Augusta National Golf Club is of the most exclusive and best-known golf clubs in the world, and the host to the only Major played at the same course every year - The Masters.
To play the iconic course is on every golfer's bucket list but realistically we all know that the likelihood of a game there is near-impossible.
However, saying that, there are still several ways to play Augusta National. It's not impossible, but it's not exactly easy either...
How Can I Play Augusta National?
1. Qualify for the Masters
No, take this seriously, it may end up as your best bet. You don’t have to turn professional - the British Amateur Champion gets an automatic invitation along with a number of other amateur golfers. The US Amateur Championship winner and runner-up get invites, as do the Asia-Pacific and Latin America Amateur Champions. An invite also goes out to the US Mid-Amateur Champion.
2. Become a member
However the club does not accept membership applications, as membership is by invitation only to powerful figures within the business world.
3. Play Augusta Country Club instead
Okay, it's not 'The' Augusta, but you can still casually announce that you have ‘played golf at Augusta’. Just don’t get drawn into detail on your round. However you can talk about how you tackled Rae’s Creek as it runs across the front of the 12th green at Augusta National and the 8th green at Augusta Country Club.
4. Join Augusta Country Club
When members of Augusta National need a fourth to make up a fourball they have been known to phone Augusta CC, which neighbours their property, to see if one of their members is free to pop over.
5. Get a press pass
A limited number of tee spots for media are available for the day after the Masters, awarded by ballot. But when we say a few, we mean it. Golf Monthly staffers Neil Tappin, Joel Tadman, Tom Clarke, David Taylor and Dan Parker have all managed to play via this route through the years.
6. Work there as a caddie
This is a part-time job - Augusta National is closed between May and October due to the extremely hot Georgian summers. Caddies are reportedly allowed one round per year.
7. Work as a volunteer at the Masters
It is almost as hard to become a volunteer at the Masters as it is to become a member at Augusta, as vacancies rarely occur and there is a long waiting list for these jobs. Volunteers reportedly can play the course in May as part of the club's 'appreciation day'.
8. Know a member
Be invited to a game by one of the 300 members of Augusta National and you'll get to drive down Magnolia Lane and play the course. Know a member? You're in luck!
9. Work for Augusta National
Employees are said to be allowed one round a year on the course.
10. Play in the Augusta National Women's Amateur
It takes place the week before The Masters, with competitors getting a practice round and one competition round at Augusta. The field is made up of some of the world's best female amateurs.
11. Attend a local university
College golf students from the local Augusta/Georgia/South Carolina area are known to play the course occasionally in tournaments and on special invites.
12. Know a Masters competitor
Players invited into The Masters field each year are allowed trips to Augusta National to play the course - and what's more, they're allowed to bring guests.
