NY Jets (despite the unfortunate fb team tied to his/her nickname ) is right on.

This is pretty dicey stuff, especially since they started scanning at the gate. I'm leary of scalping in general, but I guess if I were going to try it, an established broker that takes plastic might be the best bet. At least then you might have a chance to dispute the charges.

Definitely leave the camera and cellphone. Bags are checked at the gate. A few years ago I saw a couple of guys with those binoculars that have the built-in digital cameras around the 6th green. Why take that risk?

Good luck. It's a great experience. Many otels basically triple their rates. One way to lessen costs is to fly into Columbia and stay there on the ends of the trip to shorten the number of nights in Augusta. The trick is to find a decent fare to Columbia.

nytraveler: I TOLD YOU why I missed the ebay listing. I also told you (and have been validated by both other posters here) why I do not want to go with just any ticket broker. I wanted to know from someone who has done this firsthand of a reliable way to get tickets. I think I have made that -- and the point that I am willing to pay for them -- perfectly clear. Thanks for your time.

NYJets: Great tips; thank you! Much appreciated. This is one reason I wanted to have tickets in hand before going. I just don't want to take a chacne on getting busted and ruining the trip! Where do you stay when you go?

We are driving from Alabama, SugarPlum, and I have not secured a place to stay yet. I was hoping to find a quaint or romantic little bed and bath...any suggestions? I guess I need to book now since it will be hard to find a place. I don't care about the price...this vacation is so much-needed that we are willing to pay ridiculous amounts of money for it. We'd be going to Greece if my husband could take the time off, but he can't, so we will actually save money just by doing this trip instead. (My DH is a subspecialty surgeon, the only one of his specialty in the entire northern half of our state...he stays very busy and cannot leave sick patients!)

bamakelly, we've been and it is one of the most exciting sporting events I've ever been to.

We always but always get our practice round passes and passes to the tournament (never ever both in the same years) from someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone.

You end up picking up passes at a convenience store from a total stranger or a desk clerk at a hotel. It is really quite humorous.

Enough about that.

At the Small Luxury Hotel show one year in Vegas, the guy in the booth next to mine had a business that did nothing but sell impossible to get sports and concert tickets.

One of his venues was Masters Golf tickets. Not only to the actual days of play but to the practice rounds.

He had a list of members that sold their tickets to him every year.

He got sued by Augusta National and the tournament committee to divulge the names of the patrons selling their tickets to him but he wouldn't budge.

I guess my point is that it wouldn't hurt checking into one of the ticket brokers that do sell the tickets.

We're kinda lucky in South Carolina that Hootie Johnson is a big time USC alumnus and a SC resident. You can usually hook up with someone for tickets.

Anyway, good luck and it is as big a thrill as you think it might me.

I wouldn't plan on spending the night close by. Drive 3 or 4 hours away from Augusta. We never do.

Thanks, GoTravel -- What is the name of the ticket broker you mentioned? Do you remember? I don't mind using a broker at all--just want to use one that someone else has used reliably.

Also, where do you stay? Any tips or reco's?

We are looking forward to it. My husband is a golf fanatic and I grew up watching my dad (a professional golfer) play. I think even the small, no-name tournaments are exciting to watch. We should both really enjoy it...assuming we can get in!

Let me be clear: I don't mind using a broker or even EBay, as long as it's a reputable broker or seller...one that someone has used before and it's been successful. I just don't want to "pick a broker, any broker" to find that our tickets won't scan when we get up to the gate! LOL!

Unfortunately, we are not overrun with charming B&Bs. I would NOT recommend the Azalea Inn -- relatives had a horrible experience there. I will do a little research over the weekend and post later with potential places.

Have a good 4th!