The Masters Lottery: How to Get Tickets to Golf’s Most Exclusive Tournament
The Masters Tournament is one of the most prestigious and sought-after events in the world of golf. Every April, Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia becomes the epicenter of the sport, hosting the best golfers on one of the most beautifully maintained courses. Attending the Masters is a dream for golf enthusiasts, but getting tickets is an incredibly difficult task. One of the most intriguing aspects of the process is the Masters lottery, which gives everyday fans a chance to witness history in person.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Masters lottery, how to apply, the odds of winning, and some tips to increase your chances of getting tickets.
What Is the Masters Lottery?
Unlike many other major sporting events, you can’t simply go online and buy tickets to the Masters Tournament. Most tickets are either held by patrons who have had them for generations or are distributed through an application-based lottery system run by Augusta National.
The Masters lottery is an annual ticket drawing that allows lucky winners the opportunity to purchase practice round or tournament round tickets at face value. The lottery typically opens for applications in June and closes in mid-June to early July, with winners notified by mid-July.
Types of Tickets Available Through the Masters Lottery
There are two primary types of tickets available through the lottery:
1. Practice Round Tickets
Practice round tickets grant access to Augusta National on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of Masters week.
These rounds allow fans to see players in a more relaxed setting as they prepare for the tournament.
The famous Par 3 Contest is held on Wednesday, adding an extra layer of excitement for attendees.
2. Tournament Round Tickets
Tournament round tickets allow access to Augusta National on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday during official tournament play.
These are significantly harder to win in the lottery compared to practice round tickets.
How to Apply for the Masters Lottery
Applying for the Masters lottery is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to deadlines.
Step 1: Create an Account on the Masters Website
To enter the lottery, you must create an account on the official Masters Tournament website (www.masters.com). Ensure that your information is accurate, as duplicate accounts or errors can result in disqualification.
Step 2: Submit Your Lottery Application
Once the lottery window opens in June, applicants can select which days they would like to attend. You can apply for both practice and tournament rounds, but each household is only allowed one application per year.
Step 3: Wait for the Lottery Results
After submitting your application, all you can do is wait. Augusta National typically notifies winners by mid-July via email. If selected, you will be given a timeframe to purchase your tickets online.
Odds of Winning the Masters Lottery
The Masters lottery is highly competitive, and the odds of winning vary from year to year. While Augusta National does not publicly disclose exact numbers, estimates suggest that over 2 million applications are submitted annually.
Practice round tickets have slightly better odds than tournament round tickets since more of them are available.
Tournament round tickets are incredibly difficult to win, as fewer are released to the public compared to practice round tickets.
Many applicants go years—sometimes decades—without winning, making it one of the most exclusive ticket lotteries in sports.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning the Masters Lottery
Since the process is random, there’s no guaranteed way to secure Masters tickets. However, there are a few strategies that might improve your odds:
1. Apply Every Year
The more times you enter, the better your chances. Some fans apply annually for years before finally winning.
2. Apply for Practice Round Tickets
Since these have better odds than tournament rounds, selecting practice round tickets can increase your chances of getting into Augusta.
3. Encourage Friends and Family to Apply
Each household is only allowed one application, but if multiple family members or friends enter separately, there’s a better chance that someone in your circle will win.
4. Be Mindful of Deadlines
Missing the application deadline means you’ll have to wait another year, so set a reminder to apply as soon as the lottery opens in June.
5. Avoid Third-Party Resellers
While it’s tempting to look for tickets on secondary markets, be cautious—Augusta National has strict policies against ticket resales, and you risk getting scammed or having your ticket revoked.
Alternative Ways to Get Masters Tickets
If you don’t win the lottery, there are still a few other ways to attend the Masters.
1. Patron Badge
The most coveted access to the Masters is the Patron Badge, which grants lifetime entry to the tournament each year.
However, these badges are nearly impossible to obtain as they are passed down through generations, and the waiting list has been closed for years.
2. Secondary Market (Risky Option)
Some companies and individuals sell Masters tickets, but this comes with high prices and risks.
The Masters has strict policies regarding ticket transfers, and unauthorized resale can lead to voided tickets.
3. Corporate Hospitality Packages
Some businesses offer Masters experience packages, often including accommodations, meals, and tickets. While expensive, this is a legitimate way to secure access.
4. Volunteer Program
Augusta National offers a volunteer program where workers assist with tournament operations. In return, they receive access to the tournament on their off-days.
Final Thoughts
Winning the Masters lottery is the golden ticket for golf fans, offering a rare opportunity to step foot on Augusta National’s hallowed grounds. While the odds may be slim, applying every year, choosing practice round tickets, and encouraging family members to enter can improve your chances.
If you’re one of the lucky few to win, cherish the experience—because attending the Masters is about more than just golf; it’s about witnessing history in one of the most pristine and exclusive settings in all of sports. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
