The Masters Ticket Lottery Winners

[Gdane]

Hi All - I'm curious to hear about Masters ticket lottery success stories.  I count myself among peers who would venture to a golf forum on the interwebs as an rabid golf fan.  I'm at double digit years (14 I think?) entering the lottery without success. I have never engaged in any funny business with regards to creating multiple entries to try to increase my odds of the (virtual) ping pong balls falling my way, and while I am always on top of entering the lottery the first day it is available I never get my hopes up that the future email I receive will be anything other than another than the ultimate Tradition Unlike Any Other.  A rejection from Augusta. 

 

Maybe I'm too much of a purist but I've had a friend be so kind as to surprise me with Masters gear from his visit, only for me to leave the shirt untouched in my closet, a piece of stolen valor and constant reminder of my failure to have that stroke of lottery luck.  

 

I'd love to hear the success stories, and how you decided who to ultimately bring as your +1.

[WipeyFade]

No success story here, I'm in the same boat as you. I thought it was rigged until my neighbor won practice round tickets. They at least brought me back a gnome.

[jls667]

No success here either. Been applying for about 8ish years. I knew at first it'd be unlikely but now it just feels like I should apply because I can but honestly have zero hope or belief it'll happen. Unless I'm missing something, there appears to be little you can do increase your chances and that the odds of getting 4 tickets are as good as getting one so every year I select all days as options and for four tickets.

 

I make the same joke to my wife every year I apply that my inevitable rejection is "A tradition unlike any other."

 

That said, I still plan on applying every year because you never know. However, my wife saw on Facebook this past week that a couple we know were there. Apparently they had a friend who had been applying for years, finally hit the lottery, and invited the couple. Lucky ducks. But at least it's clear that it can happen and isn't some myth.

[WipeyFade]

Oh, I also forgot to mention that I used to work with a guy that hit the lottery twice. He hit it before the application process was online. My guess is that it used to be way easier to get them then.

[TiScape]

1 hour ago, WipeyFade said:

No success story here, I'm in the same boat as you. I thought it was rigged until my neighbor won practice round tickets. They at least brought me back a gnome.

I’m certain something must be wrong with me. Because I see ppl getting excited to “win” tickets for the days prior to the Thursday start of the tournament and just never get it. I mean, if I were in the area would I check out Tuesday just bcs I was there, yeah probably if I had never been. But to plan a trip and fly there, get a room etc to go to practice… I just don’t get it. But as always, to each their own ☺️

[WipeyFade]

2 minutes ago, TiScape said:

I’m certain something must be wrong with me. Because I see ppl getting excited to “win” tickets for the days prior to the Thursday start of the tournament and just never get it. I mean, if I were in the area would I check out Tuesday just bcs I was there, yeah probably if I had never been. But to plan a trip and fly there, get a room etc to go to practice… I just don’t get it. But as always, to each their own ☺️

From the people I have talked to that have went, they enjoy the practice rounds because its a little more laid back. It also helps that we are only about a 6 hour car ride away.

[TiScape]

4 minutes ago, WipeyFade said:

From the people I have talked to that have went, they enjoy the practice rounds because its a little more laid back. It also helps that we are only about a 6 hour car ride away.

Will agree that it’s absolutely more laid back. Kinda like batting practice at Wrigley compared to the game. 

[tiderider]

1 hour ago, Gdane said:

Hi All - I'm curious to hear about Masters ticket lottery success stories.  I count myself among peers who would venture to a golf forum on the interwebs as an rabid golf fan.  I'm at double digit years (14 I think?) entering the lottery without success. I have never engaged in any funny business with regards to creating multiple entries to try to increase my odds of the (virtual) ping pong balls falling my way, and while I am always on top of entering the lottery the first day it is available I never get my hopes up that the future email I receive will be anything other than another than the ultimate Tradition Unlike Any Other.  A rejection from Augusta. 

 

Maybe I'm too much of a purist but I've had a friend be so kind as to surprise me with Masters gear from his visit, only for me to leave the shirt untouched in my closet, a piece of stolen valor and constant reminder of my failure to have that stroke of lottery luck.  

 

I'd love to hear the success stories, and how you decided who to ultimately bring as your +1.

i don't wear/use golf memorabilia from courses i haven't played, so you're not too much of a purist ... i doubt i'd even buy anything at the masters ... 

[mstuewe]

I hit the lottery this year for Thursday tickets.  It was wonderful.  Didn’t do anything unique, requested max tickets every day.  

Edited April 15, 2024 by mstuewe

[TiScape]

Just now, tiderider said:

i don't wear/use golf memorabilia from courses i haven't played, so you're not too much of a purist ... i doubt i'd even buy anything at the masters ... 

So that’s a no on one of the gnomes in ur garden? 
 

🤣

[Abh159]

My dad, my brother, and myself have all been entering it for the last 10 years or so. We're all adults living in separate cities so no funny business there. We always request 4 tickets for the practice round days and 2 for the actual tournament days. Last year, my dad was selected for practice round tickets (Tuesday to be specific). That's been the only time any of us have ever been picked.

 

I ended up getting a few things at the merchandise shop - 1 polo, 2 sweatshirts (1 or my wife), and a t-shirt and a hat for a friend. I made it a point not to tell a bunch of people I was going simply because I didn't want to be flooded with requests to buy stuff for them.

 

It was my first time going and a wonderful experience. I'd absolutely jump at the chance to go again. I highly recommend the practice round days just because you're able to move around the grounds much easier than you are on tournament days (or so I've been told).

[Ajgaguy83]

2 hours ago, WipeyFade said:

No success story here, I'm in the same boat as you. I thought it was rigged until my neighbor won practice round tickets. They at least brought me back a gnome.

Same here as well. 

[dfeldss]

My old man hit the lottery about a decade ago. One of his friends flew down, and i drove over with a friend and we all got to go to a Tuesday practice round. It promptly began storming at about 9-9:30 and all the patrons got the boot. ANGC then let us bypass the lottery the next year so we ran it back with the same crew and had a great day.

 

The old man goes pretty much every year now with one of his good friends that gets tickets. Haven't gotten the call up again yet nor have I won the lottery myself.  

Edited April 15, 2024 by dfeldss

[toddbournes]

58 minutes ago, TiScape said:

I’m certain something must be wrong with me. Because I see ppl getting excited to “win” tickets for the days prior to the Thursday start of the tournament and just never get it. I mean, if I were in the area would I check out Tuesday just bcs I was there, yeah probably if I had never been. But to plan a trip and fly there, get a room etc to go to practice… I just don’t get it. But as always, to each their own ☺️

Been applying for 10 or so years along with all my golf buddies and finally my brother drew Wednesday tickets this year. I can say it surpassed my highest expectations. And speaking for myself I’d go back anytime for the Wednesday practice/par 3 tourney. Players were very accessible and it’s super cool just to see them going thru their process. They hit multiple balls in to greens to where the different day pins would be. Putted to different hole locations etc. One of the coolest things for me about the practice round was watching the guys skip holes and get in with other guys/groups. Saw several times someone would be playing alone or with another guy and then would jump on another tee with someone else. Bryson was probably more interactive with fans than any other player I talked to. Homa and cam young were also pretty chatty. It was a fantastic experience all the way around other than the absolute mosh pit that is the merch shop. Now that’s a total crap show. 

[tiderider]

then there's this: 

 

[TiScape]

3 minutes ago, toddbournes said:

Been applying for 10 or so years along with all my golf buddies and finally my brother drew Wednesday tickets this year. I can say it surpassed my highest expectations. And speaking for myself I’d go back anytime for the Wednesday practice/par 3 tourney. Players were very accessible and it’s super cool just to see them going thru their process. They hit multiple balls in to greens to where the different day pins would be. Putted to different hole locations etc. One of the coolest things for me about the practice round was watching the guys skip holes and get in with other guys/groups. Saw several times someone would be playing alone or with another guy and then would jump on another tee with someone else. Bryson was probably more interactive with fans than any other player I talked to. Homa and cam young were also pretty chatty. It was a fantastic experience all the way around other than the absolute mosh pit that is the merch shop. Now that’s a total crap show. 

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[TiScape]

3 minutes ago, tiderider said:

then there's this: 

 

Was watching at the gym Friday. The physical therapist there was telling me how he played it when he was 14. Dad’s buddy/biz associate is a member…. Now, THAT I would fly out for on a Tuesday! Haha

[italianstallion]

1 hour ago, TiScape said:

I’m certain something must be wrong with me. Because I see ppl getting excited to “win” tickets for the days prior to the Thursday start of the tournament and just never get it. I mean, if I were in the area would I check out Tuesday just bcs I was there, yeah probably if I had never been. But to plan a trip and fly there, get a room etc to go to practice… I just don’t get it. But as always, to each their own ☺️

 

I won tickets to the Wednesday practice round in 2019. I’m a golf history and a golf course architecture nerd, and I was thrilled I was going to be going on a day where I could look at the course, bring my camera to take photos, and see past legends of the game play in the par 3 contest. And because it’s Wednesday, every golfer is out practicing at some point so you’ll see them (as opposed to Monday or Tuesday which some players might skip). For a first time visitor to the Masters, I think outside of Sunday Wednesday is the next best day to go. 

 

That year I got four tickets, and I couldn’t beg any of my friends to come with me because “it’s not a tournament round.” Every year when they inevitably fail at winning the lottery they always say “why didn’t I just go with you when you won?” I just flash a wry smile as I take a sip from my Masters cup and reply with a simple “you should’ve.”

[VNutz]

I won practice round tickets in 2013, Monday. I think it was my 4th or 5th time trying. Didn't juice the system, just the one entry. Took my dad and brothers. I liked the Monday as it didn't feel as busy and we had more ability to move at our leisure.

 

I feel like the popularity has exploded since then and it's significantly more difficult to get in now.

[EDWARDSR]

My buddy won 4 tickets for Wednesday this year and I was fortunate to get one of his invites, it was an amazing time.

 

We actually started up conversation with a plain closed police officer who has been doing security for ANGC since 2018, we started talking about the lottery process and he said that once you enter the lottery 5 consecutive years, your percentages increase for eventual selection. He also said once you are selected during the lottery process, you have heighten chances to continue to be selected moreover as the years go on. I thought it was interesting nuggets from him, don't know how valid they may be, but wanted to pass that along. 

Edited April 15, 2024 by EDWARDSR

[TiScape]

11 minutes ago, italianstallion said:

 

I won tickets to the Wednesday practice round in 2019. I’m a golf history and a golf course architecture nerd, and I was thrilled I was going to be going on a day where I could look at the course, bring my camera to take photos, and see past legends of the game play in the par 3 contest. And because it’s Wednesday, every golfer is out practicing at some point so you’ll see them (as opposed to Monday or Tuesday which some players might skip). For a first time visitor to the Masters, I think outside of Sunday Wednesday is the next best day to go. 

 

That year I got four tickets, and I couldn’t beg any of my friends to come with me because “it’s not a tournament round.” Every year when they inevitably fail at winning the lottery they always say “why didn’t I just go with you when you won?” I just flash a wry smile as I take a sip from my Masters cup and reply with a simple “you should’ve.”

Happy for you and your cup.

 

🤣

 

To me it’s essentially like a meet and greet and an exhibition. So I’m w/ur friends. Again, no judgements. I respect ppl choosing to do what makes them happy. 😊 

[dfeldss]

12 minutes ago, italianstallion said:

 

I won tickets to the Wednesday practice round in 2019. I’m a golf history and a golf course architecture nerd, and I was thrilled I was going to be going on a day where I could look at the course, bring my camera to take photos, and see past legends of the game play in the par 3 contest. And because it’s Wednesday, every golfer is out practicing at some point so you’ll see them (as opposed to Monday or Tuesday which some players might skip). For a first time visitor to the Masters, I think outside of Sunday Wednesday is the next best day to go. 

 

That year I got four tickets, and I couldn’t beg any of my friends to come with me because “it’s not a tournament round.” Every year when they inevitably fail at winning the lottery they always say “why didn’t I just go with you when you won?” I just flash a wry smile as I take a sip from my Masters cup and reply with a simple “you should’ve.”

 

Blows my mind when i see people scoff at the practice rounds out there.

 

Like you, I think i would almost prefer it, especially as a first timer. You can go walk the course, take photos, and just take everything in. Outside of Amen Corner and 16, there's also generally not huge crowds congregating (unless your Tigers, Rorys etc. are out practicing). 

[italianstallion]

1 minute ago, TiScape said:

Happy for you and your cup.

 

🤣

 

To me it’s essentially like a meet and greet and an exhibition. So I’m w/ur friends. Again, no judgements. I respect ppl choosing to do what makes them happy. 😊 

Thanks! And I wish you luck on you quest to get tournament round tickets, I hope you someday make it. Each year my cup and I get a lot out of the broadcast having seen all those fairway and green contours in person, really helps me understand how and why balls move and bounce how they do. 

[TiScape]

4 minutes ago, italianstallion said:

Thanks! And I wish you luck on you quest to get tournament round tickets, I hope you someday make it. Each year my cup and I get a lot out of the broadcast having seen all those fairway and green contours in person, really helps me understand how and why balls move and bounce how they do. 

Am on no quest. Been several times as a guest of a fam member. 

[italianstallion]

3 minutes ago, TiScape said:

Am on no quest. Been several times as a guest of a fam member. 

Different kind of lottery then. 

[CCTxGolf]

I think practice rounds are the way to go. 
 

You will not understand how insane that golf course actually is until you see it in person. I liken it to the Texas hill country but instead of rocky hills everything is covered in perfect grass. That’s how drastic the topography is.

 

On a practice day round you can walk the course from one to 18 and then backward if you want. Really gives you a new appreciation. Also, I disagree about Wednesday having “all” if the players. Every player is practicing every day they can no matter who they are. To me the Par 3 is not as interesting as the big course. 

 

During tournament round days it’s hard to keep up with everything that is going on. Scoreboards are all run by people so it’s not exactly easy to see who’s making moves etc. It’s much more exciting to watch the tournament play out on TV imo.

 

I won the lottery on my first try and haven’t in the 10 or so years since. Just for a little perspective on the value people see in practice rounds, tickets go for over $1k a pop every day of the practice rounds on the secondary market. Sometimes much higher.

Edited April 15, 2024 by CCTxGolf

[Hawkeye77]

I used to try back in the day when you filled out a form and mailed it in and got chosen back in '95 but had to pass - couldn't take the time off work/spend the money, lol.  Tried ever after and finally got two tickets in 2016.  Took a week off, drove down and picked up my golfing daughter/fellow Masters-o-pile on the way.  Had tickets for the par 3, arrived Tuesday morning, went and parked, made our way to Washington Road and bought tickets for Tuesday afternoon as well.  Had a great time!  Tried every year since (the wife couldn't go in '16 and she really wants to see the place) so we'll see if we "win" the chance to buy tickets again.  And OP - it's not a lottery - they have a process!  

[etodd]

No funny business - but being 100% honest, get everyone in your extended family with a house to apply for the maximum amount of tickets for all days and just pray that someone takes you. 1 Per Address. You, Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Uncle, Sister, Brother, etc. and you’ll more than likely get tickets to at least one of the practice round days. I’ve been lucky enough to attend 2 Tuesday practice rounds in 2012 and 2016, and 1 Wednesday practice round this past week. Somehow my family hits tickets every two years or so. Sometimes back to back years. This will give you the best chance! Good luck! It truly is special.

Edited April 15, 2024 by etodd

[vsabre]

O for 21 until this year. Won 2 Sunday tickets and just got back home. Incredible experience. At the North Gate at 5:30am yesterday, and maybe in the first few hundred in line. Walked us up about 30 yards from security at 7 and and let us in before 8 I'm sure. Shopping done, all purchases checked ( so easy) and breakfast eaten by 8:40am. Strolled up to the putting green, sun is just blanketing the entire course and the first thing I see is Tiger and Charlie on the putting green. Stood 10 feet away ( behind the rope :))for about 15 minutes and watched them interact. The entire trip was worth it right there. Easy peazy roaming about following groups on the course, no desire for a chair and plenty of room in the grandstands if we needed a rest. Obviously crowded at 11/12 and 16 but great viewing otherwise. The course layout is much more compact than it appears on TV and you can cross fairways easily to see a lot of action. Ex. Watched the last 5 groups on 3 right at the rope, walked roughly 40 yards and caught earlier groups teeing off on 17, crossed 17 fairway and was right at the approach area on 15 on the right side, crossed 15 fairway and plenty of room in the 15 grandstands. Stayed about 30 minutes and watched groups play 16. You get the idea. Very crowded at 11 green/12 tee/13 green/ 16 green, but in between not difficult at all. We hit the concession stands 5 times and my total spend was $52.00 ( no alcohol) for food...

Love the tournament experience and may go the practice round route next year if we miss the lottery.

[manku]

3 hours ago, EDWARDSR said:

My buddy won 4 tickets for Thursday this year and I was fortunate to get one of his invites, it was an amazing time.

 

We actually started up conversation with a plain closed police officer who has been doing security for ANGC since 2018, we started talking about the lottery process and he said that once you enter the lottery 5 consecutive years, your percentages increase for eventual selection. He also said once you are selected during the lottery process, you have heighten chances to continue to be selected moreover as the years go on. I thought it was interesting nuggets from him, don't know how valid they may be, but wanted to pass that along. 

How do you win 4 tickets when the max is 2 for tournament days. (Non practice you can get 4)?

 

Inquiring minds want to know!