I Went to the Masters, and It Was an Unexpected Blast. What I Did There — and What I Won’t Do Again

**Experiencing the Masters: Highlights from an Unforgettable Golf Tournament**

The Masters Tournament, an annual golf extravaganza held at Augusta National in Georgia, is known for its exclusivity and strict regulations. Recently, under the auspices of Uber Golf, three reporters, including PEOPLE’s Senior Reporter Gillian Telling, were given the opportunity to experience this prestigious event first-hand, offering a glimpse into what makes this tournament so special.

Telling’s journey began with a call to her parents, both avid golfers who have held leadership positions at their local country club. They quickly urged her to seize the opportunity, explaining that Masters tickets are among the most coveted in the sport, usually passed down through families or available only via a lottery system. With this encouragement, Telling decided to accept the invitation.

Armed with a carefully prepared packing list and guidance on the appropriate dress code, Telling opted for a sporty and modest look. However, after a conversation with a new acquaintance from Topgolf, who highlighted the fashion flair often on display at the Masters, she switched to a vibrant red dress adorned with white polka dots, pairing it with a green blazer. Upon arriving, though, she found herself regretting the choice, as most attendees were clad in subtle whites, greens, or pastels.

Upon entering Augusta National early in the morning, Telling noted the serene atmosphere, marked by the melodious chirping of birds and the fresh scent of grass. She and her companions received their badges, which granted access to the exclusive Map & Flag hospitality tent, featuring complimentary food and drink. However, before they could fully immerse themselves in the experience, they had to relinquish their mobile phones—strictly prohibited to maintain the tournament’s tradition of etiquette.

With just a credit card and lip gloss in tow, Telling found the absence of her phone refreshing. Without the distraction of technology, she noticed how meaningful conversations flowed with fellow attendees. Although she faced a minor hiccup reconnecting with her group, the interactions made waiting in line for the highly sought-after Masters merchandise enjoyable.

The Masters’ merchandise shop is a treasure trove of memorabilia, notably its attractive ceramic garden gnomes, which have become a symbol of attendance. Telling learned that these unique items sell for $30 to $60 but can command up to 20 times that on the resale market. The striking $1 million in merchandise sold hourly reflects the excitement of attendees wanting to take a piece of the event home.

After navigating the shop, Telling and her group indulged in some of the tournament’s iconic food offerings—pimento cheese sandwiches, tomato pies, and a peach ice cream cookie sandwich—all at remarkably low prices. The culinary delights, served in Masters-branded cups that attendees even sought to collect, added to the charm of the day.

As they wandered from hole to hole, Telling noted the respectful atmosphere among the patrons, who expressed their reactions to the players with soft cheers rather than jeers. The strict adherence to behaviour and etiquette underscored the tournament’s unique culture. She also discovered the necessity of having a comfortable chair; sitting on the grass is not permitted, which leads many to buy or bring their own Masters-branded camp chairs.

Although much of the time was spent observing the golf action, Telling and her companions relished the social side of the Masters. They attended multiple events throughout the evening, including gatherings at the Malbon Golf House and with Wheels Up, where they mingled with fellow golf enthusiasts and enjoyed the signature cocktail, the ‘Azalea,’ a delicious mix of vodka, lemonade, and grenadine.

By day’s end, Telling felt invigorated yet exhausted. The sense of community and connections made throughout the day encapsulated what many refer to as “Masters Magic.” She indicated that, if given the chance, she would return to this iconic tournament, highlighting her only regrets—her red dress choice and the time spent in the merchandise line.

Uber Golf, a newly launched seasonal ride-sharing option, aims to enhance the Masters experience by facilitating advance bookings for groups heading to the tournament, while Topgolf continues to provide engaging golfing experiences nationwide.

This year’s Masters may have concluded, but for Telling and the others fortunate enough to attend, the memories and unique experiences will remain cherished for years to come.