5 Ways You Can Play Augusta National
It's a long shot, but there's technically a chance you can play Augusta National. Here's how.
There are bucket list golf courses and there’s Augusta National Golf Club. The “white whale” for anyone who has picked up a golf club is the most sought-after invite one can receive. Believe it or not, there are ways that you can play Augusta National, you just have to get a little creative and be ready to wait. Let’s take a look at some of the remote possibilities that exist to walk the most famous fairways in golf.
5 Ways You Can Play Augusta National
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m Possible.” – Audrey Hepburn.
While the chances are slim, let's take a look at how you could find yourself teeing it up at Augusta National.
1. Know a Member
Chances are you’re already aware if a friend or acquaintance is a member at Augusta National. If you have this first foot in the door, it’s highly recommended that you stay on this individual’s good side. It’s your most likely key to receiving an invitation to play the round of a lifetime.
Fast Fact
It’s reported that a guest fee to play is only around $50. Guests cannot enter through the gates unless the member hosting them is already on property.
2. Become a Masters Tournament Volunteer
You can apply to be a volunteer at the Masters, which lands you a spot to play a round after the tournament. Each year, Augusta National opens its application process where you can choose from positions that include security, concessions, merchandise, and hospitality.
Your week of unpaid work is paid handsomely with a round of golf. The catch? Vacancies are somewhat rare, as volunteers are brought back each year. Keep applying though and you could get lucky.
3. Become a Golf Journalist
If you’re already in the sports journalism field, attempt to get credentialed for the Masters. If you’re not, you might have to do a little more legwork to make this option a reality. Each year, Augusta National chooses 20 media members to tee it up the day after the Masters.
4. Become a Member
Quite possibly the most far-fetched option in the bunch, but an option nonetheless, is to simply become a member of Augusta National.
Becoming a member at Augusta National takes more than just money, it requires an invite. It’s reported that individuals who have inquired about receiving an invite from the club have been denied simply for asking. Instead, membership decides who is “worthy” of receiving an invitation to join one of the most exclusive clubs in the world.
5. Become an Employee
If you live in Georgia or are willing to relocate, working at Augusta National Golf Club isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. The club frequently posts job openings on its website and on LinkedIn where anyone is free to apply.
The competition might be stiff, but the club looks for applicants to fill jobs just like any other club with openings in sales, marketing, facilities, engineering, and more. Employees are granted one round per calendar year.
All About Augusta National
Although you might already know a lot about Augusta National Golf Club, here's an overview to drive home just how special a round on this haven is.
The Course
Augusta National Golf Club opened in 1932 and was designed by the great Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie. Clifford Roberts also helped found the course along with Jones. The property is 365 acres of what was once a nursery/antebellum plantation and is renowned for its beautiful grounds, which include azaleas and dogwoods.
It is said that the course often surprises players by how difficult the terrain is, with rolling fairways and unexpected elevation changes that are difficult to see on television.
The course plays 7,510 yards from the Masters tees and 6,365 yards from the Member tees, par-72 for both sets. Each hole has its own unique name which is a nod to a plant or shrub associated with the property. Names such as Teaolive and Carolina Cherry are among the hole names. The infamous Amen Corner includes holes 11, 12, and 13.
The Masters
The Masters began play at Augusta National in 1934 and is widely considered the most prized victory in all of golf. Players who win the Masters receive the famous Green Jacket as well as the Masters Trophy. Anyone who wins the Masters receives an invitation to compete in the tournament for the rest of their life, or until they retire from competitive golf.
Augusta National Women's Amateur
In 2018, Augusta National made a monumental decision to open its doors to a women’s amateur event. Before 2012, the club refused to formally allow women as members. In April of 2019, the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur took place and was received with great praise. The event is now a yearly installment prior to the Masters.
Membership
It’s reported that there are about 300 members at Augusta National, however, the club does not divulge exact numbers or member names. It’s also relatively unknown how much membership costs at Augusta National, but it is reported that it’s around $150,000 to $250,000 to join. In addition, yearly dues at the club are reportedly around $25,000. It also wasn’t until 1990 that the club accepted its first African-American member, Ron Townsend. The news made headlines as Augusta National was an all-white club until that time.
Augusta National has had its share of famous members. Some of its current members include:
- Warren Buffet
- Bill Gates
- Roger Goodell
- Rob Manfred
- Peyton Manning
- Jack Nicklaus
- Condoleezza Rice
So You're Saying There's a Chance?
We're not saying the chances are likely, but it's nice to know the possibility exists to take divots in the same fairways as Tiger, Jack, Arnie, and Bobby Jones. Playing Augusta National is the dream of all dreams, and we hope to show you a path that you hadn't previously considered to realize that dream.