The 2015 Master's Tournament will take place April 6-12 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, where it's been held every year since 1934. Augusta National is a private, invitation-only club and boasts some of the world's most beautiful landscapes and challenging holes. It was ranked number one in 2009 by Golf Digest's list of America's 100 best courses.
This year's tournament is expected to be one of the best, with competitors including Bubba Watson, Rory Mcllroy, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods.
If you're traveling to the Masters this year, you need to know where to stay, where to grab something great to eat, and what else there is to do while you're there. Augusta is a great city full of history and culture, and you won't want to miss these top attractions.
Where to Stay
Partridge Inn
The Partridge Inn is located in the heart of the historic district, and was Georgia's first hotel to be included in the Historic Hotels of America grouping. Located in the picturesque Summerville district, it boasts classic southern charm with stately columns, magnolia trees, and beautiful verandahs.
The hotel was recently renovated, and offers a variety of rooms and suites with balconies available. Enjoy dinner and drinks at The P.I. Bar & Grill located on site, which serves contemporary southern dishes and decadent desserts. Personalized service makes the Partridge Inn hard to compare with other chain hotels in the area. If you stay here, you certainly won't regret it.
The Augusta Marriott
Connected to the Augusta Convention Center, The Marriott is located in the downtown business district. Only 4.5 miles from Augusta National, this would be a great place to stay during the Masters. It offers stylish, comfortable rooms with an onsite restaurant, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools.
Many suites are also available if you want to make your stay feel more like home. The location can't be beat for shopping, dining and local attractions.
Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn is located only 2 miles from Augusta National! You might just feel like you're staying on the course itself. This hotel received the 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award due to its outstanding reviews on the renowned travel website.
It also offers an onsite restaurant and indoor pool for your enjoyment. You're sure to receive excellent service and enjoy your time if you stay here during your trip to the Masters.
Where to Eat
La Maison
[Yelp Rating: 4/5 Stars. Price Range: $31-60]
If you're craving seafood, La Maison should be your top choice. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood fare, including oysters, crab cakes, smoked salmon, lobster bisque, surf & turf, shrimp &scallops, and mussels.
If you're in the mood for something unique, try their frog legs, smoked ostrich Carpaccio, buffalo tenderloin, or Australian kangaroo. Executive Chef Heinz has been at La Maison since 1992, and he strives to stay on the cutting edge of the culinary industry. La Maison should not be missed!
Frog Hollow Tavern
[Yelp Rating: 4.5/5 Stars. Price Range: $31-60]
While in Augusta, you'll want to sample some authentic Southern cuisine. Frog Hollow Tavern follows the farm-to-table restaurant model, with a menu that features classic Southern dishes prepared with local and regionally-grown seasonal quality ingredients.
The focus on using organic, sustainable practices carries over to their drink menu as well, where you can find over a hundred wines and a diverse selection of cocktails made with fresh-squeezed juices and homemade mixes. Frog Hollow Tavern truly gives you a taste of Augusta! Tip from the fans: try the mac and cheese!
Luigi's
[Yelp Rating: 3/5 Stars. Price Range: $11-30]
Luigi's has been a staple in Augusta for 57 years. Serving Italian and Greek food, the restaurant has famous dishes such as spaghetti, lasagna, chicken parmesan and fettuccini Alfredo, as well as Greek-style chicken, moussaka and baked plaki.
The old world atmosphere will make you feel like you've gone back in time, and you can relax and enjoy the delicious food in a comfortable setting. It has been said by many that Luigi's is as much a tradition in Augusta as The Masters.
India Café
[Yelp Rating: 4.5/5 Stars. Price Range $11-30]
If you like Indian food, India Café is a must try in Augusta. Priya Sebastian started India Café when her youngest child went away to college. She has a passion for cooking that translates into the menu offerings: Malabar shrimp, Kashmiri chicken, masala dosa, samosa, naan, and chicken pakora.
Priya and her husband offer courteous service and want their customers to feel at home. Many vegetarian options are also available. The dining room is simple and charming, and leaves you feeling like you just left your grandma's kitchen. Don't miss this unique spot while you're in Augusta.
What to Do
Augusta Museum of History
Founded in 1937, The Augusta Museum of History collects, preserves, and interprets history in relation to the past of Augusta and the Central Savannah River region. Exhibitions include Business in the Central Savannah River region, Veterans Curation Program, and Augusta, 1864.
Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children (6-18). The museum will be open during the entire week of The Masters and is located just 10 minutes from the golf course.
Brick Pond Park
Brick Pond Park is a 40-acre restored wetland that is open to the public. Walking trails wind through the park, where visitors can have encounters with all kinds of wildlife, including alligators, deer, otters, 126 species of birds, turtles, frogs, insects, fish, and more.
Visitors can canoe and fish, or simply enjoy scenic beauty with several waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the dock or tables throughout the park. For a brief getaway within your Masters trip, be sure to visit Brick Pond Park.
Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson
Take a tour of President Wilson's boyhood home and experience his childhood growing up during the Civil War. It is set up as a house museum/educational facility, and operated by Historic Augusta, Inc.
Tours are 45 minutes each, and the home is open Tuesday-Saturday, from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for students K-12. There are activities and coloring pages available for children as well.
Tips for Your Masters Trip
Parking
More than 8,500 free parking spots are available in lots off Berckmans Road, on the West side of the course. Patrons must enter the course through Gate 6A or Gate 9 which are off Berkmans Road, making these free spots convenient. There is no free parking East of Berkmans Road. See the Augusta National Parking Map for more details.
Prohibited Items
Cell phones, cameras, and any other types of recording devices are prohibited. If you don't want to be removed from the grounds and lose your tickets, do not carry these items on the course during the actual tournament. Cameras are allowed during practice rounds on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (April 6-8).
Other prohibited items include weapons, alcoholic beverages, coolers, flags/banners, ladders, radios, strollers, and walkie-talkies. Only bags/purses no larger than 10"W x 10"H x 12"D are permitted, and only collapsible chairs with no arm rests are allowed. See the official Masters website for the full list of items and a helpful "Do's and Don'ts" video.
Weather
Weather can often be an issue during the Masters. Make sure you pack an umbrella and poncho in case of rain and storms. Play may be delayed if the weather becomes severe, but play will continue if the rain is only light. Have a back-up plan in place if the forecast is looking severe.
Traveling to the Masters from outside the U.S.? Atlas Travel can cover your trip. Learn more.
