practical or necessary. This weekend there were 6 members on the property each with 3 guests. Not exactly the numbers that lead to discussions about who gets to play first. For us it was to be straight to the driving range, a 15-minute warm up then to the putting green. The greens were rolling about 10.5-11 on the stimp. Quite manageable green speeds given the bent grass surface.
Standing on the first tee I’ll admit to being surprised at the amount of width, space and short grass. We have all seen the Masters many times and I’d guess most of us know the holes by heart, I’m no different in this case, however, I honestly struggled to recognize the holes on the front 9. TV coverage really does change the views of everything and I had previously never visited the actual tournament. Why, you may ask? Well, I just didn’t want to ruin the experience of a first visit and the surprises that come with it. As we started playing, the next thing that really stuck out was the dramatic height differential and elevation changes the course possesses. None of which you can really notice on TV for some reason. I’d often heard this from friends that had played but it’s one of those things that really doesn’t resonate well until you see it for yourself. After a bit of a shaky start missing a 3 ft par putt on the first I settled into the round nicely and managed to play some of my best golf of the year which admittedly has not been stellar. It’s hard to really miss fairways at Augusta, what is really cool about it however, is that from a strategic perspective positioning is essential if you want to have the best angle of approach into the relatively small and undulated greens.
More than once I hit myself into extremely awkward positions on my approaches and relied on my short game creativity to get out of it. Well, that and some local knowledge from my caddy. This helped me to save several pars on the front 9 and even throw in the odd birdie which is always welcome.
One key point is that there are only two tees. The members tee, which plays between 6,300 and 6,500 yards and the Masters Tee which plays about 1,000 yards longer. This results in huge differences on a lot of tees. Given the damp conditions, even though we had a perfect first day in terms of weather, tee shots didn’t experience any roll to speak of, with no roll, 6,500 yards is not short unless you are quite a long hitter. It was plenty to provide adequate challenge given the conditions. Given the emphasis that the course sets upon positioning and angle of play/approach the real challenge lies on and around the greens. With the slopes even the shortest of putts can be real knee knockers if forced to putt out. Imagine a quick left to right breaking 2 ft putt as a perfect example. Miss and it goes 5 ft past because you can’t stop it. Trust me when I say this adds to the challenge.
One of the first real surprises came at the 10th tee. The fairway drops off steeply and this hole is played significantly downhill. The real challenge lies in judging the approach to this green accurately. As one of the larger greens it seems to take even more club than the distance indicates.
The 11th was the most difficult hole on the course for me. It requires a fade around the corner off the tee to a fairway that slopes towards the outside of dogleg. That means the approach is played from a right to left side hill lie which of course is a hook lie for a right hander. The challenge comes from how the green sits in relation to the pond which kind of wraps around the left side. On top of that the entire green slopes towards the water. It’s quite a courageous approach requiring full commitment. The most common fault is a right bail out which feels safe due to the fact you end up on dry land. However, the chip back to the flag will most likely be made from a downhill lie to a green sloping away from the line of play and towards the water. It’s definitely a case of having to pull off a fully committed heroic shot to have the best chance of success.
The 12th didn’t feel as tough as it seems on TV but it’s easy to look back after you’ve hit a great shot and say that wasn’t that tough. I managed a 2 to a back right pin which was rather satisfying, to say the least. What is difficult is the false front on the green, how it wraps around the bunker in the middle plus the fact that the green is so narrow compared to how wide it is.
The 13th is the short par 5 with that crazy hook that needs to be contended with on the tee shot. This is another hole that was far different than I had imagined it on TV. It always seemed to me this shot must play steeply downhill around the corner however this was not the case at all. In fact, the fairway is much like one of the banked turns on a NASCAR track. The ideal shot is a sharp hook around the corner which would leave a mid to long iron approach. With water right in front of the green it’s another heroic shot to contend with.
Jump forward to the 15th, after a strong drive up to the flat area in the fairway, I stood with 225 yards to the flag. This shot plays significantly downhill and again the green has a false front of sorts and the creek runs right in front of it. Yet another heroic shot. One that I didn’t go for, the biggest mistake of my golfing life ha ha…
The layup on this hole is just so hard that unless you are forced to lay up I think it makes more sense to risk the water and go for it. My partner and caddy talked me out of it even when I had a green light in my head and was feeling confident. The second round I dropped a ball in the same spot and easily hit it on the green. It won’t haunt me forever, but should I ever have that chance again you better believe I won’t hesitate in going for it regardless of what’s on the line.
The par 3, 16th played on day 1 to a lower middle pin placement which is the classic hole in one pin for the pros. The aim is to throw your shot up about 10 ft to the right of the pin and a couple yards past it and watch it come around and feed down to the hole. I hit what felt like a perfect shot, but it was 11 ft rather than 10 and it stayed up right on the ledge leaving a near impossible downhill putt over. Hard to figure how that ball stayed up there however, it shows how close the difference is between perfect and almost perfect but not good at all.
The 18th I would call the second most difficult hole on the course. Even from the members tee which is way forward it requires a real cut with a driver to avoid the bunkers or perhaps a well struck 3 wood into the slot. The approach is straight uphill all the way and is another one of those shots that is not done justice on TV.
After the round we had just enough daylight left to head over to the par 3 course for a quick 9. Another great experience though I find it such a spectacle to watch on TV I’d almost say it’s more fun to watch than it is to play. However, I think this only pays credit to the wonderful job they do at the Masters of making the par 3 event so special.
After a great day of golf, we went into the pro shop for some essential and equally important shopping. Augusta has one of the best-equipped pro shops you will find anywhere. Then we enjoyed post round drinks in the bar followed by a small tour around. Back to the cabin to freshen up and it was dinner time. Dinner in the clubhouse is really a special experience not unlike visit a wonderful high-end restaurant with perfect service. Basically, exactly what you would expect. Everyone sits at predefined tables assigned to your member host. Dinner is a jacket and tie affair but really quite relaxed in terms of atmosphere. However, there is little to no interaction between tables which allows members to focus entirely on their guests.
After dinner it’s back to the bar for quick visit, some enjoyed cigars in an adjoining room. All in all, it’s a long day with so much to take in and quite a lot of golf on top of that so a good night rest is well earned.
The next day you wake up and do it all again if you are lucky. We were.
Augusta National truly is a special place that cherishes well honored traditions and provides undoubtedly one of the greatest experiences in golf.
David Davis
The Hidden Experience of Playing Augusta National - Golf's Most Exclusive Course For travelling golf enthusiasts who dream of playing the world's top 100 golf courses, Augusta National Golf Club represents the ultimate bucket list destination. While millions watch The Masters tournament each April, few will ever experience what lies beyond the famous gates on Washington Road. This insider guide reveals the authentic Augusta National experience that television cameras never capture. Finding the Entrance: Augusta National's Understated First Impression Despite hosting golf's most prestigious tournament, Augusta National's entrance remains remarkably understated. Located on busy Washington Road in Augusta, Georgia, many first-time visitors drive past the discreet gates multiple times before finding their way. Unlike other famous golf courses with prominent signage, Augusta National relies on its reputation rather than obvious markers. The exclusive nature of the club becomes immediately apparent—guests must arrive with a member host, as no visitors are permitted without member accompaniment. Security measures include mechanical barriers and police officers who verify names before granting access to Magnolia Lane. Once inside, the legendary service begins. Mysteriously, every staff member addresses guests by name from the moment of arrival. "Mr. Lewis, it's lovely to have you," they'll say to first-time visitors who haven't yet introduced themselves, recalls Connor T. Lewis, who has been fortunate enough to play Augusta multiple times. This attentive hospitality creates an immediate sense of belonging that distinguishes Augusta National from other top-ranked golf destinations. The Historic Augusta National Clubhouse Experience The Augusta National clubhouse represents a fascinating piece of American architectural history. As the oldest poured concrete building in the United States (dating to the 1800s), it offers a surprising contrast to the grand southern mansions typical of prestigious golf clubs. Originally slated for demolition when the club was founded, financial constraints preserved what would become one of golf's most iconic structures. Inside, golf history surrounds you. The Trophy Room features oil paintings of founders Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts in their green jackets, alongside President Eisenhower. Most impressive are Bobby Jones' actual clubs used to win the Grand Slam, displayed in the left corner—a must-see for golf history enthusiasts. The clubhouse ambience remains refreshingly understated despite its prestige. "You think that everything's gonna be super fancy? And it's very understated. It's very relaxed," observes Connor T. Lewis, reflecting on his first impressions of the club. This understated elegance extends to the on-site accommodations, where guests stay in cabins named after golf legends, complete with Augusta National-branded amenities and panoramic views of the famous first hole. A Secret Nighttime Tradition at Augusta National While playing Augusta National ranks among golf's greatest thrills, the most magical moments often occur after sunset. After dinner in the clubhouse, knowledgeable guests participate in a special tradition—a moonlit walk to Amen Corner. "If you told me for the rest of my life that I could only go to Augusta National, not to play, but just to take that walk, I would accept that with pure happiness," confesses Connor T. Lewis about the moonlit tradition he now shares with other guests whenever possible. Under full moonlight, the fairways glow with an ethereal blue hue as guests make their way toward golf's most famous three-hole stretch. What few know is that Augusta National illuminates the 12th and 13th holes at night with special lighting. These spotlights transform Golden Bell and Azalea into theatrical stages, creating one of golf's most sublime spectacles. Many visitors report feeling the presence of golf legends like Hogan, Snead, and Jones during these nocturnal pilgrimages—a spiritual dimension to Augusta that television audiences never witness. Playing Augusta National: What Masters Broadcasts Don't Show Television coverage flattens Augusta National's dramatic topography. In reality, walking the course involves elevation changes equivalent to climbing approximately 20 stories throughout 18 holes. By the 18th fairway, even fit players feel the burn in their legs—a physical challenge entirely invisible to viewers. The optical illusions throughout Augusta National demonstrate designer Alister MacKenzie's genius. Having worked in military camouflage during World War II, MacKenzie created greens that deceive the eye. Putts that appear to break dramatically left often move right, making Augusta's legendary caddies invaluable guides through this visual trickery. Even accomplished golfers face psychological challenges at Augusta. Connor T. Lewis, a single-digit handicapper, recounts snap-hooking his first three drives at Augusta despite normally being consistent off the tee. "I go to the second hole, par five, and snap-hook another drive. Now on two, there are a lot of options. Snap-hook is not one of them," he jokes about his nerve-wracking start. The intimidation factor of playing where Palmer, Nicklaus, and Woods made history can transform good swings into momentary disasters. Among the most challenging shots at Augusta National: The intimidating tee shot on the 18th hole (even from member tees) The deceptive par-3 12th where swirling winds confound club selection The approach to the 14th green with its severe undulations The Essential Augusta National Mindset: Enjoying Golf's Greatest Experience The most valuable advice from Augusta National veterans transcends technique: forget your score. "You miss the point of Augusta National if you're trying to shoot your best round or break 80," advises Lewis. "Just take the time to float on the clouds for a little bit." This wisdom extends to any top 100 golf course experience. The greatest tragedy would be visiting golf's cathedral and remembering only your frustration over missed putts. "You never know when it's your last," explains Lewis. "Lightning could hit you tomorrow, and that might be the last opportunity you get to walk those storied links." For golfers lucky enough to receive an invitation to Augusta National—or any prestigious course—the ultimate advice from Connor T. Lewis distills to: "Don't let your golf game get in the way of playing golf." Experience the World's Top Golf Courses with the Right Perspective Augusta National exists in two realities: the immaculate tournament venue millions see on television, and the spiritual experience few will ever know—where fairways glow under moonlight, where history whispers from century-old walls, and where playing becomes a pilgrimage. While most golfers won't receive an invitation to Augusta National, this perspective applies to all bucket-list golf courses. Whether playing St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Pine Valley, or Royal County Down, the scorecard matters less than absorbing the experience. As you plan your next golf adventure to top-ranked courses, remember that scores fade but experiences endure. Float on those clouds while you can, for you never know when such an opportunity might come again.
Mastering the Menu: A Taste of The Masters The Masters Tournament is not only a showcase of golfing excellence but also a culinary tradition, with its concession stand fare becoming almost as iconic as the golf played on the greens of Augusta National. Among these, the Pimento Cheese Sandwich stands out as a fan favourite, a simple yet delicious testament to Southern comfort food. Here's a fun look at The Masters' famous concession food, including a recipe for you to recreate the iconic Pimento Cheese Sandwich at home. Pimento Cheese Sandwich The Pimento Cheese Sandwich is a staple of The Masters, beloved for its creamy, tangy flavour wrapped in soft white bread. Here’s how you can make it at home: Ingredients: 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup of mayonnaise 1 (4 oz.) jar of pimentos, drained and finely chopped 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated onion 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper A pinch of salt Slices of white bread Instructions: Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pimento cheese mixture for at least an hour to allow the flavours to meld together. Prepare the Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of the pimento cheese mixture onto a slice of white bread, then top with another slice to form a sandwich. Serve: Cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters, plate, and serve. Enjoy a taste of The Masters at home! Egg Salad Sandwich Another crowd-pleaser at Augusta National is the Egg Salad Sandwich, known for its creamy texture and simple seasoning. Ingredients: 8 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and finely chopped. 1/2 cup of mayonnaise 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard Salt and pepper to taste Slices of white bread Instructions: Combine Eggs and Mayo: In a mixing bowl, gently mix the chopped hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill: Refrigerate the egg salad mixture to cool. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the egg salad on a slice of white bread, then cover with another slice. Serve: Cut into halves or quarters and serve chilled. Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich For something sweet, the Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich is a delightful treat that celebrates the state's famous fruit. Ingredients: Vanilla ice cream Fresh peach slices Sugar cookies or shortbread cookies Instructions: Prepare the Ice Cream: Soften the vanilla ice cream slightly and mix in finely chopped fresh peach slices. Assemble: Scoop the peach ice cream onto a sugar cookie, then top with another cookie to make a sandwich. Freeze: Place the ice cream sandwiches in the freezer until firm. Serve: Enjoy a cool, sweet taste of Georgia at home! Recreating these Masters' favourites allows fans to bring a piece of Augusta National into their homes, celebrating the tournament's culinary traditions alongside the golfing action. Whether it's the tangy zest of the Pimento Cheese Sandwich, the creamy goodness of the Egg Salad Sandwich, or the sweet delight of the Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich, these recipes offer a taste of The Masters any time of year. Find out more about travel to Augusta National Golf Course Why not register today to be the 1st to Receive US Rankings releases for 2024. Lockhart Travel Club Concierge Services FAQ What is the Lockhart Travel Club? Lockhart Travel Club is dedicated to offering its members unique opportunities for world-class golf exploration and adventure. It connects members with like-minded individuals worldwide, aiming to fulfil their desire to play at the best golf courses globally. The club originated from Robert Lockhart's passion, a Scotsman who introduced golf to America in the late 19th century, and it continues to embody his spirit of golf travel (Lockhart Travel Club). Who are the members of the Lockhart Travel Club? Members are individuals from some of the world's greatest clubs, sharing a common passion for golf and adventure. The club welcomes golfers eager to travel, play, and check off their bucket list of courses. They are driven by the opportunity to see and play the best courses worldwide, taking advantage of the club's network. What kind of experiences does Lockhart Travel Club offer? In 2023, the club provided opportunities to play in various top-ranked courses and locations, including the Sand Hills of Nebraska and Colorado, the best of Japan and Korea, the English Heathlands, the classic courses of France, and the best of New Zealand’s North Island. The 2024 schedule promises unique experiences in 19 different countries, including Thailand & China, Brazil, South Africa, the Northeast USA, and Australia. How do I join Lockhart Travel Club? Interested individuals can inquire about membership by contacting the club directly via their official email. The club values connections among golf enthusiasts and strives to plan unique, unforgettable opportunities for its members throughout the year. For more detailed inquiries or to apply for membership, please refer directly to the Lockhart Travel Club's official website or contact their membership services. Lockhart Travel Club About Us: Learn more about the club Top 100 Golf Courses - Lockhart Travel Club: Explore member experiences and trips.
Golf courses near to the Augusta National Golf Club Augusta National Golf Club, home of the prestigious Masters Tournament, is a hallmark of golf's rich history and tradition. While this exclusive course in Augusta, Georgia, garners global attention, the surrounding area offers several other notable golf courses that present unique challenges and experiences for golf enthusiasts. Here's an in-depth look at some of the other golf courses near Augusta National, each offering its own unique flair and test for golfers of all skill levels. 1. Augusta Country Club Located just a stone's throw from Augusta National, Augusta Country Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States, established in 1899. This private club offers a classic Donald Ross-designed course, which was later updated by Perry Maxwell. It provides a traditional and challenging experience with its narrow fairways and small, undulating greens. The course is known for its scenic beauty and strategic layout, demanding precise shot-making from players. 2. Forest Hills Golf Club Forest Hills Golf Club is a public golf course that dates back to 1926 and is part of Augusta University's history, serving as the home course for the Jaguars. The course was originally designed by Donald Ross and later renovated by Arnold Palmer in 2003. This blend of classic and modern design elements offers wide fairways and expansive greens, but its true test lies in the clever placement of bunkers and the subtle contours of the greens. Forest Hills provides an accessible yet challenging round for golfers of varying abilities. 3. The River Golf Club Situated in North Augusta, just across the Savannah River from Augusta, The River Golf Club offers a blend of natural beauty and challenging golf. Designed by internationally renowned golf course architect Jim Fazio, this semi-private course opened in 1998. It features MiniVerde Bermuda greens, numerous water hazards, and strategic bunkering, making it a test for precision and strategy. The course's layout along the riverbank provides stunning views and a serene golfing experience. 4. Jones Creek Golf Club Jones Creek Golf Club, nestled in the heart of Evans, Georgia, is another gem in the Augusta area. Designed by Rees Jones with later enhancements by Tom Fazio, the course offers a challenging yet fair test of golf. With its rolling hills, dense tree-lined fairways, and beautifully maintained greens, Jones Creek delivers a memorable golfing experience. The course is known for its elevation changes and the natural creeks that come into play on several holes, adding to the strategic challenge. 5. Mount Vintage Golf Club Mount Vintage Golf Club is a semi-private golf club located in North Augusta. The club features a 27-hole championship course designed by Tom Jackson, offering a mix of rolling terrain, beautiful natural landscapes, and challenging water features. The course layout is divided into three nines: the Chester, the Vintage, and the Independent, each with its own distinctive character and challenges. Mount Vintage is celebrated for its exceptional conditioning and the variety of shots it demands, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. 6. Bartram Trail Golf Club Named after the naturalist William Bartram, Bartram Trail Golf Club is a public facility located in Evans. This course stands out for its commitment to preserving the natural environment, offering a tranquil setting for a round of golf. The Rick Robbins-designed course features Bermuda fairways and Bentgrass greens, providing excellent playing conditions year-round. With five sets of tees, Bartram Trail is accessible to golfers of all skill levels, offering a strategic challenge with its unique blend of natural beauty and architectural design. Each of these courses near Augusta National offers a unique golfing experience, from classic designs that hark back to the golden age of golf architecture to modern layouts that challenge today's golfer. Whether you're a local resident or visiting for the Masters, taking the time to explore these courses can provide a broader appreciation of the rich golfing landscape that Augusta and its surrounding areas have to offer. Find out more about travel to Augusta National Golf Course Why not register today to be the 1st to Receive US Rankings releases for 2024. Lockhart Travel Club Concierge Services FAQ What is the Lockhart Travel Club? Lockhart Travel Club is dedicated to offering its members unique opportunities for world-class golf exploration and adventure. It connects members with like-minded individuals worldwide, aiming to fulfil their desire to play at the best golf courses globally. The club originated from Robert Lockhart's passion, a Scotsman who introduced golf to America in the late 19th century, and it continues to embody his spirit of golf travel (Lockhart Travel Club). Who are the members of the Lockhart Travel Club? Members are individuals from some of the world's greatest clubs, sharing a common passion for golf and adventure. The club welcomes golfers eager to travel, play, and check off their bucket list of courses. They are driven by the opportunity to see and play the best courses worldwide, taking advantage of the club's network. What kind of experiences does Lockhart Travel Club offer? In 2023, the club provided opportunities to play in various top-ranked courses and locations, including the Sand Hills of Nebraska and Colorado, the best of Japan and Korea, the English Heathlands, the classic courses of France, and the best of New Zealand’s North Island. The 2024 schedule promises unique experiences in 19 different countries, including Thailand & China, Brazil, South Africa, the Northeast USA, and Australia. How do I join Lockhart Travel Club? Interested individuals can inquire about membership by contacting the club directly via their official email. The club values connections among golf enthusiasts and strives to plan unique, unforgettable opportunities for its members throughout the year. For more detailed inquiries or to apply for membership, please refer directly to the Lockhart Travel Club's official website or contact their membership services. Lockhart Travel Club About Us: Learn more about the club Top 100 Golf Courses - Lockhart Travel Club: Explore member experiences and trips
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
Hyogo, Japan
Scotland, United Kingdom
Georgia, United States
Victoria, Australia
California, United States
