Okay, folks, let’s dive into something I’ve been chasing for a while – playing a round at Augusta National. This isn’t your average weekend tee time, so buckle up.
The Dream Begins
Like many of you, I’ve watched the Masters Tournament every year, dreaming of walking those hallowed fairways. It always felt like a pipe dream, something totally out of reach. But I’m stubborn, and I figured, “Why not at least try to figure out how to get on?”
The Reality Check
First step? Googling. Lots and lots of Googling. I quickly learned this wasn’t going to be as simple as calling up and booking a tee time. Augusta National is, to put it mildly, exclusive. It’s one of the most private clubs in the world, and getting on the course is notoriously difficult.
The Ways In (Or, Mostly, Not In)
Here’s what I found out about the possible ways to play, and most of them are long shots:
- Be a Member (Duh!): This is the obvious one, but membership is invitation-only, and the details are shrouded in secrecy. I’m not exactly rubbing elbows with billionaires and CEOs, so this wasn’t an option.
- Know a Member: Members can bring guests, but I quickly discovered that my social circle doesn’t include any Augusta National members. Time to start making some very influential friends!
- Work There: I saw some mentions that employees, like caddies, sometimes get to play. For a second, I considered a career change, but my back probably wouldn’t survive a day lugging golf bags.
- Play in the Masters: Okay, I’m no pro golfer. The closest I get to the Masters is watching it on TV with a beer.
- Volunteer at the Masters: I heard that volunteers might get a chance to play a round, sounds like a very good chance! I will try to do it!
- Media Lottery: A very limited number of media members get to play the Monday after the Masters. I have a blog, but let’s be realistic…
- Augusta National Women’s Amateur: This is a fantastic event, but again, I’m not a competitive female golfer.
The “Cost” Part
So, what about the actual cost to play if you somehow manage to get on? The internet is full of speculation, but it’s generally understood that there isn’t a typical “greens fee.” If you’re a guest of a member, they’re likely covering the costs, and it’s considered impolite to even ask about it. It’s more about the privilege of playing than the price tag. I saw, the cost will around $40000 for one round!
My Current Status: Still Dreaming (But Strategizing)
As of today, I haven’t played Augusta National. It’s still a dream, but I’m not giving up. My current plan involves:
- Making Powerful Friends: Maybe I should just focus on making friends to gain a connection.
It’s a long shot, I know. But hey, a guy can dream, right? I’ll keep you posted on my progress (or lack thereof!).