Masters ’25: A Guide to Navigating the Tournament

There is no more coveted ticket in sports than a Masters badge, be it a ticket to the tournament itself, one of the practice rounds, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur,…

Mary Liz Nolan

Updated Apr 4, 2025 11:19 AM EDT

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA: A gallery of patrons watch as Xander Schauffele of the United States plays a shot from the 16th tee during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. Often referred to as the best galleries in golf, patrons at the Masters are expected to abide by the tournament's strictly-enforced rules.

There is no more coveted ticket in sports than a Masters badge, be it a ticket to the tournament itself, one of the practice rounds, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, or the annual Drive, Chip & Putt event.

That being said, before you head to the Augusta National Golf Club, make sure you’re familiar with the many rules and regulations, information outlets, and lay of the land before you get there. It goes a long way toward ensuring entering the hallowed grounds a smooth and easy process.

No Phone Zone

First and foremost, make sure you leave your cell phone in the car. Phones are never allowed on the course, not even to take pictures. Cameras are allowed during the practice rounds Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but not once the tournament itself gets underway Thursday.

Prohibited Items on the Course

Radios and televisions
Outside food and beverages
Electronic devices such as (but not limited to) laptops, tablets, beepers, and drones
Flags, banners, and signs
Golf shoes with metal spikes
Knives and weapons: Regardless of a permit, no weapons of any kind are permitted at Augusta National Golf Club or the Masters Tournament
Strollers
Ladders and photography aids: Items such as ladders, periscopes, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not permitted
Large backpacks, bags, and purses: Those items must be no larger than 10”x10”x12” in their natural state (not bent or folded)

Items That are Allowed on the Course:

Backpacks, bags, or purses are allowed if they are not larger than 10”x10”x12”.
Chairs and stools must be collapsible and not have arms. Rigid chairs and chairs with arms and pointed edges are not permitted.
Fitness trackers and smart watches cannot be used for phone calls, emails, text messages, or photo, video, or data recording.
Wheelchairs. Patrons using wheelchairs or similar transport should use the hard surfaced roads and flat observation areas.

Download the Masters App to Stay Informed

The Masters app is available in the Apple App Store or Google Play. It’s updated in late March every year, so make sure you get the latest version before The Masters begins.

One of the best ways to stay informed is to create a masters.com account. Patrons can get notifications, access Masters Fantasy, and check for important updates before you arrive at Augusta National Golf Club.

Practice Round Hours

Ticketing gates open at 7:00 a.m. The course opens at 7:30 a.m.
Golf Shop hours: 7:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Patron Photos at Founders Circle: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Gates close at 6:00 p.m.

Tournament Hours

Ticketing gates open at 7:00 a.m.
Couse gates open at 7:30 a.m.
Ticketing gates close at 6:00 p.m.
The course closes 30 minutes after play concludes for the day

Re-Entry Policy

Patron tickets are only valid for two gate entries per day during the Masters Tournament. If you lose your ticket, contact the nearest Security Officer.

Traffic Updates

Tune in to WGAC at 95.1 FM/580 AM for traffic and parking updates starting Monday, April 7 at 6:00 a.m. Patrons will get the latest updates on traffic as well as suggestions on alternate routes to take to and from the course.
There’s a new rideshare lot at the corner of Washington and Berckmans Road, at the site of the former TGI Friday’s location.
A taxi lot will be available at 2740 Washington Road.
The Washington Road off-ramp from I-20 will be closed each day during Masters week between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Traffic coming from Atlanta will be directed to Exit 200 and filtered down River Watch Parkway and onto Alexander Drive.
Alexander Drive, depending on traffic volume, will be closed near the railroad crossing so patrons can take River Watch downtown.
There will be nearly two dozen changeable message signs directing motorists to available free parking areas.

The City Engineering Division says traffic signals will be timed to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently.

Free Parking

Free parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Signs will direct patrons to the entrance gates.
Gates to the free parking areas will close when the lot is full.
No free parking will be available east of Berckmans Road.

Entry Gates

There are two gates for patrons entering Augusta National. The North Gate is closest to the practice area, No. 1 fairway and the clubhouse.
The South Gate offers a shorter walk to the majority of the course, including Amen Corner.
Both gates feature merchandise, concessions, restrooms, and other patron conveniences.