Augusta Transforms for Masters Golf Tournament

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The city of Augusta, Georgia, home to the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club and the annual Masters Tournament, undergoes a dramatic transformation each April as the golf world descends upon the small city of around 200,000 residents. From the bustling Washington Road exit off the I-20 freeway to the iconic T Bonz steakhouse and the now-demolished Hooters restaurant that was once a hub for golf fans, Augusta takes center stage for the seven days of the Masters.

Why it matters

The Masters Tournament is one of the most prestigious and widely watched golf events in the world, drawing massive crowds and global media attention to the small city of Augusta. The influx of visitors and economic activity during Masters week is a major boost for the local community, though it also presents logistical challenges around traffic, security, and managing the crowds.

The details

As fans approach Augusta, the first sign they're nearing the action is the Washington Road exit off the I-20 freeway, which leads directly to the main entrance of Augusta National Golf Club. Along this road, visitors will find the famous T Bonz steakhouse, a popular dining spot, as well as ticket vendors hawking secondary market access to the grounds, though Augusta National warns these are not official tickets. One landmark that is no longer there is the Hooters restaurant, which was a hub for golf fans during Masters week but was demolished in November.

• The Masters Tournament takes place each year in early April.
• The Hooters restaurant on Washington Road was demolished in November.