Congrats and enjoy. The Par 3 is a must watch and yes, plenty of players will be out practicing.

Merchandise tent first - wear comfortable shoes enjoy the refreshments as they are inexpensive and if you want to see the par 3, get there early. When I was there it was 10-15 deep so I just turned around and bought more merchandise.....

Congrats and enjoy the day!

Congrats! I got my yearly rejection (have to keep the streak alive!).

Enjoy it and cherish the memories.

My adult son won 2 tickets for Saturday and called me with a belated Father's Day present for another Father-Son trip next year. Likewise, he has been entering for years and won for the first time. Will be following this thread for tips.

Congrats! I didn't get any tickets again this year. There's always next year's lottery!

Get there early as many players will be off the course in afternoon either for par3 or just to rest for Thursday. Bring your camera (no cell phones allowed) practice rounds are the only time to take pics and you will take pics! Make a list of all the places you want to see so you don't forget to visit them (Bubbas wedge from the trees on #10 for example). Also make a shopping list because when you get home you will regret not buying that wind jacket or coffee mug. Most important take your time and enjoy it, the first time I went I rushed to get everything in and I forgot most of the day. I have been fortunate to have been a half dozen times since and make sure that I "live in the moment". Grab a sweet tea and egg salad sandwich and enjoy the walk!

Congrats! Hit the merch tent first.

Congrats!!

Ah yes, it's a tradition unlike any other....

receiving my yearly email about not winning the opportunity to purchase tickets. Hahahaha. Maybe someday.

Congrats and enjoy! I'm sure it's more breathtaking in person than on television!

Enjoy the day! I make sure to try the pimento cheese sandwiches.

Have fun. I have been many times to the practice rounds, as well as on weekend rounds. This is Mecca for golfers. The most beautiful golf course you will ever walk on. And congratulations on getting tickets. I can remember driving up from Charleston to the practice rounds and purchasing our practice round tickets at the gate until 1994. In '95 they started the lottery. Seems everyone started finding out about our great little deal in that little corner of Georgia.

find a place to stay ASAP if you have to be there over night. Rooms may already be booked

Find a place to stay in Aiken, SC and play some of the courses there. Beautiful little golfing town. That is what a lot of out-of-towners do. Rooms are a premium all around Augusta.

Thanks to all!
Camera yes, cell phone no.
Merchandise tent, a big yes!
Pimento and cheese sandwich with beverage!
Take time and smell the magnolias!
Perfect....

Chuck Z, my folks for years had a house in Aiken. They have been trying to sell it for 2-3 years! Right on a golf course! They just sold it this past week......
how is that for timing? LOL!!!

Will still check out the Aiken area, will be traveling down from Vermont.

Go early to watch players practice on the course. They close the course during the Par Three. Plan to spend some time at the Practice Range. It's incredible. The merchandise shop is accessible throughout the day. Plan to spend all day there...there is placenta to see. Enjoy!

Absolutely loved it in 2014. Stayed in White Columns Inn, about 35 miles west of Augusta $295 per night. For comparison, the Augusta Holiday Inn express was $795 per night when we were there. I say go to the Merch area last, so you don't half to carry it. Get the food, it's cheap. Make a free phone call, as there free phones you can use, and the caller id says "Augusta National GC". My wife thought I got thrown out. Take a zillion pictures.

Whatever you think it is, it will be better.

I didn't spend a lot in the merchandise area, and I dropped 500 easy. I saw people spending THOUSANDS. I am not exaggerating. I loved every minute of it.

Enjoy. I'll try again next year....

We were there for the Wed practice day in 2016. We stayed on course until about 3:30 and still saw players practicing so I do not believe the main course is actually closed for the Par 3 contest. We then walked over to the Par 3 course and, while it was busy, we still were able to get fairly close. We ended the day at the driving range watching Ernie Els with David Leadbetter.
One cool thing was the free picture taken in front of the clubhouse with the iconic flowers in the shape of our country and the flag flying. We had a medium sized line but it moves fast as I believe 3 photographers were working. The photo is taken and you are given an ID card to login and download the pic.
Enjoy the day, arrive early and leave late!

ScottC50, Make a free phone call, as there free phones you can use, and the caller id says "Augusta National GC". My wife thought I got thrown out.

Make me laugh big time, thanks!!!

Lance P great picture, thanks for that info! Did not know that, thanks again.