US Masters Tour

A tour to the US Masters is a right of passage for any golf enthusiast and the 2012 tour to two of it’s pinnacles is an absolute must. The tour begins in North Carolina with 3 rounds at Pinehurst Village before making the pilgrimage to Augusta for an unforgettable week where you will witness history once again being written.

With eight world-class golf courses and The Pinehurst Golf Academy, this historic resort offers an unparalleled golf experience. Known for their immaculate presentation, you can be assured that all of the courses on tour will be in tournament condition. Perfectly manicured fairways and groomed greens, lined with the natural scent of pine will await you. Since 1895 epic championships and legendary golfers have met on the hallowed grounds of Pinehurst.

After your golf encounter at Pinehurst, a scenic drive to Aiken, South Carolina. Well known for its horse races and polo activities and a short drive to Augusta, Aiken comes alive during Masters week with a number of excellent restaurants and bars all within a short walk from our accommodation.

An opportunity early in the week to snap some sacred images when cameras are allowed on course and the players are relaxed. A trip to the 16th will see the pro’s having some fun skipping balls across the pond and onto the green.

Before the real action heats up in the tournament rounds, the players join in a light hearted Par 3 tournament and we’ll see a different side to the players who always appear so composed. The 2009 event saw golfing greats Gary Player, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus go head to head with the games emerging players with a lesson in course management!

Before we visit the 2012 US Masters, we hit the fairways of the beautiful Reserve Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus and rated as “one of the Top Ten Best New Private Courses in America”, this is sure to be a treat.

The 2012 tournament will bring together the world’s best to arguably the most revered stage in golf where they will stun us with displays of unmatched skill, drive and determination. Enjoy 2 rounds on course
following your favourites vie for the most prestigious title in modern golf.

INCLUSIONS:

• 1 night accommodation in Charlotte, North Carolina
• 3 nights accommodation at Carolina Hotel, Pinehurst Village
• 7 nights accommodation Hotel Aiken, Aiken South Carolina
• Breakfast daily
• Welcome dinner with beverages included
• Five rounds of golf including 3 rounds at Pinehurst, The Reserve Golf Club and Plantation Golf Club
• Entry to the Tuesday practice round at Augusta National
• Entry to the Wednesday Par 3 Tournament
• 2 Days entry to the 2012 US Masters
• Organised golf tournament with prizes
• Presentation dinner inclusive of beverages
• All transfers in luxury vans or coaches
• Complimentary coaching from PGA professionals accompanying the tour

The Carolina Hotel, Pinehurst Village

Step back in time and discover the elegance and old world charm that defines the luxury accommodations at Pinehurst Resort from the historic holly, a warm and inviting luxury hotel that has hosted presidents, to the grand Carolina that has invited guests through its stately columns and into its gracious lobby for over a century. Built in 1901, it is a National Historic Landmark with everything a first-class traveller desires. Restaurants, shopping, wide verandas combine with state of the art business centres and meeting rooms. This is the way the warm South was meant to be.

The Carriage Inn, Aiken

The Carriage House Inn invites you to enjoy comfortably elegant accommodation amidst the charm and abundance of the many fine dining, cultural and shopping opportunities in historic, downtown Aiken. This luxuriously restored historic inn caters to all. All rooms welcome guests to a home away from home with their own unique luxuries, opulent bedrooms, private bath and Southern charm. Hotel amenities include full breakfast, complimentary wireless internet, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Located in downtown Aiken, central to restaurants, shops and bars the hotel is well positioned to soak up the Masters atmosphere.
 

FLIGHTS AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:
 
Go Golfing Travel Pty Ltd is a licensed travel agent. Travel associated with Go Golfing tours can be booked at preferential rates, directly with Go Golfing Travel Licence Number 2TA5414. Please contact travel@gogolfing.net.au or phone 07 5562 5307 for more information.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1—Friday, 30 March 2012
You will need to ensure that your flight has you arriving in Charlotte, North Carolina no later than today. Go Golfing’s Travel can arrange your international flights at competitive rates. You will be transferred to your hotel from the airport where you can catch up on some much needed rest after your flight.

DAY 2—Saturday, 31 March 2012
Up early for breakfast in the hotel restaurant and then board the bus for our transfer to Pinehurst, a 90 minute drive through the picturesque North Carolina countryside. We’ll check in to the historic Carolina Hotel with its southern mansion appearance and warm hospitality and then prepare for our first round of golf on Pinehurst No. 8, the course was opened in 1996 to commemorate Pinehurst’s centennial year. The course was host to the 1996 & 1997 PGA

Club Pro Championship. Fine tune your game with accompanying tour pro’s who will provide assistance pre and post your game if required. And you don’t have to play like a pro to participate in the daily competition! After your round, we’ll freshen up and prepare for a delicious welcome dinner with beverages included.

DAY 3—Sunday, 1 April 2012
Enjoy a fully cooked breakfast buffet in The Grill Restaurant and relax with the morning at leisure - a wide array of recreational facilities are available including the boutique spa, mist pool or enjoy a cycle through the manicured gardens. This afternoon we will tackle the famed No. 2 course, designed by Donald Ross in 1907 it has crowned greens and carefully placed bunkers. A strategic layout that tests both the long and short game. It is also top 10 in the country, and site of more championships than any other course in the country, including the 2005 U.S. Open Championship. The US Open will return in 2014. A caddy is provided for your convenience. This evening we’ll dine in the Grill Room or one of the other five restaurants in the Pinehurst Village at leisure (included in your package and your choice).

DAY 4– Monday, 2 April 2012
Following breakfast we will prepare for a morning round at Pinehurst No. 4. After receiving a facelift in 2000 by Tom Fazio paying homage to Donald Ross’ original design the number 4 course emerges from the shadow of it’s big brother the number 2 course. Pot bunkers feature heavily within the layout reminiscent of a seaside links course. The greens are a worthy challenge with smallish upside down tea saucer like designs. This afternoon we’ll board the coach and transfer to Aiken, South Carolina. On this 4 hour drive, refreshments and videos are available for your comfort. This evening we check into Hotel Aiken—right in the heart of the Masters festivities. A complimentary cocktail hour will be hosted before your dinner at leisure.

DAY 5— Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Following breakfast we will depart for Augusta where players will be in their final preparation stages. Today is the day to bring your camera, a rare opportunity where you will be able to capture images of your favourite players. Cameras are not permitted on course during competition play. It’s also a good idea to head to the shop for souvenirs before they run out. This evening we can soak up the
atmosphere of the village in Aiken at leisure.

DAY 6—Wednesday, 4 April 2012
The traditional Par 3 Tournament on the Wednesday is a real highlight for spectators and possibly the best day of the week before the players get serious. Also, we’ll show you where to position your deck chair so you are right amongst the action— and you’ll love this… your chair will remain vacant until you return! Another great Masters tradition. Dinner this evening will be at leisure.

DAY 7—Thursday, 5 April 2012
18 holes on the beautiful layout at the Reserve Golf Club. Jack Nicklaus has placed his signature on The Reserve weaving together soaring landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the alluring waters of Lake Keowee. Dramatic views frame every shot. Tonight you’re free to explore the nightlife of Aiken.

DAY 8—Friday, 6 April 2012
After breakfast, we will be following play at Augusta with your first look at the course during the tournament. Follow your favourite player around the course or place your deck chair at Amen Corner and watch all the groups come through. Enjoy the party mood in the village tonight or one of the many wonderful bars and restaurants.

DAY 9 - Saturday, 7 April 2012
A day for the serious golfer with a round at the renowned Plantation Golf Club. A stream flows through the entire course and comes into play on a number of holes. Tree lined fairways and rolling terrain make for an enjoyable round keep an eye out for it’s greens with subtle breaks. This evening we will all come together for our presentation dinner and reflect on an incredible week of golf and friendship.

DAY 10—Sunday, 8 April 2012
The hairs on the back of your neck will stand on end today… This is where golfing dreams become reality—the final round of the US Masters. You can wander the fairways or set yourself up on the 18th green and see the culmination of the tournament. This evening at leisure.

DAY 11—Monday, 9 April 2012
Following breakfast we will be transferred to the Atlanta International Airport. We will have you at the airport by midday, allow 3 hours for check in, so book flights that depart after 2pm. If you have a later flight you can store luggage at the airport and go shopping.