Parking changes are greeted with approval by most patrons
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Monday's inaugural run of an expanded Masters Tournament parking network made lots of practice round patrons happy.
"It was a nice surprise," said Bobby Dewey, of Baton Rouge, La., who was attending his fifth Masters. "It was very well done, and organized."
As part of a multi year expansion, more than 6,000 free parking spots have been added in lots off Berckmans Road that are accessible from two entrances off Washington Road.
Drivers approaching the club from Interstate 20 now have two opportunities to turn right into the parking area: a new road before the Publix grocery store and again at Stanley Drive.
On Monday, golf fans streamed into both entrances in a non stop barrage of cars that began at first light and continued through mid morning. Just before noon, tournament officials reported the lots had filled.
"They had so many people directing cars and telling you where to park that it went really fast," said Charlie Hall, of Atlanta. "You also don't have to pay to park in someone's yard anymore."
The grass and gravel lots now funnel pedestrian traffic to a staging area near Heath Drive and Berckmans Road to Gate 6A, where a wide, multi lane entrance kiosk can accommodate larger volumes of foot traffic.
Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.
Click here for a detailed PDF describing the changes and the new routes to Augusta National.
Click here for a larger PDF map showing the locations of specific lots and handicapped parking at Augusta National.
