How does seating work at the Masters Tournament?

Last Modified Mar 22, 2025 07:14 GMT
How does seating work at the Masters Tournament?
The Masters Tournament (Source: Masters Tournament/Facebook)

The Masters Tournament is one of golf’s four major championships and has been played annually at Augusta National Golf Club since 1934, except during World War II from 1943 to 1945. The event was founded by Bobby Jones, an amateur golfer, and Clifford Roberts, an investment banker, who transformed an old plant nursery in Augusta, Georgia, into one of the most respected golf courses. It was designed by Jones and Alister MacKenzie. Initially called the "Augusta National Invitation Tournament," the event was renamed the Masters Tournament in 1939.

The Masters Tournament is steeped in tradition, with the winner receiving the iconic green jacket since 1949 and earning a lifelong invitation to compete. The Champions Dinner, first hosted by Ben Hogan in 1952, brings past winners together each year, while the honorary tee shot, struck by champion golfers, signals the start of the event. Another unique aspect is the Par 3 Contest, a lighthearted precursor to the tournament that has taken place since 1960.

What is the seating plan for the Master Tournament 2025?

The chair policy as per the Masters website states that the Masters Tournament allows patrons to bring one chair or seat per applicant, following strict guidelines. Portable, foldable chairs with no armrests are authorized. However, chairs or stands are located along the course, providing excellent views of the action. ​Further, a chair is deemed abandoned if it is on the property half an hour after play or when the gates are closed.

The Los Angeles Times reported that observation stand seats cannot be reserved, and individual chairs cannot be left unattended for excessive time. Since the chairs are not left overnight, guests arrive early to secure their spots on the course when the gates open at 8 a.m.

Nearly everyone uses an official, green Masters chair, which is available for $30 at the event. Some owners write their names by hand, while others make their chairs stand out by tying a brightly colored ribbon around them. They do so to recognize their chairs, although it is permitted to sit in someone else's chair but have to stand whenever the owner arrives.

Diehard fans of the event, who have been patrons of multiple Masters Tournaments, are recognizable with their old chairs. For instance, chairs from the 1997 Masters, where Tiger Woods earned his first of four green jackets, are found in many seating areas and are highly sought after (via Los Angeles Times).

Can you sit anywhere at the Masters?

No, as per the website of the Masters Tournament, there are designated areas to have a seat. Chairs positioned in the seating area efficiently reserve that spot for the patron all day long, according to Golf.com.

Where are the best seats at Augusta National to watch the Masters?

The No. 17 observation stand provides views of the 17th green, the 8th hole's tee shots, and the second hole's approach shots. Spend the afternoon in Amen Corner, where holes 11, 12, and 13 feature some of the tournament's most memorable moments, particularly during golden hour. Then there is the par-3 16th, where players try to skip shots across the pond during practice rounds (via the Masters website).

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FAQs on How does seating work at the Masters Tournament?

A. The Masters Tournament seating works with a portable folding chair without armrests and pointing or rigid edges that a patron can bring or buy at the event.

A. Depending on the gender, knee-length shorts and golf skirts are allowed to be worn at the Masters Tournament.

A. Yes, a patron can bring a chair to the Masters Tournament until and unless it does not have armrests and is not pointed or rigid.

A. No, there are designated areas to take a seat with your folding chair at the Masters Tournament.

A. Outside food and beverages are not allowed at the Masters Tournament.

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