The Exclusive Overnight Experience at Augusta National

Guests fortunate enough to visit Augusta National Golf Club during the lead-up to the Masters tournament have the rare opportunity to stay overnight in the iconic cabins dotting the property. This on-site lodging transforms a visit to the home of the Masters into an unforgettable, almost childlike experience for those involved.

As the club gears up to host the 90th Masters next week, the grounds are buzzing. Members are enjoying rounds, and Masters participants are utilizing the course for practice. Anyone qualified for the Masters field is permitted to play the course in the days and weeks preceding the major championship.

A Coveted Perk for Tournament Participants

A significant added benefit for some of these players is securing a room in one of Augusta National’s exclusive cabins. Webb Simpson, the 2012 U.S. Open champion, described the experience as potentially the "greatest golf experience in the world."

Simpson noted the immersion: "Playing Augusta, having dinner in the clubhouse, a post-dinner glass of wine, walk around and see the history." He added that being able to relive history, such as watching Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer win, upon waking up, is incredible. He has been invited to stay in the cabins several times, first as a 12-year-old guest with his father.

The Logistics and Etiquette of Cabin Stays

While players can book practice tee times by calling the club in advance, staying overnight in one of the approximately dozen cabins requires a member to act as the host. This hosting arrangement is crucial, as the cabin experience entails more than just a high-end hotel stay.

Financial Responsibilities and Member Hosting

The financial obligations, including guest fees, caddie fees, and dinners, are placed directly on the hosting member’s account. The host member usually joins the group for golf, often including rounds on the adjacent par-3 course, and may also host dinner.

Simpson mentioned that he attempts to cover the costs upfront, noting a single day or two can exceed $2,000, but hosts rarely accept the payment. "I’ve tried to pay over the years and nobody ever lets me," Simpson stated.

The Historic Cabins of Augusta National

The property features more than a dozen cabins providing accommodation for members and their guests. Seven of these cabins form a semi-circle near the 10th fairway and the par-3 course, many recognizable from television broadcasts.

Butler Cabin and Eisenhower Cabin History

Butler Cabin, situated near the clubhouse, is famous as the site of the annual televised post-event ceremony, first used on TV in 1965. The Roberts Cabin, named for former chairman Clifford Roberts, is also near the clubhouse, as is the Eisenhower Cabin, located just off the 10th tee.

Ben Crenshaw, a two-time Masters winner, recently stayed in Butler Cabin, hosted by a local member. He praised the accommodations as "handsome, not fancy, just so luxuriously tasteful." Crenshaw has also stayed in the Eisenhower Cabin.

Presidential History in the Eisenhower Cabin

The Eisenhower Cabin is notably larger than it appears from the front, boasting three stories and seven bedrooms. It was constructed in 1953 specifically for President Eisenhower, who became an Augusta member in 1948.

The cabin was built to presidential security specifications and includes a basement designed for the Secret Service. Eisenhower visited the club five times before his presidency, 29 times while in office, and 11 times afterward. Adam Scott, 2013 Masters champion, recalled staying there, noting it was a large cabin, though he didn't recall it looking distinctly vintage.

The Eisenhower Cabin famously hosted President Ronald Reagan during a 1983 visit that involved a peaceful, two-hour standoff after a gunman entered the pro shop.

Life on Grounds Outside of Masters Week

The club generally closes in late May, allowing for summer months dedicated to course maintenance, including turf replacement and green alterations. It reopens mid-October after overseeding with rye grass for its signature lush look.

During these off-peak times, visiting players often maximize their stay by playing multiple rounds, enjoying the wine cellar, dining at the club, and playing the par-3 course, never leaving the premises.

Player Testimonials on the Experience

Jordan Spieth, the 2015 champion, confirmed he has stayed in the cabins "many times," almost always when grouped with members. He described the experience as "spectacular" and noted the history permeates the grounds, contrasting it with newer, more casual courses.

Trevor Immelman, 2008 winner and current CBS analyst, visited in October shortly after reopening, calling the experience of playing a round there "like stepping into heaven."

Bob Harig, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated with over 25 years of experience covering golf, provided context on the club's traditions and the significance of the property.