Yes, you absolutely can play Augusta National Golf Club, but it is extremely difficult. Unlike most famous golf courses, you cannot simply call them up for Augusta National tee times. Playing this legendary course requires either knowing a member or securing a very special invitation.
This article will explain all the known ways to get access to the home of the Masters Tournament. We will look at membership, guest policies, and the rare occasions when the public gets a chance to walk the hallowed grounds. Getting on this course is a dream for many golfers. Let’s explore the paths to make that dream come true.
The Unspoken Rules: Accessing Augusta National
Augusta National is not open to the general public for daily play. It operates on an invitation-only basis. This exclusivity is a major part of its mystique. Knowing how to play Augusta National means navigating a very small circle of access.
The Path Through Membership
The most direct way to play Augusta National is to become a member. However, becoming a member is not something you can apply for.
How Does One Become a Member?
Membership at Augusta National is strictly by invitation only.
- Nomination Required: A current member must nominate you.
- Board Approval: The nomination must then be approved by the club’s Membership Committee and the Board of Governors.
- High Bar: Candidates are usually successful leaders in business, politics, sports, or the arts. Membership is often kept small and private.
Because of this strict process, most golfers will never achieve full membership. This leads us to the next common path: being a guest.
The Augusta National Guest Policy
If you are not a member, the next best option is to be invited by one. The Augusta National guest policy is generous for members, allowing them to bring guests out to play.
Playing as a Guest
A member must accompany you for your round. They arrange the Augusta National tee times for both of you.
- Member Responsibility: The member handles all booking and logistics.
- Etiquette is Key: As a guest, you must adhere strictly to Augusta National etiquette. This is paramount. Guests are expected to follow every rule with precision.
This pathway is the most common way non-members experience the course. If you have friends or business contacts in exclusive circles, this might be your best shot.
The Cost to Play Augusta National
If you manage to secure a spot, you might wonder about the cost to play Augusta National. The green fees are surprisingly low compared to other famous private courses.
| Item | Approximate Cost (As of Recent Reports) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green Fee | $90 – $100 USD | This fee is very low for a course of this stature. |
| Caddie Fee | $50 – $70 USD (Plus tip) | Standard rate for a caddie for the round. |
| Lunch/Food | Varies | Members and guests pay for meals consumed on site. |
The low green fee reflects the club’s non-profit nature and focus on tradition, not maximizing revenue from daily play. The real “cost” is access itself.
Alternative Routes for Augusta National Visitor Access
Since membership and guest invitations are hard to get, where do other people play? There are a few very rare exceptions that offer Augusta National visitor access.
Playing Through Masters Tournament Access
The biggest exception to the “no public play” rule happens during the Masters Tournament week itself.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Practice Rounds
Before the tournament starts, members can often invite guests to watch practice rounds on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Sometimes, members allow their guests to play after the course closes to patrons for the day, though this is extremely rare and usually involves specific club functions.
The Patron Experience
While patrons cannot play, purchasing grounds badges allows you to walk the course as a spectator during the tournament. This is the only time most golf fans ever see the course in person.
Amateur Play Augusta National Events
There are specific events that allow high-level amateurs to compete on the course.
The Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship
This national competition for junior golfers culminates at Augusta National on the Sunday before the Masters. The top performers in each age group get to play a hole or two on the course as part of their award. This is an earned privilege, not something you can sign up for.
The Asia-Pacific Amateur and Latin America Amateur Championships
The champions of these international amateur tournaments often receive invitations to play a round at Augusta National prior to the Masters. This is a direct reward for world-class amateur play Augusta National achievements.
Getting an Invitation to Augusta National Through Charity or Sweepstakes
While Augusta National itself does not run public sweepstakes, related organizations sometimes do.
- Charity Auctions: Occasionally, a member might donate a tee time slot to a major charity auction. These slots fetch enormous amounts of money. If you win, you are treated as a guest of the member who donated the time.
- Corporate Invitations: Large corporations that sponsor events or have deep ties to the Masters might occasionally host VIPs who get a chance to play, often on practice round days.
These instances are very sporadic, making them unreliable methods for planning a round.
The Role of the Caddie at Augusta National
When you get the chance to play, you will need a guide. The caddie requirements Augusta National are specific and focus heavily on maintaining the course’s high standards.
Caddie Options
You generally have two options for your caddie:
- A Club Caddie: Augusta National employs professional caddies who know the course intimately. They manage your bag and offer advice.
- A Member’s Personal Caddie: If you are with a member who regularly plays, they might bring their preferred caddie.
Caddie Conduct
The caddie’s job is critical. They must be discreet, knowledgeable, and uphold the club’s traditions. They are extensions of the Augusta National etiquette requirements. They help enforce pace of play and proper conduct throughout the round.
Deciphering Augusta National Etiquette
Playing Augusta National means adhering to one of the strictest codes of conduct in all of sports. Good manners are as important as good golf.
Key Etiquette Points
Every visitor must observe these rules diligently:
- Cell Phones: Absolutely no cell phones are allowed anywhere on the grounds, including photos taken with them. Mobile phones are banned for members and guests alike.
- Attire: Men must wear collared shirts (tucked in). Denim, cargo shorts, and athletic shorts are strictly forbidden for both men and women. Hats must be worn bill-forward.
- Pace of Play: Keep up with the group ahead of you. Slow play is frowned upon heavily.
- Tipping: Always tip your caddie fairly, separate from the standard fee.
Breaching these rules can result in being asked to leave immediately, without recourse, regardless of who invited you.
Pace of Play Expectations
Augusta National takes pace very seriously. A standard four-hour round is the goal, especially when the course is busy with members. Your caddie will help you maintain this pace. Moving quickly between shots is essential.
A Word on the Masters Tournament Access
For most people, the only time they see Augusta National is during the Masters Tournament access period. This is a ticketed event, but it does not allow you to play.
Acquiring Badges
Getting badges is another challenge entirely.
- Patron Lottery: The club runs an annual lottery for practice round and tournament badges months in advance. Odds are low, but it is the fairest way to try.
- Secondary Market: Tickets are bought and sold at very high prices on the secondary market. Be extremely cautious of scams when dealing with secondary sellers.
Even with a badge, you are a spectator. You can walk the course, watch the players, and eat at the concession stands, but you cannot touch a club on the grass outside of designated practice areas.
Summing Up Your Options for Augusta National Tee Times
Since arranging your own Augusta National tee times is impossible without membership, here is a quick look at the feasibility of each option.
| Method of Play | Likelihood for Average Golfer | Effort Required | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Membership | Near Zero | Decades of achievement/networking | Nomination and Board Approval |
| Guest of a Member | Low to Moderate | Having the right contacts | A willing member host |
| Tournament Champion Prize | Extremely Rare | World-class amateur performance | Winning an elite international event |
| Charity Auction Win | Very Low | Significant funds available | Winning a high-value auction item |
| Public Access | Zero | None | This does not exist for general play |
The Dream vs. Reality
Playing Augusta National is an experience reserved for a tiny percentage of golfers worldwide. The beauty of the course, the history, and the quiet atmosphere make it unique.
If you are pursuing the dream, focus your efforts on building strong relationships that might lead to a genuine invitation. Work on your game to reach the top levels of amateur golf. Or, save up for the chance to bid on a charity slot.
For now, the best way for the vast majority of us to experience the course is by watching the Masters every April. That experience, while not including play, still offers unparalleled access to the beauty of the grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I book Augusta National tee times online?
No. Augusta National does not have an online booking system for the public. All tee times are arranged internally by members or through official club channels.
What is the dress code for guests?
The dress code is very strict. Men must wear collared shirts tucked in, dress slacks or tailored golf shorts. Women must wear skirts or slacks. No denim or athletic wear is permitted.
Can I bring my own caddie to Augusta National?
You can sometimes bring a caddie if they are known to and approved by the member who invited you. However, using a club-assigned caddie is often preferred and sometimes required, especially for first-time guests.
Is Augusta National a public or private club?
Augusta National Golf Club is a private, members-only club. It is not accessible to the public for golfing rounds.
How much are tickets to watch the Masters?
Masters badges (tickets) for the tournament days can cost thousands of dollars on the secondary market, though the initial lottery price is significantly lower (usually under $100).