The Masters Food Tradition: Iconic Concessions at Augusta National
The Masters food has become almost as legendary as the golf played each April at Augusta National. Anyone who has attended the tournament knows the experience is not complete without a pimento cheese sandwich wrapped in green paper or an egg salad sandwich enjoyed under the Georgia pines.
As someone who grew up in Augusta and has attended the Masters since I was a kid, I can tell you the food is part of the memory of the tournament itself. Generations of patrons have stood in line for these simple sandwiches, and somehow they always taste better when you are walking the fairways during Masters week.
For decades, Augusta National has intentionally kept the concession menu simple and affordable. The Masters food menu includes classics like pimento cheese sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, barbecue, and the famous Georgia peach ice cream sandwich.
One of the things that makes the Masters different from other major sporting events is that Augusta National has never tried to turn its concessions into a giant stadium food court. Instead, the menu has stayed remarkably simple. Patrons know they can count on the same familiar favorites year after year before heading back out to the course.
Many fans even recreate these iconic concession foods at home during Masters watch parties, bringing a little taste of Augusta National to their own tables.
What Food Is Served At The Masters?
The Masters concession menu is famous for its simple sandwiches and classic Southern flavors. Unlike most major sporting events that offer dozens of food options, Augusta National has intentionally kept the menu small and traditional for decades.
The Legendary Pimento Cheese Sandwich
The pimento cheese sandwich is arguably the most iconic food item at the Masters. Creamy, slightly tangy cheese spread between two slices of soft white bread has become the tournament’s most recognizable culinary staple.
For more than forty years, Nick Rangos, an Aiken, South Carolina, caterer, supplied Augusta National with its famous pimento cheese spread. In 1998, the club switched vendors, hiring the local fried chicken chain Wife Saver to take over production.
The transition did not go smoothly. Rangos refused to share his recipe, forcing the new vendor to attempt to recreate the flavor. Eventually, after reverse engineering a frozen batch of the original spread, the new recipe closely matched the one patrons loved.
Even today, many longtime fans believe the original pimento cheese recipe has never been fully replicated. While the current version is still delicious, there is something nostalgic about that earlier flavor that makes longtime attendees like me smile.
The Masters Egg Salad Sandwich
The egg salad sandwich is another Masters staple. Soft white bread, creamy egg salad, and just the right touch of seasoning make it a fan favorite.
As a side note, one thing I truly miss at the Masters is the fried egg sandwich. It may sound unusual, but there was something perfect about its simplicity. Just a fried egg with mustard on soft white bread. It was one of my favorites growing up, and I would love to see it make a comeback someday.
Barbecue and Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Beyond the classics, the barbecue sandwich has gained a loyal following, offering tender pulled pork with a slightly smoky Southern flavor.
The chicken salad sandwich is another popular option, rounding out a menu that prioritizes freshness and tradition over complexity.
The Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich
A relative newcomer compared to the long standing sandwiches, the Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich has quickly become a fan favorite.
Nestled between two soft sugar cookies, the rich peach ice cream is a nod to Georgia’s famous fruit and is the perfect treat for a warm day on the course.
Craft Beer & The Augusta Crow’s Nest
For those looking for something to drink, Augusta National serves a selection of domestic and imported beers, including the locally brewed Crow’s Nest Wheat Ale, which is exclusive to the tournament.
Named after the apartment where amateur golfers stay above the Augusta National clubhouse, this wheat beer has a citrus profile similar to Blue Moon and is served in the iconic green Masters cup.
The History of Masters Concession Stand Food
When Augusta National co-founder Clifford Roberts helped launch the Masters in the 1930s, he recognized that providing affordable and convenient food options was an essential part of the patron experience.
In the early years, most attendees made the trip to Augusta for a single-day visit, often driving in from nearby cities within a four-hour radius. Given the limited hotel options at the time, patrons would need a way to eat without leaving the course.
Rather than serve elaborate meals, Augusta National adopted a simple menu of sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, keeping both preparation and costs manageable. In the early days, many of these sandwiches were prepared in the kitchens of local Augusta residents.
As the tournament grew, production expanded to large-scale offsite facilities, but the food remained unchanged, carefully wrapped in signature green paper with a no-frills ingredients list.
How Masters Concessions Have Changed Over Time
During my childhood visits to the Masters, the concession stands were simple white tents. Patrons would line up in double rows, picking up their food from large carts before paying at the end of the line.
Today, the concession areas have been upgraded to permanent green buildings that blend beautifully into the landscape of Augusta National. Even with these updates, the experience remains incredibly efficient.
Staff keep the shelves constantly stocked, so lines move quickly, and patrons can get back to watching golf with a handful of their favorite snacks.
As a side note, one thing I truly miss at the Masters is the fried egg sandwich. It may sound unusual, but there was something perfect about its simplicity, just a fried egg with mustard on soft white bread. It was one of my favorites, and I’d love to see it make a comeback!
Why Masters Food Is So Affordable
At most sporting events, food prices are extremely high. But Augusta National has always taken a different approach.
The tournament intentionally keeps concession prices low as part of the patron experience. Even today, classic sandwiches like the famous pimento cheese and egg salad still cost around $1.50, while heartier options like the chicken salad sandwich are only a few dollars more.
Former chairman Billy Payne once said: “The cost of a pimento cheese sandwich is just as important as how high the second cut is going to be.”
That commitment to affordability is rare in modern sports. Patrons can spend the entire day enjoying sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for around thirty dollars, which is almost unheard of at major sporting events.
As former chairman Billy Payne put it:
“The cost of a pimento cheese sandwich is just as important as how high the second cut is going to be.”
That commitment to affordability is rare in modern sports and part of what makes the Masters so special. Patrons can spend the entire day eating to their heart’s content for around $30, which is an unheard-of deal in today’s sporting world.
The Nostalgia Of Eating At The Masters
For those of us who have attended the Masters for years, the food is more than just something to eat. It is part of the memory of the tournament itself.
There is something special about grabbing a pimento cheese sandwich, an egg salad sandwich, and a cold beer before finding a shady spot under the Georgia pines.
Even the small details stand out. I still remember when Masters staff would help patrons with condiments after leaving the concession area. Little touches like that are part of what makes Augusta National feel so thoughtful and unique.
A Tradition Unlike Any Other
The Masters is known for its attention to detail, deep respect for tradition, and commitment to doing things differently from the rest of the sports world.
That philosophy extends to the concession stands.
Sandwiches wrapped in green paper, cold drinks in Masters cups, and the famous pimento cheese sandwich have become just as timeless as the tournament itself.
For me, the Masters is home. It is where golf history meets the world’s best picnic.
And every time I step onto the grounds of Augusta National, my first stop is always the concession stand.
If you want to recreate the Masters food experience at home, try a few of these Masters inspired recipes and golf-themed decorations for your own tournament watch party.
About the Author
Gina Dickson is a food writer, recipe developer, and Augusta, Georgia native who has attended the Masters Tournament since she was a child. Growing up in Augusta, she experienced firsthand how the food traditions at Augusta National became just as iconic as the tournament itself.
Her insights on Masters food culture have been featured in publications such as Yahoo Lifestyle and Gastro Obscura, where she discussed the famous pimento cheese sandwich recipe controversy.
As the creator of Intentional Hospitality, Gina shares Southern-inspired recipes and practical entertaining ideas that help readers gather friends and family around the table. Whether she is recreating Masters concession classics at home or writing about the stories behind Southern food traditions, her goal is always the same: helping people connect through good food and genuine hospitality.
This article originally appeared on Intentional Hospitality.