Buck:
If I could go the Maters only one day, I would always choose Sunday. If you could only see 1 quarter of a football game, wouldn't you choose the 4th? I have not missed a Masters since 1966 and only twice have I missed being there on Sunday. The leaders don't go off until about 2:30pm, and only then does it start to get crowded, especially as all of the gallery gets concentrated on the last few holes. Still, you can see most of the important shots if you are willing to work at it.
I assume you have three goals: See the course, enjoy the atmosphere, and watch the tournament. All can be accomplished on Sunday. Here are a few of my suggestions>
If you are approaching Augusta on I-20, ignore all directional signs until you get to the Washington Road exit. As you drive up Washington Rd. you will encounter many invitations to park. Don't park too soon. Wait until you reach the large water tower and then be sure and park on the left side of Washington Rd. It will be much easier to get out later. Take a jacket, an umbrella, binoculars, a towel, and dry clothes. No coolers, radios, cameras, or cell phones are allowed. Binoculars are a must on Sunday. Not so much to follow play, but to see the scoreboards from a distance. If there is any chance of rain, take your umbrella and a jacket with you. There are check stands around the course. Check your jacket and umbrella when you first arrive so that it will be accessible if you need it. Also, if you plan to buy any souveniers, buy them early and check them. Some merchandise sells out, and the shops will be even more crowded late in the day. I recommend the check stand at the top of the hill below the 18th and 8th tees. Why dry clothes? You only have to drive home soaking wet once to understand.
Walk as much of the course as you can early. It will be less crowed and when the leaders get on the course you will tend to focus on the back nine. Some folks, especially older ones, like to sit and watch players pass through. It all depends on your physical condition, but I encourage you to stay on the move. If necessary, take it easy in the morning, and be ready to work when the leaders get to the back nine.
Thankfully, everyone has their favorite vantage points. Otherwise everyone would be in the same spot. Here are mine.
When you first arrive, take time to visit the practice areas and walk around the front of the clubhouse and down to the par 3 course. There won't be time later. I don't spend much time watching the players hit balls. You can do that at any tour stop. If you know a writer, see if you can arrange to have him take you through the press "tent". If so, do that early.
I enjoy watching second shots into par 5's, if they are reachable in two. My favorite spot in all the world is along the ropes on #13. You can no longer get access to the right side of #15, but you get a good view from the top of the hill on the left. From there, you can also see play on #16. Check out #2 and #8 early. If the pin is right on #2 and the wind is not hurting, you can see some exciting shots into that green. Otherwise, it is now a routine 3-shotfive par , since they lenghtened it again. Same with #8. If the pin is back, as it usually is on Sunday, it is a routine 3-shot hole. Watch some approach shots from behind the 7th and 14th greens. You won't believe those greens. You can watch shots into the 11th green and the entire 12th hole from the hill (or bleachers) behind the 12th tee. Spend some time between the 3rd green and the 4th tee. It gets crowded in the afternoon, but is a great vantage point. And yes, make the trip up #5 and back down #6. If you want to see play on #18, see it early. It is very unlikely that you will see much as the leaders approach. If you want to see the last groups putt out there, your only chance is from the mound right of the green.
As suggested before, stay in front of the goup you are watching. Leap frog occasionally to stay out front.
The course, the tournament, and the atmosphere are great, but the most outstanding thing you will find there are the food concessions. All sandwiches are fresh, tasty, and rediculously inexpensive.
Enjoy
Jim Lewis