How Much Does It Cost To Play Augusta National?
Augusta National is one of the most exclusive golf courses in the world
With its impeccably maintained greens and fairways, quaint bridges and spectacular beds of azaleas, Augusta National is as iconic as the world-renowned tournament it hosts annually, The Masters.
As one of the most exclusive golf courses in the world, it’s hardly surprising that playing a round at Augusta National isn’t easy. But how much can you expect to pay if you do get the chance? Let’s take a look at the options.
There are a few ways to play Augusta National without it costing you anything. One way is, of course, to qualify for The Masters. Another is to work at Augusta National as a caddie, which entitles you to one round a year.
Similarly, other Augusta National employees are also granted a round a year. You can also get a free round as a member of the media working at The Masters, but only if you're selected from a ballot. However, while these potential routes to playing Augusta National are free of charge, they aren’t realistic for many.
One way to guarantee playing a round at Augusta National is to become a member. However, this is far easier said than done - even if you have the money.
The club is privately owned and doesn’t publish its accounts, so putting a precise figure on the cost of joining is near-impossible. Still, the membership fee is thought to be around $40,000, which is not that expensive compared to many other exclusive golf clubs in the US.
In addition, you can expect to pay around $4,000 in annual dues according to various reports. Aside from the expense, there is another problem, though – joining the approximately 300-strong membership is by invite only, and there’s an extensive vetting process even if you get that far.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
For most people, then, the opportunity to play Augusta National will prove elusive – and not just because of the cost.
Indeed, even if you have the financial clout to become a member, with an exclusive membership that reportedly includes billionaires Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, there are no guarantees you’d be able to join.
So, the actual cost of playing Augusta National via the membership route? It could be around $40,000 and an enormous amount of status.
Can You Pay To Play Augusta National?
Unfortunately not. Augusta National is a private club accessible only to club members and guests. There are other ways to play a round at Augusta National, including being an employee or a caddie. However, becoming a member of the club or playing in The Masters or Augusta National Women's Invitational are the only way to guarantee a round.
How Does Augusta National Make Money?
Augusta National reportedly makes around $25 million a year from international broadcast rights. Another lucrative income stream is merchandise, estimated at $50 million per year. Meanwhile, it generates revenue from other areas, including membership fees and ticket sales.
How Can I Play Augusta National?
There are several ways to play Augusta National, including qualifying for The Masters, becoming a member, being a guest of a member and working at Augusta National. Augusta National caddies are also entitled to one round a year, while members of the media are entered into a ballot to play a round the day after The Masters.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
LIV Golfer Talor Gooch Buys Up Second Sports Franchise
The Smash GC player has followed his investment in a Professional Bull Riders franchise with the purchase of a Sport Fishing Championship team
By Mike Hall Published
-
Joaquin Niemann Beats Fellow LIV Golfers In Saudi Playoff To Finish Top Of Asian Tour’s International Series Rankings
Niemann’s two birdies in the playoff were enough for him to edge out fellow LIV Golfers Cameron Smith and Caleb Surratt in the Saudi International at Riyadh Golf Club
By Mike Hall Published
-
Why Tiger Woods’ Masters Week Was Actually A Huge Success
Woods finished last at an event in which he made the cut for just the third time in his near-30-year pro career at The 2024 Masters - but looking at the result here is too short-sighted...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
What Golf Shoe Does Bryson Dechambeau Wear?
DeChambeau has worn many pairs of golf shoes throughout his career, with the American currently wearing the FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon
By Matt Cradock Published
-
The Masters Azalea Cocktail Recipe: How To Make The Famous Augusta National Drink
Thanks to the Masters’ official pinterest page, we now know how to make the famous cocktail the right way
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
The 2018 Fairway Wood Tiger Woods Is Using At The Masters
Despite being an older model, the 15-time Major winner has kept the TaylorMade M3 fairway wood in his bag for over six years and continues to use it at Augusta National
By Matt Cradock Published
-
What Golf Shoes Is Camilo Villegas Wearing At The Masters?
The multiple-time PGA Tour winner was seen wearing a pair of eye-catching Nike Air Jordan shoes whilst paired with Rory McIlroy during the third round at Augusta National
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Who Has Won The Most Money At The Masters?
Jack Nicklaus has won the most Green Jackets in history and Tiger Woods is the most successful champion in the modern era - but the answer is neither of those two...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Who Has Made The Most Consecutive Cuts At The Masters?
Tiger Woods is chasing a record-breaking 25th consecutive cut at the 2024 Masters
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
Who Gives The Green Jacket If There's A Back-To-Back Winner Of The Masters?
Traditionally, the previous winner of The Masters hands the new champion the Green Jacket - here's what happens when there's a back-to-back winner
By Mike Hall Published