This year, I went to see that Masters Golf Tournament. You know, that big golf thing in Augusta. Parking, oh boy, that’s a whole story in itself. They say parking is free, but you gotta get there early, or you’re outta luck.
Parking at the Masters
First thing you gotta know, that parking at the Masters, it’s like a treasure hunt. You gotta get there before everyone else. They say it’s free, on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. Whatever that means. Just means get there early! I saw some folks parking on that Washington Road. Must be ’cause the main lots get full up quick.
They open them gates real early. Like 7 o’clock, maybe 7:15. On Thursday and Friday. The weekend, a little later, I think. I made sure to be there early. I wanted to get my money’s worth you know. Wanted to see all them golfers.
Getting There Early is Key
If you ain’t there when they open, you might as well turn around. Those lots, they fill up faster than a bucket with a hole in it. I saw lots of cars lined up, waiting. And let me tell you it is a long line. Getting there early is the key, I reckon. That’s what everyone says, anyway.
There was a whole bunch of us there, all waiting. Some folks were smart. They brought chairs and coffee. I just stood there, getting more and more tired. But it was worth it, I guess. Got to see all them fancy golfers, swinging their clubs.
- Get there before 7 AM, if you can.
- If the main lots are full, try Washington Road.
- Be prepared to wait in line.
- Masters parking can be a hassle, but it’s free.
What to Wear and What Not to Bring
Now, they got rules about what you can wear. No jeans! Can you believe it? No denim. I saw a lady get turned away ’cause she had jeans on. So, make sure you wear something else. And not too tight, I would say. You gotta be comfortable if you are walking around all day. Something loose and not to short, that’s what I wore.
And don’t even think about bringing your phone. They don’t allow no phones. Or them beepers. Or any of those electronic things. They are serious about it. I don’t know why, but no phones. They said cameras are okay on some days. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, they said. But not when the real tournament is going on, Thursday to Sunday. So, leave your fancy camera at home those days.
Traffic is a Mess
Lord have mercy, the traffic! Getting in and out of there, it’s like a herd of cattle. Everyone’s going the same way at the same time. Took forever just to get out of the parking lot. I heard some folks say to take a shuttle. Or one of them Ubers. They drop you off near there, and you just walk a little bit. That might be a smart thing to do. I saw folks walking, and they seemed a lot less stressed than those of us stuck in our cars.
Other Tips for the Masters
Here’s some other things I learned about that Masters Tournament parking and going there:
- Wear comfy shoes. You’ll be walking a lot.
- Bring some water. It gets hot out there. I bought some water there, it was expensive!
- If you can, avoid the busiest times. Makes it a whole lot easier. But don’t ask me when is the best time. I only know it is very busy when I was there.
- Don’t wear jeans!
- If you wanna see all the golfers, go early in the week, on the practice days.
The Masters Golf Tournament is something else, I tell ya. Lots of people, lots of excitement. But that parking, it’s a real pain. Just gotta be prepared, I guess. And get there early! If you want to find a good parking at the Masters, go there early and be prepared, that’s what I would say.
It was a long day, but I’m glad I went. Saw some good golf, even if I didn’t understand all of it. And I learned a thing or two about parking. Next time, I’ll be even more prepared. Maybe I’ll even take one of them shuttles. Or I will just drive there very very early.
