This Week at TravelGolf.com: April 9, 2009

Practice rounds at The Masters offer all the majesty of Augusta for (way) less

With its azaleas in full bloom, pure white bunkers setting off deep green fairways, and greens as pure as Ben Crenshaw's putting stroke, Augusta National jumps off a TV screen like no other sporting event. Believe it or not, though, Bobby Jones' old place on Washington Ave. is even more impressive in person.

That's why if you're a golfer and a golf fan, this is a pilgrimage you have to make. Because what you can't appreciate on TV are the hills, the slopes of the greens and the majesty of the pines.

Yes, Augusta National is pretty much perfect in person.

Of course, tickets to year's first major are limited and difficult to obtain. Hotel rooms are hard to come by and expensive during tournament week. And in order to secure a coveted viewing spot by the 16th or 18th greens, you have to get their early in the morning and park your rear there for the duration if you want to catch the memorable shots of the day.

But there may be a better way.

You've probably heard this before, but check out a practice round. You only need to take in one to have a memorable experience you'll tell your friends about ad nauseum. Go on Tuesday, or Wednesday during the par-3 tournament (Tim Clark won yesterday with an ace en route to 5-under), and enjoy a more relaxed Augusta.

Because for spectators, especially first-time visitors, the main attraction really isn't the players, it's the golf course. The bonus during practice rounds is that the players are a little more relaxed, and many of them will actually chat with spectators. I once practiced my limited German with Bernhard Langer on the 11th tee during a Tuesday practice round. He told me to work on it.

On Tuesday, you can call for Tiger Woods to skip one off the water on 16, you can take photos, and you can enjoy the same cheap pimento cheese sandwiches and soft drinks they sell Thursday through Sunday.

And did I mention practice round tickets are much easier to get? You can pretty much score them on the way to parking for face value.

And if you go for just one day, you don't have to stay in Augusta at a $175 Super Duper Motel 8 or 6. Fly to Atlanta, for example, the night before and drive down the next morning. That's what I did when I took my son five years ago. We got to Augusta by 8 a.m., and spent 10 glorious hours there. It's a trip we'll never forget.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Costa Del Sol, Spain: An 18-point guide to off-course activities

Golf in the Costa Del Sol is fine, sure. From Valderrama and San Roque, to the many other courses. But what makes the Costa Del Sol such a worthy golf destination is the plethora of things to do off course, Brandon Tucker writes. From the beaches, to bullfights and shopping to sherry, here is an 18-point guide on how to spend your non-golfing days on the Costa Del Sol.

FAQ: Golf in Spain and Costa Del Sol

GolfInstruction.com: Practice drills for consistent, solid ball striking

Most average golfers have two common flaws: they either have a tendency to hang back on their right side upon impact; or they move their body ahead of the ball before impact. Both moves sap power, distance and control. Here are a couple drills for consistent, solid ball striking ...

Also: Featured golf schools

10 reasons the Old Course at St. Andrews remains the best course in the world

About 40,000 courses around the world have been built since the Old Course at St. Andrews was laid out over 600 years ago. But despite all the game's advances in design and technology, many of the world's best players call the Old the best out there. Brandon Tucker offers 10 unique reasons why.

Also: Get help planning a St. Andrews golf trip

Review: Pete and Perry Dye's Fuego Maya Golf Course in Guatemala has plenty of fire

When the investors in La Reunion Resort were looking for someone to carve out a course on the side of the Fuego volcano, it was a short list. They wound up going with Pete Dye and son Perry, which pretty much meant the course would not only be beautiful and imaginative, but fairly challenging as well. Perry Dye says he and his father believe it will be recognized as one of the great courses of the world.

Podcast: Bailey on La Reunion resort in Guatemala