'November Masters'... "Augusta is already heating up~"

Published 15 Apr.2020 10:53(KST)

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Augusta is like a fall vacation."

The Augusta Chronicle in the U.S. reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the Masters, has requested nearby schools to take a break during the tournament period from November 12 to 15." The original opening date of April 9 was indefinitely postponed due to the recent spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the U.S., and has now been confirmed for November 12.

The starting point is that the Masters supports the local economy. Augusta, a small city with a population of only 200,000, actually attracts more than 200,000 tourists during Masters week, causing hotel accommodation fees to skyrocket. Statistics even show that more than half of the CEOs of the top 500 U.S. companies selected by Forbes visit Augusta. Through parties held throughout the week, 'big deals' are made every moment.

Residents rent out their homes and leave town during this period. Expensive menus appear in restaurants, and green fees at nearby golf courses are also "priced as high as they can get." In fact, November accommodation prices have already soared to unprecedented levels. The U.S. Golf Channel recently reported, "Rooms that used to cost $50 per night have jumped more than 20 times to $1,000." This year, the spotlight is even brighter as the 'returning golf emperor' Tiger Woods (U.S.) is defending his title.