Masters traffic changes revealed
By Adam Folk| Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 12:27 p.m.
Traffic patterns into and out of the Augusta National will change this year as several new parking lots open near Berckmans Road in time for the Masters Tournament.
In the past two years, the Augusta National Golf Club has added more than 6,000 parking spaces in the area across from the course. These new spots will replace Lot 1, which is on the grounds of the Augusta National and formerly accessible from Washington Road. That parking area will now be available only to the media, members and players and service vehicles, Richmond County Traffic Engineer Steve Cassell said at a news conference today.
“Essentially 90 percent of it is the same as last year,” Mr. Cassell said. “But there are some changes in regards to pedestrian access.”
All patrons will be funneled to a staging area near Heath Drive and Berckmans Road and will enter the course at Gate 6A. Those walking from the Washington Road area will now have to walk down Berckmans Road to the staging area to get inside, he said.
Also new this year, drivers will be able to access the parking lots via a new road near the Publix shopping center on Washington Road. Drivers traveling toward the Augusta National from Interstate 20 will have two opportunities to turn right at into the parking areas, once at the new Publix roadway and again at Stanley Drive, Mr. Cassell said. Those coming from Calhoun Expressway and downtown Augusta will make a left turn at Gate A3. Berckmans Road will remain open to traffic, but officials want to discourage its use to make the pedestrian crossing at Gate 6A move as swiftly as possible.
“At the end of the day, we have a large volume of traffic,” Mr. Cassell said. “The goal is to keep it moving.”
Crews will be reopening the Washington Road on-ramp to I-20, which has remained closed because of construction, from 2 to 9 p.m. throughout the week.
From the Wednesday, March 18, 2009 online edition of The Augusta Chronicle
__________________ Hitting the Ball is the easiest part of the game-hitting it effectively is the most difficult. Why trust instinct when there is a science."1-G.
I can't tell you how much I wish I needed that information!!! Been there 3 times but no tickets this year. Hope to hit the ticket lottery next year.
That lottery is tough, hopefully you will get lucky next year.
__________________ Hitting the Ball is the easiest part of the game-hitting it effectively is the most difficult. Why trust instinct when there is a science."1-G.
I will be one of the fortunate to walk the fairways of Augusta this April for the Monday and Tuesday practice rounds. Any advice would be great. I was lucky enough to have gone back in '84 but I am sure a lot has changed. Hopefully I can meet a few other lucky LBG'ers there also.
I will be one of the fortunate to walk the fairways of Augusta this April for the Monday and Tuesday practice rounds. Any advice would be great. I was lucky enough to have gone back in '84 but I am sure a lot has changed. Hopefully I can meet a few other lucky LBG'ers there also.
The earlier you arrive (gates open at 8:00 am) the better unless you don't mind waiting in traffic. The National bought a long strip of land down Berckman Rd. so all those houses are gone! Once you get parked just head straight across to the gate and down to the check-in area. Do not attempt to take your cell phone (forbidden) as you will get busted. Camera's only allowed during practice rounds. Other than that, once you get past security....paradise awaits. As you come in on the right you'll see the huge pro shop, expect to stand in line for admittance but it's worth it. Go straight ahead for the golf course, up the hill and to the left for the practice area and club house. Food, souvenirs, golf, the Masters......golf's Nirvana.
__________________ Hitting the Ball is the easiest part of the game-hitting it effectively is the most difficult. Why trust instinct when there is a science."1-G.
__________________ The student senses his teacher’s steadfast belief and quiet resolve: “This is doable. It is doable by you. The pathway is there. All you need is determination and time.” And together, they make it happen.
__________________ Hitting the Ball is the easiest part of the game-hitting it effectively is the most difficult. Why trust instinct when there is a science."1-G.
I like it. If I come over some year will you hook me up a game??????
__________________ The student senses his teacher’s steadfast belief and quiet resolve: “This is doable. It is doable by you. The pathway is there. All you need is determination and time.” And together, they make it happen.
I like it. If I come over some year will you hook me up a game??????
We'll put that on the wish list
__________________ Hitting the Ball is the easiest part of the game-hitting it effectively is the most difficult. Why trust instinct when there is a science."1-G.