Even off Property, Augusta National Loves the Details

There's a general knowledge that Augusta National Golf Club exemplifies the most premier level of golf and hospitality on the planet. From the pristine drive up Magnolia Lane at ANGC to the consistent pricing without sacrificing quality at the concessions, when Augusta is involved, there isn't a single blade of grass out of place.

Every little thing is thought out and meticulous, even when you're not on the actual ANGC property! As I've spent the last couple of days at Champions Retreat for ANWA, it's very clear that this is an Augusta National run event. For those who may not know, the ANWA (stands for Augusta National Women's Amateur) has been hosted by Augusta National since its debut in 2019. The first two rounds of the 54-hole stroke play tournament is contested at Champions Retreat Golf Club, just a few miles down the road from AGNC, before the leading 30 players and ties tee it up at Augusta National for the final round.

It didn't take long for the ANWA to become a top-billed event on the international golf calendar as top amateurs like Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho earned the trophy before going on to have successful LPGA careers. The timing of the event, just the week before the Masters, also has supercharged the event to add to the first two weeks in April becoming the most coveted unofficial kickoff of the golf season.

From hosting the best players to motivating the fiercest competition, there's just something about this place that makes golf just feel prestigious. And having spent the last few days at an Augusta National event NOT at the actual Augusta National Golf Club, it's become clear to me that the "je ne sais quoi" of this universe is not exclusively tied to the physical grounds we all know and love so much—there's more to it, and that's such a good thing for golf.

Here are five subtle yet noticeable observations I can't stop thinking about since being here that have elevated the experience.

Pine Cone Tee Markers

*David Paul Morris/Augusta National Women's Amateur

I'm not alone in this, but I pay attention to (and judge) a course on what they use as tee markers. ANWA absolutely gets an A+ from me with these lush pine cone markers on every hole.

Like do you see how perfect that it? Are they real? Do they harvest them each fall and store them for the occasion? Where do you even go to get pine cones like these and how quickly can they be delivered to my apartment? Either way, these are perfect and the only thing that could be better is maybe an azalea, but who am I to tell the experts what to do?

Lack of Patron Lines

*Logan Whitton/Augusta National Women's Amateur

If you've ever been on site for a golf tournament, you're definitely aware of the lines that keep you from interfering with players and the competition. The boundaries are a necessary during big events—and the ANWA is as big as they come in the women's amateur game, which is why it's so surprising to not see patron lines.

Surprised but certainly not mad...if anything grateful. The level of intimacy around ANWA and Champions Retreat was so refreshing. Damn those pesky lines, I wish more events would adopt this practice.

Rules Officials Lookin' Official

*Image Credit: Addie Parker

I have actually never seen a cooler looking group of people. The rules officials are so dapper at ANWA. The women has these luxe silk scarves they were around their necks with these ornate scarf holders that are engraved with the Masters script logo to tie (haha, get it? "Tie") the look together. The men go for the classic tie look, but they are all decked out in blue sport coats, khakis or trousers, shoe choices aren't standardized (though most tastefully go for a sensible loafer)—there's no mistaking who they are—they are by far the best dressed around the course.

Plenty of Masters and ANWA Branding

*David Cannon/Getty Images

Ahh the iconic Masters logo. Everyone knows it, and loves it, but I'd argue the ANWA logo just may dethrone it (hot take, sorry not sorry).

But Augusta National doesn't just slap a Masters logo on anything, the women's am gets its own moment with every bit of product and merch being covered in the special edition branding. From the tees to the pimento cheese sandwiches—there's no mistaken what event you're at.

Taking Care of (Me)dia

Not pictured: the hospitality.

Man, do these folks know how to take care of people. The media dining, which I raved about earlier this week, is among the best I've ever had.

Anything you need, they'll make it happen.

But the most subtle of details that I am obsessed with is, stay with me here, a step stool. Allow me to explain. Parking for the tournament is off-site. Patrons park in a lot adjacent to a church a mile or so down the road where Mercedes Benz sprinter vans await you. As you enter and exit the van, a volunteer will place a step stool to assist your trip to and from the ground.

I know, it seems silly, but it's the smallest detail and piece of consideration that feels like the cherry on top to such a wonderful experience.

ANWA isn't just premier for the players, every single person who walks through those gates is treated with respect and it's lovely.