The Masters Through My Eyes: Local Guide + Insider Tips

By now, we’ve walked through stories of family legacies outside the gates, sticker tickets and Southern department stores, and the early days of Bryan’s caddie years. Today, I’m pulling back for a broader view—something practical, something helpful, and very much from the voice of a local girl who’s watched this town transform every April since birth.

Whether it’s your first time at The Masters or you’ve been coming for decades, I want you to feel confident, comfortable, and prepared. Augusta has its own rhythm this week. Let’s make sure you’re dancing in step with it.

If you only remember one thing, let it be this:
This is not just a golf tournament. This is Augusta. In pearls.
Dress accordingly. Respect the space. And for the love of pimento cheese, read this list.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Security at Augusta National is tight, and the rules are strictly enforced.

Leave behind:
Cell phones
Big bags (nothing over 10” x 10” x 12”)
Laptops, tablets, cameras (those were only allowed Monday–Wednesday)
Coolers, signs, flags, strollers, or chairs with arms
Radios, selfie sticks, or metal golf spikes
Any tech you’d feel lost without—because yes, you’ll be going without it

Even your Apple Watch might raise an eyebrow. Keep it classic and low-tech.

WHAT TO BRING

Pack light and smart. Here’s what I always recommend:

Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat or visor
Comfortable walking shoes
A collapsible chair (without arms!)
Cash or card for food and merch
A wristwatch—because time still matters, even without your phone
Binoculars, if you’d rather sit and scout than follow a group

Local Note:

If it’s rained recently (and this week, it has), choose your shoes wisely. The hills are slick, the grass is soft, and there’s a fine line between stylish and sliding. This is not the time for wedges or brand-new white sneakers. Be smart first. Cute can come later when you’re not face-first in a sand trap.
Don’t end up on your backside trying to be an influencer. This is Augusta, not Coachella.

WHERE TO EAT, SHOP & EXPLORE

Instead of squeezing all my favorite stops into one post, I created an entire guide just for you:
www.lorrigailmoffatt.com/augusta

You’ll find local eats, photo ops, hidden gems, and a few unexpected stops that even seasoned patrons miss. If you’ve got a few hours to explore before or after your day at the course, that page is your golden ticket.

INSIDER TRICKS & LOCAL LORE

The Pro Shop gets wild—early is best. Merch flies off shelves, and lines build quickly.

Bathrooms at Augusta National are famously pristine. Just a fun fact—but also? A relief.

Once you leave the course, you only get back in once. Plan accordingly.

WHO TO FOLLOW THIS WEEK

Want a peek behind the ropes and into the real personalities of Masters Week? These are a few of my favorite TikTok follows for Augusta vibes, golf content, and behind-the-scenes gems:

@laynafinau
@presleighschultz
@kirakdixon
@akshaybhatia_1
@jujurchan
@lacehoma
@themasters
@jenamsims
@thekristyguffey
@kendall.newsomee9
@physicianassistant

Whether you’re on your way to the course or just watching from home, these accounts will give you a front-row seat—minus the badge lines and sunscreen reapplications.

FINAL WORD FROM A HOMETOWN GIRL

There’s a reverence here that catches you off guard. Even the air feels different. It’s quiet, it’s intentional, and it’s like stepping into another world where time slows down… but the moments stick forever.

Tomorrow, we’ll step back inside the ropes with Bryan—Part Two of his story brings us even closer to the heart of what this place really means to the people who work it, live it, and carry it with them forever.

Until then, walk slowly. Smile often. And don’t forget your watch.

Don’t miss a day of Golf Week.

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