How Can I Play Augusta National?

We look at 11 different ways you can play one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world

Augusta National 12th hole general view
Augusta National is one of the world's most exclusive golf clubs
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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 and David Taylor 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 allowed one round per year.

7. Work as a volunteer at the Masters

However apparently 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.

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 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.

Roderick Easdale

Contributing Writer Golf courses and travel are Roderick’s particular interests and he was contributing editor for the first few years of the Golf Monthly Travel Supplement. He writes travel articles and general features for the magazine, travel supplement and website. He also compiles the magazine's crossword. He is a member of Trevose Golf & Country Club and has played golf in around two dozen countries. Cricket is his other main sporting love. He is the author of five books, four of which are still in print: The Novel Life of PG Wodehouse; The Don: Beyond Boundaries; Wally Hammond: Gentleman & Player and England’s Greatest Post-War All Rounder.