The dream of a player is to play at the Masters. The dream of a fan is to visit the Masters. But when you do, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the beauty of Augusta National Golf Club. Our Social Media Manager Jamie Kennedy is making his first trip to Augusta this year and here's the spots he thinks are the best to visit when/if you make it to the year's first Major.
The range
It might be the best driving range in the world and it's a great spot to take in a lot of players and see them fire at one of the four or five manicured greens. There are seating areas and standing areas and you can almost always get a spot. If you like to see a lot of shots and marvel at the best swings in the game, find your way here.
The clubhouse
I had no idea arriving here that anyone visiting the Masters can get to this spot and get that photo you'll have on your desk for years to come. Fans line up at the end of Magnolia Lane to get their photo taken by a member of Masters staff in front of clubhouse and the famous floral logo arrangement.
The middle of the course
Walk down the hill from the clubhouse and out onto the course and you arrive at this spot behind the third green. From here you can take in five holes without walking more than 50 yards. You can see the par five second, the short par four third (shown here), the challenging seventh hole as well as the 17th green and 18th tee. And yes, there's a concession stand and shop nearby too.
The 6th tee
Make the effort to climp up the hill on the front nine and find your way to this spot behind the sixth hole. From here you can get close to the players and watch them hit the 180 yard shot downhill to one of the most extreme greens on the course. This photo was taken just moments before Justin Thomas very nearly made a hole in one.
The 10th tee
I think the 10th tee is one of the most impressive sights on the property. The land appears to simply drop off from the tee and standing here and watching players sling a drive around the trees and down the hill is very cool.
The 15th green and 16th hole
These two gentlemen had the right idea. I think this is the best spot on the course to watch the action. From the top of the stand on the left hand side of the 15th green you can watch the players tackle the famous par five and then turn to your left and see them take on the par three 16th hole.
The concession stand between 14 and 15
One of the best perks of being a patron at Augusta is the affordable concession stands located on the course. Whether you need a pimento cheese sandwich, a beer or perhaps some caramel popcorn, there's plenty of locations to choose from. The one between the 14th and 15th is hidden away but large and not too busy. Reward yourself for walking out to this area by buyinga Masters lunch.
The 14th tee
I had been told to search out this spot and I was not disappointed. Escape the Amen Corner crowds and stand in this spot behind the 14th tee and you can watch players hit their second shots into the 13th hole and then watch them closely as they hit a tricky tee shot on the par four 14th.
Behind the 18th tee
This is a view we've all seen on TV many times, the narrow corridor of trees that face players on the final hole. Directly behind the tee is a small area you can stand and take in this view. I was lucky enough to arrive here just as 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott walked on the tee. Seeing them shape a ball off the bunkers is very cool from this position.
The shop
Before you leave Augusta, you need to visit the shop. It's located by the main spectator entrance near the driving range and practice area. Lines can stretch to 15 or 20 minutes at the busiest times but generally traffic flows through here pretty quickly. Inside you can buy just about any product with a Masters logo on it.
