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.
6
Oh boy...
I have absolutely no idea where to start with this review or how to even discuss my experience in Augusta, GA where I had the once-in-a-lifetime privilege of playing what most would say is the most elusive golf course in the world. Quite frankly, I'm a little scared my name is going to be attached to this because I want to exercise the most caution possible but at the same time, I still want to share my thoughts about my experience. I'm not going to post any photos because, to be honest, I don't have that many and this technically counts as a "social media platform" so I'm not gonna violate the cardinal rule when playing ANGC outside of the Masters or the ANWA.
I got to play ANGC in May of 2022, and prior to making the trip down to Georgia, I had never even seen the town of Augusta. I have never been to the Masters before, not even for a practice round, which probably puts me in an incredibly exclusive club of people whose first experience being around Augusta National was playing the golf course. Despite this though, I thought I had a decent enough grasp on what to expect after watching the tournament for so many years as well as hearing stories from friends who had already made the pilgrimage to one of golf's most sacred sites. I could not have been more wrong.
My expectations going into this trip were sky high, every single day before driving down to Augusta from school I was consuming every bit of content I could find about the golf course, the tournament, the history of the club, etc. You name it, and chances are I had read it, watched it, or listened to it. Despite this though, Augusta National Golf Club exceeded my expectations, massively. Everything about the place is perfect beyond description and every member of the staff, caddie, assistant and/or head pro, and even the green jackets did everything to make sure you enjoyed your time on the property as much as you possibly could. The thing that I really enjoyed about the culture at ANGC was that everyone there knew you were nervous and knew how excited you were to be there, and instead of judging you for it or poking fun at you, they fed into your excitement and were incredibly quick to share anecdotes, stories, or past experiences that made you settle into your shoes and take that sigh of relief because you remembered that this experience is supposed to be the most fun in the entire world.
Finally, now onto the golf course. I really don't have much to say about the place that provides any sort of new perspective because the fact of the matter is, Augusta National is the most written-about course in the entire world along with the Old Course at St. Andrews. Every nook and cranny has been photographed, talked about, or analyzed so much that even if you have never played the course yourself, you almost know what the shots are like because you've seen them so many times year after year. By no means did this diminish my experience in any way, if anything the new perspective I now have makes me more excited than ever to watch the world's best play the course this coming April because I now have the unique perspective of seeing what the course is like from the point of view of trying to think my way around it instead of just watching other people's interpretations of how they think to best attack it.
The aspect of the course that I think gets talked about plenty but isn't shown on the TV broadcast well enough is just how much elevation change the course has. It truly is astonishing how much land movement the site has and playing the course was the first time I had ever really tried to pick what side of the fairway I needed to land my drive on instead of just trying to land the ball somewhere in the 45 yard diameter of the short stuff.
Every single shot you hit in your round is memorable, whether it was a flushed 5-iron approach into a green or hitting into the water short of the 12th green, all that matters is that you got to play the golf course. Funnily enough, the two shots that are the most memorable and the shots I find myself looking on back on the most when I think back on this trip the multiple times per week I think about my trip were the best approach shot I have ever hit in my entire life and a stone-cold shank I hit on one of the most iconic holes in all of golf (it was on 16, not 12). Despite these shots being complete opposites of one another, reflecting back on both shots makes me visibly smile from ear to ear because not only do they encompass just how imperfect of a game golf is, but they fill me with identical levels of joy that only the game of golf can fill me with. These two shots remind me that golf is in fact just a game and remind me that no matter how well or poorly I play in a given round, it's just the most fun in the world to be out and amongst nature chasing a little white ball with people you love spending time with. Now, would I have come to this realization about golf had I never played ANGC? Of course, I'm still incredibly young and have so much life to live and so much more golf to play that I was bound to come to this realization eventually. But there's something incredibly powerful that I will cherish for the rest of my life because Augusta National Golf Club is the course where I was able to come to this realization.
Best Hole: 11 - 520 yard Par 4 "White Dogwood"
Favorite Hole: 11 - 520 yd Par 4 "White Dogwood"
p.s. Amen Corner is the coolest stretch of golf holes in the entire world, bar none hands down. Cresting over the hill on #11 is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen and is an image I will never forget. #12 is the most nerve-wracking tee shot I have ever and will ever have to hit in my entire life (and I'm a lefty so it should be slightly easier than normal). The whole "wind swirling" thing is 100% true. Also, the "there isn't a single blade of grass out of place" notion is also 100% true and was utterly mind-blowing to see grass so well maintained.
Chris
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
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
