The Masters Treats Golf Fans Properly - Why Can't Everyone Else

View From The Fairway by Derek Clements

I cannot possibly be the only person who feels that when they go to a major sporting event or live gig they are ripped off from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave.

My wife and I spend much of our time going to watch bands play at venues such as the O2, Bellahouston Park in Glasgow and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. We have also recently attended the World Darts Championship and the Premier League Darts final at the O2. I have lost count of the number of Open Championships I have attended, as well as several Ryder Cups and numerous DP World Tour events.

I love live sport and live music - there is nothing to beat being able to say that you were there. The truth is that, from a spectator’s point of view, The Open is a nightmare. You have two choices - find a grandstand and park yourself there for the duration or pick a star group, follow them round and hope that you will actually be able to see some golf shots being played. For that very reason, many of those who attend The Open choose to remain in the tented village area and watch the action on a giant TV screen. I have never quite been able to understand why you would do that. I also have issues getting my head around people queueing up for hours at Wimbledon, only to spend the day sitting on Henman Hill, once again watching the pick of the action on TV.

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But there is one thing that all of these people have in common - the disgraceful prices they are charged for food and drink. And, more often than not, the quality of said food is simply dreadful, while you will often be served a pint of warm beer in a plastic cup - and then be asked to hand over at least £8 for the privilege.

I have no problem with paying £15 for a burger in a pub because it will normally come with all the trimmings - and the burger will be edible. You most definitely cannot say that when purchasing some of the food for sale at sporting events such as The Open. The same goes for the fish and chips.

You will no doubt have spent this past few days marvelling at the skills of the world’s best golfers as they tackled Augusta National while in search of the Green Jacket. The Masters is unique in many, many ways. I love some of the traditions and detest many others.

But where they score maximum points every year is in the way they treat their "patrons". 

If you are granted a concession at Augusta National then the message is loud and clear - do NOT rip off our "patrons" (spectators, to you and me).

You want proof?

Just check out some of the food prices from Augusta last week…

Sandwiches:

Egg Salad, Pimento Cheese - $1.50

Pork Bar-B-Que, Savory Tomato Pie, Masters Club, Chicken Salad on Honey Wheat, Ham & Cheese on Rye, Classic Chicken - $3

Breakfast: 

$2: Blueberry Muffin - $2

Fresh Mixed Fruit - $2.50

Masters Blend Fresh Brewed Coffee, Chicken Biscuit, Breakfast Sandwich - $3

Beverages:

Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, Fresh Brewed Iced Tea - $2

Crow's Nest, Domestic Beer, Import Beer, White Wine - $6

Snacks:

Apple Slices, Chips - Plain & BBQ - $1.50

Peanuts, Cookies - $1.75

Southern Cheese Straws, Georgia Pecan Caramel Popcorn - $2

Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich - $3

And don’t run away with the idea that cheap food and drink means they have cut back on quality or quantity. This is first-class fayre at bargain prices. 

So I have a pretty obvious question: if arguably the most prestigious golf tournament on the planet can treat its galleries/customers this well then why can’t everybody else?

The price of a daily ticket at this year’s Ryder Cup has gone through the roof. Do you think that the food will be competitively priced? Don’t be silly.

For the life of me, I truly cannot understand the apparent need to be so greedy. If The Masters can treat people properly then every major golf tournament can do the same thing.

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