I got a nice little envelope from the AGNC last August saying I got practice round tix for Wednesday this year. I'm pretty pumped. Its getting closer, but it still seems like an eternity.

I'm looking for suggestions from those that have been to the tournament. I know I'll be all giddy with excitement and will be overwhelmed once I get there. Does anyone have a suggestion or plan of attack once I get there? I've heard I should hit the gift shop first. Other than that, any suggestions. Some details of the trip follow:

1. Wife is going with me. Staying at Ritz Carlton Buckhead (Atlanta). Going on Monday and spending a little fun time in Atlanta.
2. Tix are for Wed practice round.
3. I've heard the course closes at 12:00 on Wed because of the Par 3 Tourney. True?
4. Would like to see some players, but honestly care more about seeing that beautiful golf course and some of the landmarks.
5. We'll probably leave Atlanta very early (5:30 a.m) to get the most out of our day.

Any other thoughts our revisions. Thanks in advance.

First, congrats on the tickets! It is an amazing place. When you walk in you know that you are in a special place. When I went I parked in a strip mall about a block away and easily got in and out. Enjoy it!

congrats.....I'll be there the whole week and weekend too

i went last year on wednesday...

they do close the course early to the players to get the course ready for tournament play...patrons can still walk it and check it out...and watch the groundkeepers pick up trash blind to my laser fixed eye...you can take your camera in during the practice rounds too...but not the cell phone...

the par3 is neat and you'll want to find a spot early...jack, arnie and gary played together last year...pretty neat to watch...

Congrats! Went a couple years ago.
You'll be amazed at the elevation changes, cannot tell on TV.
Also, some of the bunkers are huge!
I walked the course. Its just amazing to see the place. Its a beautiful course.
We parked at the back entrance. Seemed a lot easier getting out and onto the highway back to Atl. Brings you at 14 or 15 I think. There's also a souvenir shop on the way out.
You'll be shocked at the price of food. Like $2 for a sandwich, a couple bucks for a beer. Not like going to a ballgame.
Have fun you lucky dog!

Leave early, I-20 backs up pretty good. It's about a 2-2.5 hour drive. I think we got there last year around 8:00 and left around 3:00, traffic was easy getting back in town.

If you are staying at the Ritz, definatley eat dinner at NY Prime there at the hotel.

Leave early--traffic into Augusta will be RIDICULOUS--there's no such thing as too early either!!!

Don't be disappointed if you don't see a lot of action from the players on the actual course--there will be some good action, but a good bit of the players don't play on Wednesday (including Tiger in my last couple trips on Wednesday).

Shop first thing if you want to have ANY decent selection to choose from--by the end of the day on Wednesday, the shop is well cleared out!!!

Rather than carry around your souveniers/goodies, do use the check in area--it's easy to use and I've never had an issue with my stuff getting mixed up or anything.

Be sure to take a picture of 11 and 12 from the VERY TOP row of the bleachers at 12 tee--it's breathtaking!

The Spicy Chicken sandwich and Collector's Cup of Light Beer is my 'meal' of choice--and can't be beat for less than $5...especially at a sporting event!!!

Attempt to park in Augusta National's parking lots--it's FREE!!! If you get there early, there's a good chance you can get a spot there.