The Masters Golf Tournament - A Grand Tradition

Of all professional sporting events, Masters tickets are some of the most difficult to obtain, and 2011 Masters tickets are no exception. A popular option for spectators is to purchase one of many Masters golf packages, which, in addition to accommodation and tours, can include any combination of tickets for practice, opening, and final rounds of play. It's clear that these golf tournament tickets are wildly popular, but why is this?

Started in 1934, the Masters golf tournament is hosted annually during the first week in April in Georgia at the Augusta National Golf Club. The competition includes golfers from all over the world and winning a Masters tournament is perhaps the most significant career accomplishment for these athletes. The club adheres to many of its original traditions such as prohibiting anyone from entering the play area, except for the golfer and caddie. Another age-old tradition is a strict limit on ticket sales, which is why Masters tickets are so difficult to come by.

Tournament badges, also called "Series" Badges were sold to people on the club's patron list. Available tickets were sold out in 1972 and the waiting list grew to be so long, it closed in 1978. The waiting list reopened briefly in 2000, but has since closed again due to high demand. No wonder 2011 Masters tickets are such a prized possession!

The Augusta National Golf Club will only sell tickets to long-time patrons of the club, so newcomers must have relatives, other connections, or a lot of cash to even have a chance at getting these prized golf tournament tickets. In fact, nobody knows exactly how many 2011 Masters tickets there are. Each year the club distributes thousands of tickets to members, but they never disclose how many there are. The badges, which have a unique design each year, are also tightly controlled and must be returned to the club at the end of the tournament.

Fortunately for the general public, many Masters tickets make there way to ticket brokers who can legally sell them either individually or as part of Masters golf packages. Attending the Masters tournament is never an inexpensive affair, but travel packages can help reduce the cost of lodging, restaurants, local tours, and other included perks like transportation and souvenirs.