Scenario: You walk through the gate at Augusta National with a ticket, a fanny pack around your waist and a course map (but no cell phone).
You have no idea where to go from there.
Here are a few key locations on the course that offer some of the best views of the action.
No. 1: The best thing you can do for yourself is avoid the first tee at all costs. Unless you arrive at the course before the sun comes up, chances are you won’t get a spot that will allow for any sort of view. Instead, move down to the end of the tee boxes and snag a place as close to what’s known as the “Big Oak Tree” as possible on the right side. You’ll be able to see and hear the players’ tee shots go whizzing past. Plus it’s in the shade. Bonus.
No. 4: This par 3 measures 240 yards. Park yourself on to the left of the green and watch as the players try to shape their long irons onto a putting surface that’s guarded by two bunkers. Just watch out for any long snap hooks.
No. 6: Another par 3, this one plays around 180 yards from the professional tees. It offers one of the most interesting viewing angles in golf, as patrons can sit on the face of the hill below the tee and watch shots fly over their heads down toward the green. You can also look to the right and see approach shots on Nos. 15 and 16.
No. 12: Holes 11-13 make up Amen Corner, and there are a few spots that yield some of the best places to watch golf on the entire PGA Tour here. One such place is the grandstand behind the 12th tee. One of the most famous par 3s in golf, swirling winds often befuddle the best players. If you get there early enough, grab a spot near the bottom of the stands and try to see which clubs the players are using.
Another benefit of hanging out near No. 12 is that you can watch action on all the holes that make up golf’s most famous threesome.
Nos. 15 and 16: There’s a grandstand between these two holes that you must try out during Masters week. No. 15 is a 530-yard par-5 with an approach shot over water, while 16 is another famous par-3 with water from tee to green. This spot yields some great views of both holes.
No. 18: The last hole on the course is like the first hole — there are people everywhere and it’s not the most ideal place to be if you want to actually watch some golf. Still, the 18th at Augusta is often a place where green jackets are won and lost. Do yourself a favor if you’re there on Sunday: Follow the leaders on the front nine, and then try to wiggle your way into a decent spot on 18. You can thank us later.
