While the TicketCity team clearly has differing views on whether pimento cheese or egg salad is the sandwich of choice, perusing their tips and hints will give you the inside scoop on what to expect when you arrive at Augusta National, and allow you to get the most out of your Masters Experience.

Have some Masters tips of your own? Feel free to share them with us and other readers in the comments section below!

Ike’s Pond near Holes 8 and 9 on the Par 3 Course

Amy’s Masters Tips

• Be sure to get in on one of the practice round days to capture photos of the Masters experience. And a photo of yourself in front of the leader board is a must!
• Hit the gift shops as early as possible because the best merchandise goes quickly. There is a smaller gift shop near the front entrance of the course, but the main one is further in. If you’re buying souvenirs for friends, get their wish lists before you go!
• One easy and affordable souvenir for yourself and friends is the durable plastic cups in which beer and soft drinks are served. The prices are cheap so buy them by the stack if they’ll let you. (Sometimes they insist they must actually serve you the drinks in the cups). And don’t leave without an egg salad sandwich. At their low prices you can enjoy a few!
• The Par 3 Contest on Wednesday afternoon is one of the most exciting places to be able to see some close up action. Perch yourself at Ike’s Pond near Holes 8 and 9 on the Par 3 Course. With a relaxed attitude, a gorgeous backdrop and a fun day of golf this is one of your best chances to get photos or autographs from golf’s greatest. It’s quite a view.

Rafael’s Masters Tips

• Only armless chairs are permitted. They are sold in the gift shop and are reasonably priced.
• Everyone must have a ticket regardless of age.
• Concessions are very reasonably priced.
• Dress comfortably–you’re going to do a lot of walking.
• Pimento cheese sandwich is overrated; the egg salad is underrated.
• The 13th Hole is the most beautiful on the course.
• Eat at T-Bonz at least once, not for the food.  It’s just part of the Masters experience.

Lindsey’s Masters Tips

• You have to try the egg salad sandwich – I’m not a fan of the pimento cheese.
• Don’t pay to park–there is TONS of free parking right across the street from the main entrance.
• Don’t forget your sunscreen – although they do sell it there.
• Everything, except the clothes, is very affordable.
• If you get a chance to go on a practice day don’t forget your camera. Keep in mind that this CANNOT be a phone camera, as phones are not allowed.

Zach’s Masters Tips

• Pick one day to walk the entire course, so you see every single hole.  Then another day sit down and watch all of the action on one hole. A great spot is the grandstand behind hole #12 on Amen Corner. From there you can watch the action on the #11 green and the drama of par three on the 12th hole.
• Bring a chair inside and set it up by 18 green. No one will move your chair and you can come sit at end of the day. Just mark your chair in an obvious manner because there will be hundreds of similar chairs setup by end of the day.
• Buy your Masters merchandise early in the day & bring back out to leave at TC House (or lock in your car). The selections will start to run out later in the day.  And you don’t want to buy stuff and then have to carry it around all day.
• Eat at Calvert’s Restaurant in Augusta. It’s the best meal in the city.  It’s also the most likely spot to see a golfer or celebrity.

Kelley’s Masters Tips

• There is free masters parking but it runs out fast. There are paid lots around the course as well. More info here or you can tune into WGAC 580am for updated traffic and parking reports starting on Monday, 4/2.
• The TicketCity house is located right down the street from Augusta National. It’s a great resource for free parking, light hospitality, last minute badges, etc.
• You can’t have bags larger than 10”w x 5”h x 5”d.
• Cell phones are not allowed on the grounds at any time.
• Cameras ARE allowed during practice rounds, which is a great opportunity to takes some memorable pictures
• On Wednesday at 12:30pm is the Par 3 contest. First played in 1960, the Par 3 Contest has become a beloved Wednesday tradition at the Masters. The Contest field includes Tournament participants, noncompeting past champions, and Honorary Invitees. There have been 73 holes in one in the Contest’s history, a record of five in 2002. No winner of the Par 3 Contest has ever gone on to win that year’s Masters. The Contest is very sociable—players often have their children caddie for them.