Masters Tickets Remain Elusive As Tournament Week Begins
The Masters Tournament begins today at Augusta National Golf Club, sparking renewed interest in how to secure tickets to one of sports' most exclusive events. With secondary market prices reaching $5,000+ for practice rounds and $10,000+ for tournament days, fans are scrambling for last-minute options.
Augusta National operates a strict lottery system for tournament badges, with applications opening nearly a year in advance. The club emailed rejection notices to most applicants last fall, leaving many to turn to resale markets. Only a handful of authorized resellers like Ticketmaster and StubHub can legally transfer Masters tickets.
This year's tournament features defending champion Scottie Scheffler and rising star Ludvig Ã…berg, driving exceptional demand. Georgia law prohibits ticket scalping within 2,700 feet of the venue, creating a complex secondary market landscape. Local hotels often bundle accommodations with hard-to-get practice round tickets.
The tournament's no-phone policy and limited commercialism contribute to its mystique. CBS will broadcast weekend coverage, while ESPN handles Thursday-Friday rounds. For those unable to attend, Masters.com offers free live streaming of featured groups and amen corner.
Augusta National has gradually increased ticket allocations in recent years but maintains tight control. The club famously suspended its longtime ticket lottery during COVID-19 and only fully reinstated it last year. Many golf fans consider attending the Masters a bucket-list experience worth planning years in advance.
