Augusta is lively at this time of the year, not just from golf balls hitting greens. This week, the skies above Georgia have turned into a high-end highway, with private jets pouring into the city faster than tee times roll out at Augusta National.
A jaw-dropping flight graphic captured the frenzy, hundreds of jets crisscrossing the airspace, all with one destination in mind: The Masters.
Golf’s first major of the year kicked off Thursday morning, but the real race started days earlier, 35,000 feet above. While players teed off every 11 minutes starting at 7:40 am ET, luxury aircraft lined up like clockwork. Jets touched down at Augusta Regional at 8:55, 8:59, 9:01, and so on. And they didn’t stop.
Sky Traffic Jam At Augusta
According to reports, over 225 private jets flew in and out of Augusta on Tuesday alone. Many came from U.S. hot spots like Palm Beach, Dallas, and Atlanta. One made the 14-hour journey from South Korea. Front Office Sports reports that more than 1,500 private aircraft are expected in Augusta during tournament week.
The demand stretched airport capacity to the brink. Just across the Georgia-South Carolina border, Aiken Regional shut off new reservations by midweek. “Aiken Aviation is at maximum capacity and is no longer accepting reservations for Wednesday, April 9 through Sunday, April 13, 2025,” the airport’s website stated. Those who secured parking face daily rates between $50 and $2,000.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral Golf stories via Google! Follow Us
The number of private jets at Augusta Airport for the Masters is absurd. 🤯
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 10, 2025
(📹: Instagram/ bnatower) pic.twitter.com/KnTfdFb5dm
Some planes had to divert to Columbia, 75 miles northeast, or Charleston, 150 miles southeast. For the ultra-wealthy, convenience comes at a steep price. A round trip from Palm Beach for a group of eight typically runs $60,000, and booking last minute can add up to 60 percent more.
Among the arrivals: Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and chairman of LIV Golf. His aircraft was tracked flying from the Middle East, stopping in Maine before landing in time for the opening round.
Despite the high-flying drama, once inside Augusta National, things stay surprisingly grounded. Concessions such as pimento cheese sandwiches for $1.50 remain affordable, nothing over $6. Even with new additions like savory tomato pie and apple slices, a full sweep of the 27-item menu costs just $77.
In a week full of sky-high arrivals and sky-high costs, Augusta keeps its charm exactly where it belongs, on the ground.
Also Read: Augusta National Evacuated Just Days Before The Masters
