I am getting to go to the Master's this year (practice rounds). The last couple of times we went, we stayed quite far away...an hour + drive.

I would like to stay closer and was wondering if anyone knew of a close....or somewhat close place to stay?

I've been twice in the last few years and have stayed both times at The West Bank Inn. It's a local place, so don't expect the Hyatt or Four Seasons. That said, the rooms are clean and the rates are very competitive. I think we paid about $200 per night during Masters week. You're not in the room much, so all you need is a clean place to sleep and shower, etc.

It's just off the interstate and a mile or so from the course. It's very close to restaurants including Outback and Bonefish Grill across the street. Hooters is only a few blocks away.

If I get to go again in 2007, that's where we'll stay. Here's the website:

http://www.thewestbankinn.com/

Have fun! If you haven't been to the Masters before, you're in for a real treat. The TV just doesn't do justice to the course or experience.

I know this may be out of the budget or not useful for going for a couple practice rounds, but if you are going for the week, you can rent out houses in the area, some very close. There are services that will do it for you. You get a checklist and put on it everything you are looking for and they match it with a house. It's great if you are going with a group or a family. If I decide to attend medical school there next year, I will be renting my house out for the next four years during that week...I'll try to keep it in the WXR'er family first.

But, for you, also take a look at the Partridge Inn (very close in a nice part of town), also there are a ton of hotels being put up along washington road. Hampton Inn, Days Inn, and a few others. But, go ahead and get on it, some of these may already be booked up.

Hey Wolfgame,

When did you get your notice for next years practice rounds? I went this year and my son in law and I got back in the lottery and haven't heard anything yet.

We stayed in Athens this April so we wouldn't have to pay $400 a night. The drive was about 1 1/2 - 2 hours to Augusta.

I got my notice today. I got 4 tickets to Tuesday's practice round. I wish I could of got more than one day. It is a long haul for one practice round.

If you don't want to make the drive, I might have someone interested in the tickets. His initials are "tpariff" and he's a member here.

I will put him on the top of the non-family list. There is a very slight chace that he might hear from me.

Thanks. Hopefully I have a nice surprise waiting for me when I get home this afternoon.

It might be a little longer than this afternoon. There are probably 8 members of my family who might want to go so it will probably be the end of Sept before we decide what we are going to do.

Thanks for keeping me in mind. I was hoping the postman delivered a nice surpise in the form of a letter from Augusta National. But, I didn't receive anything today. My fingers are crossed tomorrow as I open the mailbox.