Even with Tiger, Masters badges at Augusta National cheaper than recent years

Tiger Woods speaks at a 2009 Masters press conference. Photo: AP

Tiger Woods was spotted on Monday by the Golf Channel gearing up for the Masters at Augusta National. Since Woods announced last week that he’ll play in the tournament, his first since the sordid sex scandal sent sports’ biggest star scampering for hiding, already high interest in The Masters has risen.

So has demand for the coveted Masters badges. If you want to get a glimpse of Tiger on the course, be prepared to pay on the secondary ticket market. However, you can save a mint by opting to see a practice round, or Thursday and Friday rounds. After all, who knows if Woods will even make the cut?

But prices for seven-day badges are lower this year than they were just two years ago. If you want to walk the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, you’re likely to do it for less now than in recent years, says SmartMoney.com.

Even factoring in the 30 percent “Tiger effect” increase, seven-day Masters badges are going for roughly $3,000, says Mike Janes, chief executive officer of ticket site FanSnap.com. In previous years, they sold for more than $5,000.

How to see Tiger on the cheap(er):

Go Early

As I mentioned, check out a practice round early in the week. If you want to see him in competition, save by going on Thursday or Friday. Russel D’souza, co-founder of ticket-forecasting site SeatGeek.com, told SmartMoney that prices for Monday’s practice round start around $200; Thursday’s opening round tickets are about $400.

Comparison shop

You’ll obviously want to shop around for the best prices for you. Sure, you can splurge and drop $21,000 for a badge, but you’ll have the same access as the guy who paid the average of $3,000.

Patience pays

Those on the fence about whether to look for badges on ticket sites went over the edge quickly with the Woods announcement. Waiting until the last minute, with sellers anxious to unload any remaining badges, will save you more, Brendan Ross, chief executive officer of RazorGator.com told SmartMoney.com.

All that effort…

You’ve spent all that money and put forth so much effort. Don’t blow it by getting kicked off the course for heckling or poor behavior. Masters patrons are generally well-behaved — and monitored closely, as well. Follow suit or get the boot.

What’s the most you’ve ever spent — or would spend — for a ticket to a sporting event?

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