Discover the rich iconic history of the Masters Golf Tournament concession stand food. From pimento cheese to egg salad sandwiches, let’s learn how these legendary eats became part of the Masters lore.

Every April, the world’s best golfers gather at Augusta National Golf Club for the prestigious Masters Tournament. But for those of us who have grown up in Augusta, the Masters is more than just a golf tournament, it’s a way of life.

I was lucky enough to spend my spring breaks at Augusta National, attending the tournament as a kid. I continue to go every year, soaking in the experience of watching world-class golf while indulging in the time-honored tradition of Masters concessions. With each visit, I’m reminded of how deeply embedded the food at Augusta National is in the tournament’s legacy.

masters concession stand working holding a sign that says there is a 5 minute line wait.

There’s a reason why golf fans don’t just attend the Masters for the game; they come for the tradition, the atmosphere, and yes, the food. Masters concessions are an iconic part of the experience, offering simple yet beloved sandwiches and snacks at prices that feel like a throwback to another era. But these budget-friendly bites aren’t just about affordability; they’re about preserving a tradition that has remained essentially unchanged for decades.

A Tradition Rooted in Simplicity

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.

A person wearing a green jacket and beige pants is stocking shelves with green packets in a store. Baskets on the shelves are labeled with prices. Several people are visible in the background, walking through the aisle.

During my childhood visits to the Masters, I remember when the concession stands were simple white tents, where patrons would line up in double rows, picking up their food from large carts before paying at the end of the line. Today, Augusta National has upgraded to permanent green concession buildings that blend seamlessly into the course, but the experience remains just as efficient and streamlined as ever.

The Signature Masters Menu: What Makes Masters Food So Special?

Masters concessions do more than provide food; they also uphold a tradition.Some of the tournament’s most famous offerings include:

The Legendary Pimento Cheese Sandwich

The pimento cheese sandwich is arguably the most iconic food item at the Masters. It’s creamy, slightly spicy cheese spread between two slices of soft white bread has become the tournament’s most recognizable culinary staple.

masters pimento cheese sandwich on white bread with a beer next to it

For over 40 years, Nick Rangos, a Aiken, South Carolina caterer, supplied Augusta National with its pimento cheese spread. However, in 1998, the club switched vendors, hiring local fried chicken chain Wife Saver to take over production. The transition didn’t go smoothly, Rangos refused to share his secret recipe, forcing the new vendor to attempt to recreate it. Eventually, after reverse-engineering a frozen batch of the original spread, Wife Saver’s owner, Mr. Godfrey, was able to match the original flavor.

Even still, Augusta National later moved pimento cheese production in-house, and many longtime fans, including myself, will tell you that the current version just doesn’t quite taste the same as the original. While still delicious, there’s something about that classic Masters pimento cheese that feels irreplaceable.

Egg Salad Sandwich: A Classic Companion

The egg salad sandwich is another Masters staple, simple yet satisfying. Soft white bread, creamy egg salad, and just the right touch of seasoning make it a fan favorite. For $1.50, it remains one of the best bargains in sports concessions.

girl holding masters egg salad sandwich with a masters golf shirt on

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!

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 woman in a green cap, white tank top, and floral skirt is smiling with closed eyes while holding a sandwich. She's standing outdoors with trees in the background, wearing a brown shoulder bag and a green lanyard.

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

masters golf course grass with pimento cheese sandwich on a green wrapper between two beers

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 citrusy profile similar to Blue Moon. It is served in a collectible green Masters cup.

A row of green plastic cups filled with green beer sits on a counter labeled "Import Beer" and "Domestic Light." A person in a green jacket stands behind a beer dispenser labeled for alcoholic beverages.

Why Masters Food is Unbelievably Cheap

At most sporting events, food prices are astronomically high, a captive audience means stadiums and arenas can charge $12 for a beer and $15 for a burger. But at Augusta National, the philosophy is different. The low concession prices are an intentional choice, reflecting the tournament’s dedication to creating a world-class experience that remains accessible to all.

pimento cheese, egg salad, chicken salad sandwich in green wrappers at masters

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 a rare thing in modern sports and is 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 & Experience of Eating at the Masters

For those of us who have been attending the Masters for years, the food isn’t just sustenance, it’s a cherished part of the experience. There’s something about grabbing a pimento cheese sandwich, an egg salad sandwich, and a cold beer, then finding a shady spot under the Georgia pines to enjoy lunch.

I still remember when Masters staff would help with condiments after patrons left the concession area, another small but thoughtful touch that makes Augusta National so unique. Even now, the efficiency of the open-air, full-service concession stands ensures that lines move quickly, with staff keeping the shelves fully stocked at all times.

masters concession stand employee helping patrons

For those who can’t attend in person, Augusta National introduced Taste of the Masters, allowing fans to order a selection of the tournament’s classic foods to enjoy at home. It’s another example of how Augusta National goes above and beyond to preserve its traditions while embracing modern accessibility.

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

The Masters is known for its meticulous attention to detail, commitment to tradition, and refusal to change for the sake of change. That philosophy extends beyond the fairways and into the concessions, where sandwiches wrapped in green paper, ice-cold beers in Masters cups, and legendary pimento cheese remain as timeless as the tournament itself.

Menu sign at the Masters golf tournament with yellow flowers around bottom
Masters Tournament Menu Board

For me, the Masters is home, a place where golf history meets the best picnic in the world. And every time I step onto Augusta National’s course, I first head to the concessions, because no trip to the Masters is complete without a taste of its storied sandwiches and Southern hospitality.

About the Author

Gina Dickson is a food writer, recipe developer, and Augusta, Georgia native who has spent a lifetime immersed in the traditions of the Masters Golf Tournament. Having attended the tournament every year since her school days, Gina has experienced firsthand the evolution of Augusta National’s legendary concessions. Her expertise on Masters history and its iconic food culture has been featured in publications such as Yahoo Lifestyle and Gastro Obscura, where she shared insights into the famous pimento cheese sandwich recipe controversy.

As the creator of Intentional Hospitality, Gina specializes in Southern-inspired recipes and entertaining tips, helping readers create memorable gatherings with delicious, crowd-pleasing dishes. Whether she’s developing Masters-inspired copycat recipes or writing about the intersection of food and sports traditions, her passion for hospitality shines through.

For more Masters-inspired recipes, Southern cooking, and entertaining tips, visit Intentional Hospitality.