About

The US Masters is rightly considered to be one of the golfing events on the professional calendar. Attracting the world's greatest golfers each April, the sight of Augusta National and the US Masters signals the traditional start of the golfing season. With the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Bobby Jones and most recently Tiger Woods indelibly marked on the history of the US Masters, Augusta National has created some fine champions since the tournament's inception in 1934. It is however only since 1949 that champions were awarded golf's most coveted item of clothing in the form of the Green Jacket.

As the only Major championship in golf to be played each year on the same golf course, Augusta National is one of the most iconic courses in golf. With memorable holes found throughout the course, it is however the final nine holes and most importantly the stretch around Amen Corner (11, 12 & 13) which have seen many Masters challenges succeed and fail over the years.

Augusta National

With a layout as impressive visually as it is as a test of golf, "The National" as it is known locally, is home to some of the most memorable holes in golf. Whether it is the intimidating tree-lined drive on the 1st hole or the pin-point accuracy required for the par-3 12th hole.

History

Having been founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, Augusta National was created with the aim of making a tournament golf venue befitting of hosting an widely recognised competition. As a private, members only golf course, play at Augusta National is only available to competitors in the Masters, past Masters champions, members and their guests.

When Jones retired from competitive golf in 1930 following his amazing Grand Slam achievement, he set about the creation of a dream of building a golf course. Once the land, adjacent to Augusta Country Club (another famed golf course), a former indigo plantation had been acquired Jones, Roberts and golf course architect Alister MacKenzie set about creating their vision. Prior to MacKenzie's appointment he had preceeded over many of what are now considered to be the world's finest golf courses including Cypress Point in California, he and Jones shared the same vision in creating a very special golf course and hence set forth to creating the masterpiece which we see today.

Construction of Augusta National started in 1931 with the course opening in December 1932 and in turn being formally opening in January 1933.

History

The Masters Tournament has played host to many iconic golfing moments, whether it is Gene Sarazen's famous "shot heard around the world" Albatross on the par-5 15th hole or Tiger Woods' 1997 victory in claiming his first Green Jacket aged 21 and by a winning margin of 12 shots, Augusta National is a vast contributor to the drama of the game of golf.

The tournament was also at the forefront of modern format of tournament golf in the instigation of four rounds of strokeplay played over four days as opposed to the 36 holes which had traditionally been played on the third day.

Early victories in the Masters were achieved by some of golf's most famous figures, Gene Sarazen was a playoff victor following his Albatross in the final round in 1935 was quickly followed into the winners enclosure with Byron Nelson, Sam Snead & Ben Hogan.

With the game's "Big Three" of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player & Arnold Palmer each taking numerous titles during the late 1950's, 60's and 70's the tournament's kudos increased yet further as scoring improved with Nicklaus recording a winning total of -17 in 1965. During the 1980's and 1990's the Masters enjoyed a number of European champions with Seve Ballesteros taking the Green Jacket in 1980 and 1983 and Nick Faldo claiming three victories with back to back victories in 1989 and 1990 and his sixth and final Major triumph with victory in 1996.

In recent years Tiger Woods has secured four Masters victories, while Phil Mickelson has enjoyed three victories including the most recent 2010 tournament which saw him take the spoils from England's Lee Westwood with a -16 total.

The 2012 US Masters tournament looks set to be without doubt one of the most eagerly anticipated in recent years. With a resergent Tiger Woods eager to add to his Major championships haul while European golfers such as Lee Westwood, Paul Casey and Luke Donald have all played well at Augusta but are still waiting for the great Green Jacket to be added to their wardrobe.

Tournament Information

The first Major Championship of the year is held at Augusta National Golf Club with the world's greatest golfers taking part in the Masters Tournament.

Local Information

Augusta enjoys a fantastic atmosphere during Masters week with a host of activities and events taking place to celebrate the arrival of the world of golf. Guests enjoying Augusta can experience the bustling atmosphere of downtown with it's many bars and restaurants as well as the popular Riverwalk.

Augusta National golf course is located approximately 15 minutes (traffic depending) from downtown Augusta. Numerous restaurants and bars aline Washington Road so for those seeking a rustic experience you can see the likes of chains such as TBonz as well as popular the popular Somewhere in Augusta Bar.

Golf in Augusta

Although playing Augusta National is reserved for members and players in the Masters there are several superb golf courses in the local area which are well worth playing when visiting the US Masters tournament.

Augusta Country Club

Located next door to Augusta National, Augusta Country Club actually predates the National and is believed to have provided Bobby Jones with inspiration for his creation. This private members club has a wealth of memorable holes including some spectacular par-3's including the 11th and the 13th which actually bears a plaque noting a hole-in-one by Bobby Jones. With the par-5 8th hole actually crossing Rae's Creek this is as close to playing Augusta National as most golfers will get.

The River Club

Since opening in 1998, the River Club has set its stall out as one of the finest golf courses in the area. With picturesque water features and mature tress all set alongside the beautiful Savannah River, a round of golf at the River Club is a fantastically enjoyable affair. Measuring 6,800 yards off the Championship markers this course will test all levels of golfers and is well recommended during a trip to the Masters.

Sage Valley Golf Club

This Tom Fazio design is considered by many to be one of the finest in the world. With the course created through mature pine hills, lakes and streams it is a golfing experience you will not forget. With large white bunkers forming a stunning contrast against the lush green fairways, this traquil setting is one that befits a golf course of such founding.

Prices

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3 nights, Masters Tickets & Hospitality Saturday & Sunday Includes Flights & Transfers Valid 06/04/12 - 09/04/12	£3695
4 nights, Masters Tickets & Hospitality Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Includes Flights & Transfers Valid 03/04/12 - 07/04/12	£4495
5 nights, Masters Tickets & Hospitality Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday Includes Flights & Transfers Valid 04/04/12 - 09/04/12	£5795