Masters Tournament patrons will see some progress on Augusta National Golf Club's new practice facility when they enter the gates this morning.

Joseph Barnes checks security cameras at Augusta National Golf Club's new screening area in preparation for the Masters Tournament. The main patron entrance is now closer to Gate 6. (Rainier Ehrhardt/Staff)

The former main parking lot at Washington and Berckmans roads is being transformed into a practice area for tournament use. It is scheduled to be completed before the 2010 Masters.

Since last year's Masters, several buildings have been erected and the main patron entrance has been moved closer to Gate 6, which is off Berckmans Road. Patrons can enter the course only from Berckmans, at Gate 6A or Gate 9.

As patrons make their way from the entrance to the course, they will see two new buildings on their right. They will house first aid and tournament security.

At left, they will see a large new structure that is closer to Washington Road. That is the golf shop services building, which will house caddies and equipment.

Once the practice facility is complete, players will hit parallel to Washington Road toward Berckmans.

As part of the project, Augusta National now has more than 6,000 free parking spots for patrons in lots off Berckmans Road.

Click image for large PDF map showing the locations of specific lots and handicapped parking at Augusta National. (Staff)

Drivers coming from Interstate 20 should access the parking lots at a new road before Publix or at Stanley Drive. Once they get past Stanley, they will not be allowed to turn right into the lots.

Patrons coming from downtown will be directed to turn left at Gate A3. If they are coming from Surrey Center on Berckmans Road, they will be directed into lots near the entrance at Gate 9.

Reach John Boyette at (706) 823-3337 or john.boyette@augustachronicle.com.