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GOLFING stars and fans from around the world have jetted into Augusta for The Masters – and are clogging up the local airport.
Private jets belonging to stars such as Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have landed ahead of Thursday’s first round.
Masters stars and patrons have parked up their private jets ahead of Thursday’s first round[/caption]
Stars including Scottie Scheffler have filled up a local airport[/caption]
The players are battling it out for the iconic Green Jacket[/caption]
Augusta Regional Airport sits just 12 miles from the iconic course in Georgia.
And Masters week has fast become a frantic and chaotic time at the modest airfield.
Some of the jets belong to players hoping to win the Green Jacket at this year’s major.
But high-roller fans have also parked up their planes ahead of the first tee-shot on Thursday morning.
Ahead of the first round, August Regional is now “maxed out”, according to Front Office Sports.
The outlet claim neighboring airports are now swooping in to take advantage.
Aiken Regional Airport, 26 miles from the course, has set up a dedicated Masters reservation.
Daily fees range from $50 for small planes to $2,000 for huge jets.
“Golf is synonymous with private aviation,” Amalfi Jets founder and CEO Kolin Jones told FOS.
“A lot of business is done over the golf course.
“So, a lot of high net worth people in business really appreciate that, and a lot of people utilize it as a big networking tool.”
One such player is McIlroy, who is looking to end his Masters hoodoo this week.
The Northern Irishman has never won the tournament, making it the only major not in his trophy cabinet.
Former pro Paul McGinley believes this could be the year McIlroy finally ends his long wait.
McGinley, 58, told SunSport: “To win anywhere, particularly around Augusta, you need the golfing gods shining on you at the right time.
“The line between winning and losing is really enhanced because one roll of a ball can mean a double or triple bogey. Or you can get away with it.
“You do need a little bit of luck no matter how well you’re playing. But I do expect Scottie Scheffer in particular to be tough to beat.
“Morikawa is going in with a lot of form too. A golf course that will suit his really good arm play.
“It’s a second-shot golf course. Statistics have shown over the years, certainly in the last ten years, that the best iron player is generally the guy that has the best chance of winning.”
