2017 saw the return of Impulse Decisions’ annual US Masters Experience. Not only was it a tournament to remember for Sergio Garcia, but also our guests who joined us from all sides of the world.

Impulse Decisions’ base for the week was the Marriott hotel, situated in downtown Columbia, with easy access to many local amenities including bars and restaurants, golf courses and of course Augusta. With most of our guests arriving at the hotel in Columbia on the Friday, it was a relaxing day for most, with either a day at one of the many quirky bars in downtown Columbia, an afternoon in the hotel swimming pool or a round of golf on one of the many fantastic local golf courses.

Saturday saw us play host to a golf day at the fantastic Cobblestone Park Golf Club, which was just a 20 minute drive from our base in Columbia. On arrival, our guests were greeted warmly by the golf club staff, the sun was shining and the drinks were flowing. With temperatures in the 30’s, hydration was definitely the key to success, although most opted for the beer option anyway. Stableford scoring was the format of the day, which kept the enjoyment factor for most golfers, whilst also offering the keen golfers a chance to shine! Our PGA golf professional challenged the golfers to beat the pro on the short 9th hole and there were other prizes on the day for nearest the pin and longest drive, as well as prizes for the best performing individuals. Following the golf there was an opportunity to watch the rest of the play from Augusta on a big screen in our private area of the Clubhouse, whilst enjoying the complimentary bar and a fantastic spread of food.

Our guests from the Lords Taverners were accompanied around the golf course by England cricket star Jonny Bairstow, who was our special guest on the trip this year. It was proved that not only is Jonny a world class cricketer, he is also a more than handy golfer and a top bloke away from the course.

Sunday. Masters Sunday. What a day! An early start for our guests, some with sorer heads than others following a few too many on the previous night, but all in good spirits for the day ahead, and what a day it was. Upon arrival in Augusta, our guests were dropped at the 1018 Club, a bespoke hospitality suite based on Azalea Drive opposite the main gates to the golf club. This would be our base for the day, offering an open bar, top class food, massages, live music and live Masters coverage on the screens. The hospitality at the 1018 Club is world class and a warm welcome is guaranteed. Augusta National itself must be seen to be believed, if you are looking for golfing heaven, you have to look no further. Rolling fairways, slick greens and a merchandise shop with something for everyone. The average spend per head in the shop at Augusta is around $450, which is incredible, but then again, it is quite easy to get carried away with such a large range of fantastic items for the Patrons to take home.

With such a great finish to the golf and a very popular winner in Sergio Garcia, it was back to the 1018 Club for a final drink before we headed back to Columbia in the late evening. The roar of the crowds and the epic finish will live long in the memory, the Masters 2017 really did deliver!
For anyone who is thinking about a special bucket list trip, it really doesn’t get any more special than the US Masters. We are already looking forward to 2018 and would be delighted to have you with us next year.

Here is what some of our guests thought of the trip:

“An amazing weekend and experience, thank you and look forward to our next event!”

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the masters weekend, it was an unbelievable trip and something I will remember for ever, from start to finish your team were there to answer any questions, it ran so smoothly there were never any concerns, you interacted with us so well and it felt like we had known yourselves and the other people on the trip for a long time. Brilliant day was had on Saturday, great course choice!”

“Great memories of a great trip. You and the Impulse team did a first class job and the Masters put on a Sunday display for the ages. Many thanks for all your efforts to make sure we had a top class outing! I look forward to joining you guys on another trip.”

“The arrangements and support from you and all the team at Impulse Decisions was top draw and I would be happy to recommend you to colleagues and friends. I hope to use you again in the future as we tick off our bucket list.”

Find out more details about the US Masters 2018 and other Impulse Decisions experiences here.