2014 Masters Tournament: A Guide To The Rules At Augusta National

2014 Masters Tournament: A Guide To The Rules At Augusta National

By Brandon Raper

April 5, 2014

A Guide To The Masters And Augusta National's Rules

Masters 2014 Augusta National Golf Club — Part of Augusta National's mystique is in its exclusivity. They painstakingly select what we get to see on TV, and badges (not tickets) to the Masters are some of the hardest to get in all of sports.

That being said, if you love golf, it's a bucket list destination, so you don't want to screw up and break one of their many, many rules. Here's a quick guide to getting around the legendary grounds without running afoul of members - or security.

Part of Augusta National's mystique is in its exclusivity. They painstakingly select what we get to see on TV, and badges (not tickets) to the Masters are some of the hardest to get in all of sports.

That being said, if you love golf, it's a bucket list destination, so you don't want to screw up and break one of their many, many rules. Here's a quick guide to getting around the legendary grounds without running afoul of members - or security.

Walk, Don't Run

2014 Masters Augusta National Walking Rule

Augusta National Walking

2014 Masters Augusta National Walking Rule — You're finally inside the gates. You have to see everything. Slow down. Sure, there’s a small flood of humanity at the Augusta gates each morning. However, to keep some of the peace, the club has a strict no-running policy, so keep it slow. You’re going to be here for a while, right?

You're finally inside the gates. You have to see everything. Slow down. Sure, there’s a small flood of humanity at the Augusta gates each morning. However, to keep some of the peace, the club has a strict no-running policy, so keep it slow. You’re going to be here for a while, right?

Dress The Part

2014 Masters Rickie Fowler

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Dress The Part

2014 Masters Rickie Fowler — Rickie Fowler was once asked – politely, of course – by an Augusta National member to turn his hat the proper direction while on the grounds. You should do the same. The club officially states that “appropriate attire” is required, so dress comfortably. Shorts, golf shirt, you get the idea. Leave the spikes at home.

Rickie Fowler was once asked – politely, of course – by an Augusta National member to turn his hat the proper direction while on the grounds. You should do the same. The club officially states that “appropriate attire” is required, so dress comfortably. Shorts, golf shirt, you get the idea. Leave the spikes at home.

Ditch Your Phone

Augusta National Tiger Woods

Ditch Your Phone

Augusta National Tiger Woods — Maybe Tiger Woods can get away with using his phone during a practice round. You are not Tiger Woods. Cameras are allowed on the grounds during practice days, but break out the iPhone at any point, and the only thing you’ll be Tweeting about is how you got escorted off the premises.

Maybe Tiger Woods can get away with using his phone during a practice round. You are not Tiger Woods. Cameras are allowed on the grounds during practice days, but break out the iPhone at any point, and the only thing you’ll be Tweeting about is how you got escorted off the premises.

Take A Seat

Augusta National Golf Club Masters 2014

Take A Seat

Augusta National Golf Club Masters 2014 — You want to see all of the grounds, but you'll also want a spot to relax and watch the players go by. If you want a sweet spot on Amen Corner or by the 18th green, you'll need to get there early. Augusta National encourages patrons to bring chairs, but even those are held to the club’s standards. Bring a small camping chair without armrests and you should be fine. Saving seats isn’t allowed, but once you claim your small plot of land, it’s yours.

You want to see all of the grounds, but you'll also want a spot to relax and watch the players go by. If you want a sweet spot on Amen Corner or by the 18th green, you'll need to get there early. Augusta National encourages patrons to bring chairs, but even those are held to the club’s standards. Bring a small camping chair without armrests and you should be fine. Saving seats isn’t allowed, but once you claim your small plot of land, it’s yours.

Keep It Cool

Augusta National Masters Ian Poulter

Keep It Cool

Augusta National Masters Ian Poulter — Patrons are encouraged to cheer for players, but this is a golf tournament, not a frat party. Autograph seeking is explicitly forbidden during play, and anybody who yells “GET IN THE HOLE” or “BABA BOOEY” is likely to be headed home early. Ian Poulter, rejoice.

If you want to look for a signature, try the practice range or the par-3 tournament on Wednesday.

Patrons are encouraged to cheer for players, but this is a golf tournament, not a frat party. Autograph seeking is explicitly forbidden during play, and anybody who yells “GET IN THE HOLE” or “BABA BOOEY” is likely to be headed home early. Ian Poulter, rejoice.

If you want to look for a signature, try the practice range or the par-3 tournament on Wednesday.

There Are No "Fans" At The Masters

Augusta National Masters Patrons

There Are No "Fans" At The Masters

Augusta National Masters Patrons — If you’re fortunate enough to score a pass to the Masters, you are never referred to as a fan. You are a “patron”, a term that is meant to show that each person in attendance is a valued guest. It also, explicitly or not, communicates that a certain level of behavior is expected on the grounds. Either way, it works, and makes everybody feel welcomed.

If you’re fortunate enough to score a pass to the Masters, you are never referred to as a fan. You are a “patron”, a term that is meant to show that each person in attendance is a valued guest. It also, explicitly or not, communicates that a certain level of behavior is expected on the grounds. Either way, it works, and makes everybody feel welcomed.

Cash-strapped? Don't Worry About It.

Augusta National Pimento Cheese Masters 2014

Cash-strapped? Don't Worry About It.

Augusta National Pimento Cheese Masters 2014 — Concessions are famously inexpensive at Augusta National. A pimento cheese sandwich (mandatory, if you ask me) and soda will only set you back about three bucks. Augusta National doesn’t want people to be judged by how much they spend, and they reinforce that with a strict “no tipping” policy, so guests can enjoy the tournament without feeling ripped off. The Masters really is the best value in sports.

Concessions are famously inexpensive at Augusta National. A pimento cheese sandwich (mandatory, if you ask me) and soda will only set you back about three bucks. Augusta National doesn’t want people to be judged by how much they spend, and they reinforce that with a strict “no tipping” policy, so guests can enjoy the tournament without feeling ripped off. The Masters really is the best value in sports.

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