CNN
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Getting tickets to the most prestigious golf event is literally a lottery.
Unless you happen to share a name with a professional golfer and accidentally receive an invite (such as a real estate agent in Georgia), for most fans the best chance to attend The Masters is to try their luck in the annual lottery.
It’s a gamble to say the least, the golf equivalent of Willy Wonka’s golden ticket. But while thousands of golf fans won’t make it to Augusta National to see the major in April, they can still get a taste of it – for $175.
The “Taste of the Masters” hosting kit has rebooted for 2023 and is available to order from homes across the US, allowing fans to unwrap a range of Augusta concessions to serve during kick-off time.
Like strawberries and whipped cream at Wimbledon, sandwiches have become synonymous with Augusta. Famous for their prices, which haven’t changed for decades, the pimento and egg salad sandwiches still sold for $1.50 at last year’s event and have become a staple of the major.
The pricing contrasted sharply with some of the costs at the PGA Championship the following month, with eventual winner Justin Thomas “blown away” by the $18 and $16 asking price for beer and salad, respectively, at the major.
Both Masters sandwich fillings come in 24-ounce tubs as part of the set, as does pork bar-b-que. Bread and rolls are not included, but 12 bags of crisps and 12 biscuits are also included in a bundle designed to serve 12 to 14 guests.
Souvenir cups (25), wax paper (12 sheets) and coasters (12) – all emblazoned with The Masters branding – round out the set, which promises to arrive no later than April 7, the second day of the tournament. Shipping is only in the US, but excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
The kit was first announced for the 2020 tournament, as tournament organizers prepared to hold the major with limited attendance following Covid-19 protocols.
It was not offered in 2021, but returned for last year’s event, with a retail price of $150. The lineup featured the same three sandwich fillings, chips, and cookies as the 2022 offering, with the addition of pecan caramel popcorn.
