Augusta National has new reentry policy for patrons

Augusta National Golf Club has a new re-entry policy that limits the number of times a patron can leave and return to the Masters Tournament.

“Patron tickets will be limited to a total of three entries per day,” says the re-entry policy on the tournament website. The policy requires patrons leaving with plans to return later in the day have their badges scanned on the way out.

“Three times a day is a lot,” said patron Matt Cisneros of Austin, Texas, who was heading to his vehicle mid-Thursday. “With how prestigious it is, it’s pretty generous.”

Many large sporting events don’t allow re-entry, but the National permits patrons to come and go and do what Jennifer Vincent and Olivia Bajka were doing Thursday - sharing badges with loved ones.

“We got the morning; she has the afternoon,” Vincent said.

The mother and daughter said the re-entry limit ensures patrons have a good experience at the club.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Vincent said. “It stops some of the resales, and those people who pay face value get their money’s worth.”

The policy might slow a practice observed in years past – patrons enter, then send their badges out with someone to use to get others in – or those who repeatedly enter to buy large quantities of merchandise.

“Those who come in just to buy don’t enjoy the golf,” Bajka said.

Attending his 54th Masters, Al Stocks was leaving around 11:15 a.m. with a handful of purchases.

After a morning of golf, Stocks said he’ll give his badge to a friend from out-of-town for the afternoon.

Three entries per day is more than enough, he said.

“I think that’s a gracious plenty,” Stocks said. “Any more and you would not have time to absorb the atmosphere at all.”