The 2025 Masters gets underway this week with some of golf’s most glittering names set to go head-to-head at Augusta. They will be followed by a loyal set of supporters of the four-day tournament – albeit they won’t exactly be ‘fans’.
Anyone lucky enough to book themselves a ticket to watch proceedings unfold at Augusta have never been referred to as ‘fans’ or ‘the crowd’ like at other PGA Tour events. Instead, they are called patrons during the tournament but why is that? Well, it’s a tradition that dates all the way back to 1934 and the Major’s inception.
Then co-founder of the Augusta National Golf Club, Clifford Roberts wanted the event to be a far more prestigious experience for those in attendance. He did not see fans as people who simply paid their money, watched the action and left.
Instead Roberts considered the crowd to be a crucial part of the Masters essence. David Owen, author of the definitive history of Augusta National, The Making Of The Masters, said: “Roberts really did feel that it was the spectators who made the Masters possible—hence patrons.
“He wanted to remind everyone involved in the tournament that the focus had to be on constantly improving the experience for the people watching.”
“I called them spectators in my book, because that’s what I call them,” he added. “Jack Stephens said something like, ‘Why don’t you call them what Cliff called them?’ But I disagreed with him.”
Away from their slightly unusual name, patrons at Augusta are also obliged to follow a strict set of rules. Mobile phones, laptops and tablets are all BANNED on the grounds at all times, while cameras are also prohibited during tournament days – albeit are allowed on practice days.
The type of seats patrons use are also monitored by the authorities. Any chairs or seats used must be collapsable and are not allowed to have arms – any others are also banned.
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There is also a strict dress code for patrons at Augusta. It is suggested that business casual attire is widely encouraged by the tournament’s organisers.
As many as 40,000 patrons are expected to pass through the Augusta gates during the tournament rounds. And many of them will be keen to get their hands on an unusual bit of merchandise during their visit.
Patrons have been able to buy a Masters-themed gnome at the tournament since 2016. But with just 1,000 available on each day of the tournament, they have become increasingly difficult to buy – leading them to become hugely sought after in the collectibles world.
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