It’s the dream destination for every golf fan. The Augusta National course in Georgia is as picturesque as it is challenging. It is also the iconic home of the Masters tournament, which traditionally serves as the first major of the season.

However, for the majority, it remains just a dream. Augusta has a capacity of around 40,000 spectators per day during the tournament rounds but up to 50,000 on practice days. Getting tickets, though, is anything but straightforward, regardless of whether golf lovers are based in America or overseas.

How do you get tickets for the Masters?

For many, it’s a lottery, quite literally. Augusta National’s annual ballot will run its application window between June 1 and 20 this summer, and hundreds and thousands of fans are expected to sign up again.

The chances of being lucky are less than one per cent. Failing that, tickets are usually available through third parties and companies on the ‘secondary market’, although authorities are reportedly planning a crackdown on that in a bid to gain more control over attendees. 

How much does a ticket cost?

Believe it or not, those successful in the ballot won’t have to pay through the roof to see a day of the tournament. A place will cost just under £108-per-day, a snip compared to other world-famous sporting events.

It’s a different story on the secondary market, though. According to Fansided, the cheapest available ticket for those who don’t get lucky in the draw is £1,170, and that’s only on Thursday.

The most expensive option is Saturday, with some passes going for more than £11,000. Four-day tickets are said to range from £6,700 to around £7,8000.

Is it possible to stay at Augusta?

For travelling fans in particular, it’s not just ticket prices that will burn a hole in the wallet. Staying directly on-site at Augusta, however, is not an option, with the cabins reserved for members and their guests only.

There are other lodging options in the area, though, such as hotels, homes to rent, or even the Crow's Nest, which is reserved for amateur players. Nearby cities like Aikenand and South Carolina are popular destinations for fans.