ited all the venues, and dined at our recommended restaurants, in order to know, constantly and intimately, all the components of our exciting trip. The tickets are like gold—and our numbers are limited to 12 per year—because Augusta is such a phenomenon. It was the brainchild of the great Bobby Jones, who when his championship playing days were over, built the course with Clifford Roberts. They found a 365-acrepotentialsite,Fruitlands Nurseries, owned by a Belgian baron who had imported a great many flowering plants and trees (some of which can still be seen on the course, including the Magnolia Lane, which was planted before the Civil War).Jones,standingonwhat is now the practice putting green, surveyed the scene and pronounced the proper- ty ‘perfect’ for his plan. Building began in 1931 and the first Augusta National Invitation Tour- nament was held in 1934. The aim was to use the land’s natural contours, and as such it was a ground-breaker. Mounds were used instead of bunkers, there was no severe rough, and a natural creek—the now famous Rae’s Creek of course—created fascinating water hazards. Many decisions made in the early years still stand today, in- cluding the change of name in 1938 to The Masters Tourna- ment. Augusta National mem- bers’ Green Jacket tradition be- ADD AN EXTRA DAY’S GOLF AT SAGE VALLEY This option adds an extra day to the end of the original VIP Augusta Masters Final and Augusta Golf three-day event, with a round of golf at the pri- vate, members-only Sage Valley Golf Club on the Monday, re- turning to the UK on Tuesday. This is a good plan, not only for the chance to play Sage Valley, but also because the airports are overcrowded with Augusta spec- tators all leaving on the Monday: it’s much quieter to fly on Tuesday, and the hotel rates are lower too, so this extension is ex- ceptionally good value. After playing Augusta Country Club on the Saturday, and attending The Masters Final on Sunday, you will play a round of golf at Sage Valley, the most exclusive course in Georgia after Augusta National. If it isn’t there already, Sage Valley really should be on your must-play list. A highflying contender for the world’s Top 100 courses, the story goes that the billionaire owner didn’t get into Augusta National so he de- cided to build his own version a few miles away. The course defi- nitely has an Augusta feel to it, with stately pines, wide fairways and hundreds of azaleas. This extension includes an ex- tra day’s car hire with satnav, an extra night’s accommodation at The Staybridge Suites Augusta, on the Monday, with breakfast, and your round of golf at Sage Valley Golf Club. It adds £1,295 to the £4,995 three-night itinerary above, again based on two sharing a twin or double room, including tax. (To up- grade flights to Business Class for this extension, departing UK on Friday and returning on Tuesday, the upgrade is current- ly only £1,695 per person.) ADD BOTH EXTRA DAYS FOR A FIVE-NIGHT TRIP For a grand five-night US Masters and Golf trip you can combine the main itinerary with both extensions: Five nights, in- cluding two days at the Masters and two rounds of golf, one at the Augusta Country Club and one at Sage Valley. Sounds like golf heaven! For the two extra nights and their full itineraries, the extra cost is £3,790 per per- son (for two sharing), and again including tax. The Business Class flight upgrade is £1,695. NON-PLAYING OPTIONS Attend the US Masters on any day, or all of them, without playing golf at all—our itineraries are flexible and we can tailor any trip, again at your exclusive Club rates. If you wish to travel on for an extra holiday, this too can be arranged. YOUR HOTEL: THE STAYBRIDGE SUITES Renowned as an Augusta Masters venue, the Staybridge Suites is just a mile from Augusta National Golf Club. This is good, sensible accom- modation, and an Augusta fixture—it’s so close to the course and right in the centre of the action. Guest amenities at this all-suite hotel in- clude an on-site putting green, fitness centre, con- venience store and laun- dry facilities. Breakfast, a daily hot buffet, is included. YOUR MASTERS’ ALL-DAY CLUB HOSPITALITY Northwood Club is the closest hospitality venue, a chip away from Augusta National ’s main entrance (many facilities are not even within walking distance). Northwood is a fully air-condi- tioned permanent building (some are tented marquees), with 8,000 sq ft of facilities and a country club atmo- sphere. It is open 7am to 8pm each day and your hospitality encompasses: Gourmet meals, which will include: Full buffet breakfast with omelette station; Daily changing lun- cheon buffet; Afternoon hors d’oeuvres and barbecue; Complimentary full-service bar; Coverage of the Masters on multiple TV screens; Private outdoor patios, decks and lounge for relaxation; Reserved car parking. BERCKMANS PLACE Berckmans Place hospitality is considered the ‘Golden Ticket’ of the Masters, an ultra-exclu- sive, invitation-only pass allow- ing access to a 90,000 sq ft hospitality venue behind the 5th fairway. It gives access to five full-service, all-inclusive themed restaurants and bars. Call us on 020 7399 2960 for further details. CHECK AVAILABILITY AND BOOK THE MASTERS Rates quoted above are based on the 2019 Masters, April 11-14; 2020 dates are April 9-12. For details, and to check availability, call us on 020 7399 2960. Rates and specifications correct at time of going to press, but may change without notice. Bookings subject to Club rules, terms and condi- tions, and those of Tailormade Luxury Golf Holidays. England’s Justin Rose aims to be the golfer to wear the Green Jacket in the next US Masters Tournament. Staybridge Suites: it will be chock full of Masters devotees. Berckmans Place, the prized ‘Gold Ticket’ at the Masters. 175