All About the Crows Nest at Augusta National

Augusta National Golf Club, located in Augusta, Georgia, is renowned for hosting the prestigious Masters Tournament every year. While the course itself is a masterpiece, a hidden gem within the club is the Crow’s Nest, a unique and historical accommodation for amateur players participating in the Masters. Let’s delve into all you need to know about the Crow’s Nest at Augusta National.

What is the Crow’s Nest?

The Crow’s Nest is an exclusive lodging facility situated on the second floor of the Augusta National Golf Club clubhouse. It has been a part of the club since its inception in 1931, making it an iconic part of golf history. The Crow’s Nest serves as a home away from home for the amateur participants during Masters week.

Accommodations

• Dormitory-Style Rooms: The Crow’s Nest offers modest accommodations. It consists of three small bedrooms, each furnished with two twin beds and a shared bathroom. The rooms are cozy and provide basic amenities to ensure the comfort of the amateur players.

Tradition

• Amateur Tradition: The Crow’s Nest is reserved exclusively for the amateur participants of the Masters Tournament. It upholds the tradition of amateur golf and is a nod to the tournament’s roots.
• Evening Gatherings: Each evening during Masters week, the amateurs staying in the Crow’s Nest are invited to gather in the common area. This fosters camaraderie among the players and provides an opportunity to relax and reflect on their Masters experience.

Historical Significance

• Rich History: Over the years, many legendary golfers have slept in the Crow’s Nest during their amateur days at the Masters, including Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods. These walls have witnessed the beginnings of illustrious careers.
• Jack Nicklaus’ Story: Jack Nicklaus has a particularly famous story associated with the Crow’s Nest. In 1961, he slept there as an amateur and later won the tournament six times.

Exclusive Access

• Restricted Entry: Access to the Crow’s Nest is extremely exclusive. Only amateur participants in the Masters are allowed to stay there. This adds to the mystique and allure of the place.

Amenities

• Common Area: In addition to the bedrooms, there is a common area with a small kitchenette, where players can relax and share stories.
• View of Augusta National: One of the most appealing features is the view. The Crow’s Nest overlooks the beautiful Augusta National Golf Club, providing an unmatched perspective of the course.

Special Privileges

• Honorary Starter: The tradition of the honorary starters hitting the ceremonial first tee shot at the Masters is closely linked to the Crow’s Nest. Many former Crow’s Nest residents have gone on to become honorary starters, symbolizing the link between the past and present.
• Green Jacket Ceremony: The green jacket ceremony, which is a significant part of the Masters, also has ties to the Crow’s Nest. Former residents have the privilege of presenting the green jacket to the newly crowned champion.

The Crow’s Nest: An Experience Like No Other

How to Stay in the Crow’s Nest

• Qualification: To have the honor of staying in the Crow’s Nest, an amateur player must qualify for the Masters Tournament, which is no small feat in itself. Qualification typically occurs through winning prestigious amateur tournaments or receiving special invitations.
• Invitation: Once a player qualifies, they receive an invitation to stay in the Crow’s Nest during Masters week. This invitation is highly coveted and marks the beginning of an unforgettable experience.

A Week in the Crow’s Nest

• Masters Week Routine: The week in the Crow’s Nest is marked by a unique routine. Players wake up early, enjoy breakfast together, and then head out to the course for practice rounds and preparation.
• Evening Bonding: Evenings are spent bonding with fellow amateur players, sharing stories, and soaking in the atmosphere of Augusta National. It’s a time to relax and appreciate the history and tradition of the tournament.
• Tournament Days: As the tournament begins, players leave the Crow’s Nest to compete on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. They return in the evening to rest and prepare for the next day’s challenges.

The Legacy of the Crow’s Nest

• Inspiration for Aspiring Golfers: The Crow’s Nest serves as an inspiration for young, aspiring golfers. The dream of staying in this historic place motivates many amateur players to excel in their careers.
• The Passing of the Torch: When a player who has stayed in the Crow’s Nest as an amateur later wins the Masters Tournament, it becomes a heartwarming moment. It symbolizes the journey from the Crow’s Nest to the pinnacle of golf.

The Crow’s Nest in Popular Culture

• Books and Films: The Crow’s Nest has made its way into golf literature and films. It’s a symbol of the Masters Tournament’s allure and exclusivity, making it a captivating subject for storytelling.
• Masters Tradition: Mention of the Crow’s Nest is a cherished part of the Masters broadcast. Commentators often share anecdotes about the amateurs staying there and the tradition it represents.

Crow’s Nest Amenities

Amenities	Description	Capacity	Availability	Notes
Bedrooms	Cozy sleeping quarters	5	Year-round	Shared by Masters players
Bathrooms	Private facilities	2	Year-round
Lounge Area	Relaxation and TV	1	Year-round
Kitchenette	Light cooking facilities	1	Year-round	Stocked with snacks
Wi-Fi Access	Internet for guests	24/7	Year-round

Crow’s Nest History

Year Established	Notable Guests	Remarkable Events	Renovation History	Special Features
1965	Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player	Tradition of hosting past champions	1995 – Modernization	Unique panoramic views
1982	Tom Watson, Seve Ballesteros, Lee Trevino	Growing popularity among players	2012 – Technology upgrades	Access to the clubhouse
2000	Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els	Historic gatherings of golfing legends	2018 – New furnishings and decor	Complimentary golf simulator
2015	Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day	Continued tradition of Masters champions	2021 – Enhanced security measures	Bird’s-eye view of Amen Corner
2021	Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Bryson DeChambeau	Hosting the latest Masters champions	Future renovations in planning	Contemporary design and comfort

Crow’s Nest Rules

Rule	Description
Players Only	Limited to past Masters champions
No Smoking	Strict no-smoking policy inside the Nest
No Guests Allowed	Only registered players can stay in the Nest
Quiet Hours	Respectful hours enforced for peaceful sleep
Security Protocols	Stringent security measures for player safety

Crow’s Nest Legends

Player	Year Stayed	Notable Achievements while staying at the Crow’s Nest
Jack Nicklaus	1965	Won the Masters in 1966, becoming a legend at Augusta National
Tiger Woods	2000	Secured his second Green Jacket and cemented his Masters legacy
Phil Mickelson	2000	Finished third, marking his first top-three finish at the Masters
Jordan Spieth	2015	Won the Masters, tying the tournament record with a score of -18
Dustin Johnson	2021	Set a Masters scoring record with a dominant victory at -20

Crow’s Nest Memories

Guest	Memorable Moments
Gary Player	Sharing stories with fellow champions in the lounge area
Arnold Palmer	Enjoying a home-cooked meal in the Nest’s kitchenette
Rory McIlroy	Taking in the breathtaking views of Augusta National
Justin Thomas	Playing friendly rounds of golf on the simulator
Bryson DeChambeau	Reflecting on his Masters triumph in the Crow’s Nest
Lee Trevino	Recalling his past Masters experiences with friends
Jason Day	Bonding with fellow champions over a game of billiards
Ernie Els	Watching classic Masters moments on the Nest’s TV
Tom Watson	Reliving his iconic chip-in at the 17th hole at Augusta
Seve Ballesteros	Signing the Crow’s Nest guestbook with gratitude

Conclusion

The Crow’s Nest at Augusta National is not just a place to stay; it’s a living piece of golf history. It embodies the spirit of amateur golf and the tradition of the Masters Tournament. For amateur players, spending a week in the Crow’s Nest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects them to the legends who have walked the same halls and fairways before them. It’s a testament to the unique and storied legacy of Augusta National and the Masters.