What to Know If You're Going to Masters Tournament at Augusta National

If you're making the short but historic jaunt to Augusta to watch some of the world's best professional golfers compete in the Masters Tournament, there are definite rules of etiquette to observe as competition begins Thursday.

A couple of the most important no-no’s to avoid if you are a first-time spectator: no cell phones and no cameras are allowed on the Augusta National grounds. None. Violating the rules will get you kicked off the grounds.

According to the Masters golf tournament website, “cell phones, beepers and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited on the grounds at all times. Cameras are strictly prohibited on tournament days.”

Prohibited items include:

• Cell phones / PDAs
• Bags, backpacks, purses, packages (purses and fanny packs less than 10 by 10 inches in size are allowed)
• Beepers, electronic devices
• Cameras on tournament days
• Weapons of any kind (regardless of permit)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Beverage containers / coolers
• Flags, banners, signs
• Folding armchairs, rigid chairs or stools
• Ladders, periscopes
• Radios, TVs, Tape recorders
• Strollers
• Walkie-talkies

Although four-time Masters champion Tiger Woods is sitting out the tournament as he recuperates from back surgery, there are plenty of strong players in the field. Oddsmakers on Wednesday picked Adam Scott and Rory McIlroy as top contenders for the title. Other possibilities are former champ Phil Mickelson, Jason Day, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnston, Sergio Garcia and ex-UGA golfer Bubba Watson.

TV broadcast times

Television coverage begins with ESPN broadcasting the first two rounds from 3-7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. CBS, which is in its 59th year of televising the Masters, will broadcast on the weekend. Saturday’s telecast is 3-7 p.m., and Sunday’s final round will be shown from 2-7 p.m.

Food & Drinks

No coolers or containers of any type in which beverages can be carried are allowed on the course.

Autographs

The tournament has a no autograph for practice and tournament days. Autograph seeking is only allowed around the practice range.

Parking

Real-time traffic and parking information will be available on WGAC-580 AM radio.

The Augusta Chronicle says more than 8,500 free parking spaces are available in lots off Berckmans Road. There is no free parking east of Berckmans.

All patrons will enter the course at Gate 6A or Gate 9 off Berckmans Road. There is no pedestrian access from Washington Road.