Private Jets Flock to Small Augusta Airport for The Masters Golf Tournament

The annual pilgrimage of billionaires' private planes to the regional airport near Augusta National Golf Club

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the overlapping shapes and planes of private jets, an airport runway, and a golf course, capturing the chaotic energy and elite nature of The Masters tournament.The annual influx of private jets at the Augusta Regional Airport during The Masters golf tournament reflects the event's status as a premier gathering for the world's billionaire elite.Palm Beach Today

As The Masters golf tournament teed off at the exclusive Augusta National Golf Club, the small regional Augusta Regional Airport saw a surge of nearly 300 private jets arriving, about five times the typical number. The aircraft, many registered to charter and fractional ownership companies, came from locations like Palm Beach, Florida and Hilton Head, South Carolina to cater to the billionaires and wealthy clientele attending the prestigious golf event.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the biggest events of the year for private jet operators, who use the golf tournament to market and mingle with their wealthy clientele. The influx of private planes at the small regional airport highlights the tournament's status as a premier event on the billionaire social calendar.

The details

To prepare for the private jet influx, the Augusta Regional Airport hired additional staff, increased fuel trucks, and expanded aircraft parking. Third-party flight tracking data showed over 2,100 private flights flying in and out of the airport during last year's tournament. Private jet companies like NetJets, Wheels Up, and VistaJet host exclusive events, parties, and programming for their members and guests at The Masters.

  • On Thursday, nearly 300 aircraft arrived at the Augusta Regional Airport.
  • In past years, the jets of Nike CEO Phil Knight and investor Herbert Allen Jr. have made the trip to The Masters.

The players

Augusta Regional Airport

A small regional airport located 11 miles from the Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the annual Masters golf tournament.

NetJets

A private jet charter and fractional ownership company that hosts an annual party with A-list entertainment for its clients during The Masters.

Wheels Up

A private jet company that booked over 150 flights to and from The Masters tournament last year and opens a clubhouse for its members during the event.

VistaJet

A private jet company that rents a private home nearby The Masters and hosts its members for programming, including dinners, live entertainment, and visits from golf insiders.

Matteo Atti

The chief marketing officer of VistaJet's parent company, Vista Global.

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What they’re saying

“We give them something they never want to get rid of.”

— Matteo Atti, Chief Marketing Officer, Vista Global

“It's organized chaos to us.”

— Lauren Smith, Assistant Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Augusta Regional Airport

What’s next

The Augusta Regional Airport will continue to prepare for the influx of private jets during next year's Masters tournament, ensuring they have the necessary staff, fuel trucks, and parking capacity to handle the surge in traffic.

The takeaway

The Masters golf tournament has become a premier event on the billionaire social calendar, drawing hundreds of private jets to the small Augusta Regional Airport each year. This highlights the tournament's status as a marquee event for private jet operators to market their services and cater to their wealthy clientele.