Your Guide to the 2018 Breeders’ Cup

Last month, one of our favorite events — the Kentucky Derby — took place. Although it was a bit of a rainy mess, it didn’t disappoint. If you missed this year’s “most exciting two minutes in sports” and can’t stand the idea of having to wait a whole year for the next running, we’ve got just the thing — The 2018 Breeders’ Cup!

What is the Breeders’ Cup? Where is it? What can I expect? These are all great questions, and if you find yourself asking these questions, today’s blog is for you. As a group of sport, travel, and hospitality experts, offering elite corporate packages to some of the world’s most renowned sporting events, we know a thing or two about the Breeders’ Cup!

What is the Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships are an annual series of thoroughbred horse races. Since its inception, there have been 34 runnings of the race and 318 champions. In 1984, when the race first began, it was a single-day event. However, in 2007, the race expanded, becoming a two-day event. Over the course of the weekend, the event pays out roughly $30 million, earning the title “the richest two days in sports.”

A maximum of 14 horses are allowed in each of the 14 championship races. To qualify for the race, a horse must win a Breeders’ Cup Challenge race or earn enough points from major races during the year. Horses can also compete in the running by being selected by a panel of experts.

Where is the Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup changes locations yearly. This year, like the Kentucky Derby, the Breeder’s Cup will take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. If you missed your opportunity to experience the magic of Louisville during the Derby, this is your best chance — that is, of course, until the 2019 Kentucky Derby.

How Do I Get Tickets

The Breeders’ Cup is one of the most prestigious international sporting events in the world. This, coupled with the fact that this year’s running will take place at the iconic Churchill Downs, means you will want to get your tickets to the race quickly. Tickets for the 2018 gathering will go on sale to the general public on June 7 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Where Should I Stay in Louisville 

The Official Fan Hotel of the 2018 Breeders’ Cup World Championship is the Louisville Marriott Downtown. Additionally, there are a number of other participating hotels around Louisville. However, just like during Derby weekend, hotels and accommodations can fill up quickly. If you don’t have the time or desire to plan your trip to the Breeders’ Cup, we can help! In fact, we can do more than help — from arrival to departure, we can take care of every part of your trip. We can even book you a private jet rental to and from Louisville.

Experience the Breeders’ Cup the Superior Way

Superior Executive Services takes tremendous pride in offering luxurious sports packages for individuals and businesses alike. Whether your goal is to entertain your key customers or to run a sales incentive, we will help facilitate a one-of-a-kind experience tailored to your individual needs. We understand that each client is different, and when you partner with us, we promise a one-on-one approach. Contact us today to learn more about our Breeders’ Cup packages.

7 Reasons to Visit Aspen in the Summer

Aspen is not only a ski paradise, but it is also a beautiful year-round mountain oasis. Located in the heart of the White River National Forest, an Aspen vacation is a great way to take in the splendor of the Rocky Mountains even in the summer.

Sold? Ready to book your Colorado vacation? We’re ready to help! Check out our Aspen vacation packages, and contact us today to learn more. Not quite sold on visiting Aspen? Read on to learn about a few of the reasons why it’s worth a visit.

Nature

The Rocky Mountains are truly stunning. A trip to Aspen will put you at the heart of this beauty. Maroon Bells, one of North America’s most photographed peaks, is the perfect example of Aspen’s beauty. It offers stunning views of towering peaks, lush valleys, and a peaceful lake. While it’s hard to top the beauty you’ll find at Maroon Bells, it’s not hard to stumble upon gorgeous nature when visiting Aspen. 

Hiking

Where there is great nature, there is sure to be great hiking trails. This is absolutely the case in Aspen. Whether you are looking for a hike close to town or want to go a little further out to the Maroon Bells area, there will be no shortage of hikes on your Colorado vacation. In addition to challenging hikes and magnificent nature, don’t be surprised if you see moose, black bear, and other wildlife.

Biking

At Aspen Snowmass mountain biking is a serious sport. At the epicenter of this adrenaline-inducing sport is the Snowmass Bike Park, which is home to nearly 3,000 feet of pristine mountain biking trails. Whether you are an expert looking to get some big air or a beginner wanting to get down the basics, Aspen has some seriously awesome spots for mountain biking.

Fly-Fishing

It seems that anytime you are close to mountains and rivers, you are sure to have some spectacular fly fishing with spectacular views. This is certainly true of Aspen. An Aspen vacation will offer a top-notch experience for anglers of all levels. Whether you join a group for an outing to Roaring Fork River, the Frying Pan, or on the other Gold Medal Waters, you are sure to find an abundance of rainbows, brookies, and browns.

Horseback Riding

Aspen hasn’t always had a glam reputation for drawing in the rich and the famous. It once used to be a silver mining town, brimming with classic Wild West history. While it can be hard to experience this history by simply walking through town or lounging in resorts, taking a horseback ride may be just the thing you need. There are a number of groups offering half-day and even overnight rides.

Entertainment

Not only is Aspen an outdoor paradise, but the city is also teeming with art, culture, and entertainment. This is something that is evidenced by the large number of music, film, and art venues. These venues routinely bring in world-class acts and exhibits, ranging in medium, genre, and style. Whether you want to attend the Aspen Music Festival — considered one of the best classical music festivals in America — or simply visit the Aspen Art Museum or Aspen Words, you are sure to find something in Aspen to pique your creative curiosity.

Food

What vacation would be complete without some good eats? If you are vacationing in Aspen, this is one thing you won’t have to worry about. Downtown impressively boasts over 80 restaurants, ranging from national establishments to small farm-to-table restaurants. You can find everything from world-renowned dining to smaller, up-and-coming eateries. If you are visiting in June, be sure to check out the Aspen Food and Wine Festival!

Ready to book your Colorado vacation? Contact us today to get started.

5 Things to Do on Your Aspen Summer Vacation

Every year, thousands of people head to Aspen to experience some of the world’s finest skiing. However, as more and more people seem to be realizing, once the snow melts and summer takes over, Aspen offers a whole other type of adventure and beauty. Curious what you might be able to do in Aspen during the warm months? You’re in luck! In today’s blog, we here at Superior Executive Services are going to share with you just five (of the many) things you can do in Aspen during the warm summer months.

Bike Through the Mountains

Love the Rocky Mountains? Want to see as much of them as you can? Consider mountain biking. Exploring the trails around Aspen on a mountain bike is the perfect way to explore all the various nooks, crannies, trails, and forests. While this can be an intimidating sport, there are plenty of beginner trails. And if the idea of having to pedal your bike uphill is bumming you out, be sure to check out the Snowmass bike park, where you will have the option of a lift along with access to more than 50 miles of trails.

Hike a 14er

If you have never visited Colorado, you may not be familiar with the term, “14er”. These are simply the glorious peaks that reach above 14,000 feet. Luckily for those planning Aspen vacations, Aspen sits at the heart of a number of 14ers. While there 14ers closest to Aspen are rough and difficult, there are a number of 14ers nearby. La Plata Peak, Mt Elbert, and Mt Massive are all great options for those staying in Aspen. While it may not seem like everyone’s idea of a vacation, hiking a 14er can be a deeply challenging and rewarding experience! Don’t rule it out!

Check out a Concert

Nothing accentuates the joy of summer like live music. If you are taking a trip to Aspen this summer, you’ll likely have plenty of chances to see some great music. Not only will you be able to see loads of free concerts, but there are a number of great venues around the area, such as The Belly Up. This summer, The Belly Up will welcome The Flaming Lips, Ziggy Marley, Gomez, Chris Isaak, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and many more.

Marvel at the Stars

Even a Colorado mountain vacation should include some relaxation. While you will have plenty of great opportunities for relaxation — especially if you are taking part in one of our luxury vacation packages — the summer provides a truly unique opportunity to soak up the cosmos. Summer in Aspen is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and stargaze at the beautiful Colorado sky. If you are visiting in August, you will even have the opportunity to learn about the stars by taking part in the annual Stars Above Aspen event.

Stroll and Crawl

What trip to Colorado would be complete without sampling some local brews? Summer is the perfect time to do it. All over Aspen, there are a number of pub crawls. There is even a Historic Pub Crawl, where you will not only sample some top-notch brews, but you will also learn all about Aspen folklore and history. There are also a wide array of guided tours, art walks, and other tours around Aspen.

Luxury Vacation Packages

At Superior Executive Services, we don’t only offer luxurious packages to the world’s most renowned sporting events, but we also offer luxury travel opportunities to some of the world’s top destinations — Aspen included. When you partner with us, we guarantee an individually tailored trip that offers superior hospitality, accommodation, service, and entertainment.

Your 2018 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide

There are few sports as historic and exhilarating as horse racing. And the most historic and exhilarating of all the horse races is without a doubt the Kentucky Derby. Nicknamed “the most exciting two minutes in sports”, the Derby is an event like no other. Part of what makes this event so electrifying is the act of placing bets on horses.

With the race merely a week away, we at Superior Executive Services thought it might be helpful to shed some light on this subject. While having some past experience with placing bets on horse races will surely help you, it is not mandatory. With a little homework, you can walk up to the mutuel teller, slap down your bet, and walk away feeling confident!

Types of Bets

While there are many different types of wagers, these three are the most common and basic:

Win Bets

As the name indicates, this type of bet hinges upon the horse you choose winning the race. If the horse doesn’t win, you don’t win.

Place Bets

With a place wager, you are betting on the horse you pick to either finish first or second. If this happens, you win.

Show Bets

Similar to place bets, show bet wagers payoff if the horse you pick finishes first, second, or third.

With all three of these types of bets, the minimum wager is only $2.

Exacta Bets

Once you have a firm understanding of win, place, and show bets, it’s time to try an exacta bet. While this type of wager is more difficult to win than a win, place, or show bet, it has the potential to yield some serious payout. To place an exacta bet, you pick a minimum of two horses that you think will finish first and second. In order to win the bet, the two horses you choose must finish first and second in the exact order you chose.

If picking the exact order sounds too challenging and you would like to better your odds, you can “box” your wager, which removes the order requirement, meaning if the two horses you pick, finish first and second, you win regardless of which is first or second. Naturally, when you “box” your bet, you reduce your potential yield.

For both exacta and exacta box bets, the minimum wager is only $2.

Trifecta Bets

Another wager option you’ll have at the Kentucky Derby is to place a trifecta bet. Similar to an exacta wager, it is more difficult to win than a win, place, show, and exacta wager, but it also comes with the potential for a higher payout. As the name indicates, this type of wager is made by selecting a minimum of three horses that you think will finish first, second, and third. In order to win a straight-up trifecta bet, your selected horses must finish in the exact order you pick.

Similar to an exacta bet, you do have the option to box your bet. When you box your wager, this removes the necessity to predict the exact order your chosen horses will finish. While this may increase your chances of winning, it does reduce your potential payout.

To place a trifecta bet, the minimum amount you have to wager is 50 cents. For a trifecta box bet, the minimum wager amount is $3.

How to Talk the Talk

Okay, so you’ve scouted the horses, studied up on the various types of bets, and now you’re ready to throw down some mulla. If you are a new bettor, you probably want to avoid the self-service machines and mobile applications, and instead head for the mutuel window. The mutuel window is where you find mutuel tellers—people who take and process bets. Finding the window is rather easy at the Derby—there will likely be a lengthy line, but don’t worry the tellers move fast—and if you can’t find it just ask around.

When You Get To The Window, Here Are The Primary Steps:

  • Have your exact money in hand and ready to go
  • State the track’s name
  • State the race number that you are betting on
  • State the amount of money you are betting
  • State the type of bet that you will be placing
  • State the horse’s program number

If you have followed these steps and done everything correctly your ticket might look something like this, “Churchill Downs, Race 12, $20 to win on #2.” After you have handed over the right amount of money and submitted your bet, you’ll receive your betting ticket. Stow this away in a lucky and safe spot and let the fun begin. Be sure to not lose your ticket. Without it, you won’t be able to return to the mutuel teller and collect your winnings now matter how much you beg and swear that you put $200 down the winning trifecta.

How to Pick a Winner

This is the easiest part of betting on the Kentucky Derby. It’s as simple as looking out at a field of brawny horses and saying, “Oh yeah! That’s the one!” We kid. This is, of course, the hardest part. Like with almost all betting, there are far too many variables to have a reliable way of picking a winner. That being said, there are some things you can pay attention to to help inform your decision. Below are some of these tips:

  • Read the program—the daily program includes all the information you need to make an informed decision.
  • Consider what experts are saying—notice we said, “consider.” While some of the advice you get may be helpful, some of it can be very misguided and have just as much merit as your inexperienced hunch.
  • Watch the horses—it can be difficult to pick the fittest horse in a race, especially if you don’t know what to look for. To get you started, when assessing the horses, look for pricked ears, muscle definition, calm but energetic nerves, and the aura of a winner.

If you want to learn more about attending the Kentucky Derby in luxury and style, check out our Kentucky Derby packages. Whether you are looking to take in the excitement of the Kentucky Derby from the Millionaires Row or from 1st Level Club House, we’ve got a package for you. On top of this, we can handle and arrange all of your accommodation, transportation, and more.

Tips for Attending the 2018 Kentucky Derby

The wait is almost up. In less than a month, the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place. If you have never attended this iconic event, let this be the year. Although it can be exciting to witness the “most exciting two minutes in sports” in any capacity—on TV or in person—attending in person is a truly unforgettable experience.

To ensure that your trip to Churchill Downs is spectacular, we at Superior Executive Services would like to share with you some tips. Whether you are attending the event with some friends, co-workers, or some key clients, the 2018 Kentucky Derby is sure to live up to the hype.

Below are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to the 2018 Kentucky Derby.

Learn How to Say “Louisville”

If you have never visited the city of Louisville, you may be unsure how to pronounce the city’s name. Don’t worry, this is a common problem among visitors. Even the city pokes fun at this, and at the visitor center you can even see a sign mocking all the pronunciations—”Looeville,” “Lewisville,” “Looavull,” “Looaville,” and “Luhvull.” However, if you want to appear as though you are not from that far out of town, opt for the most popular pronunciation: Loo-a-vull. We know—it feels weird, doesn’t seem right, etc. But it’s their city and their name, and trying to pronounce it correctly will signal respect and help you win-over some locals.  

Learn to Read Racing Forms

If you have never seen a racing form, chances are that you will be quite confused when given one. If you plan on placing some bets at the Derby—and if you are going for the total Kentucky Derby experience, you absolutely should—you may want to brush up on making sense of these forms. If you know where to look, they will tell you everything you need to know about past performances. Additionally, it is loaded with horse racing lingo, so it is best to familiarize yourself with all of the lingo and abbreviations—e.g. BF (beaten favorite), CD (horse has won over course and distance), D (has won that distance), etc. Being able to make sense of these forms gives you a much better chance of predicting a horse’s future performance, and, therefore, cam improve your chance of picking a winner.

On this note, you may also want to learn about trifectas, exactas, superfectas, win place, boxes, show, wheels, and all other terms that you are going to see at the betting window.

Choose Advice Wisely

Invariably, you will see some know-it-all “track-rats” who are more than willing to offer some betting advice. Just because the guy has the visor, Versace glasses, and the rest of the ensemble, it doesn’t mean he knows what he is talking about. Sure, he’s probably spent way more time at the track than you, but he has also spent a lot more time losing. Don’t put too much faith in advice—after all, you are both looking at the same race form.

Bring Cash—But Maybe Not too Much

Cash is king at the Kentucky Derby. Parking, drinking, food, betting—all require cash. While the Churchill Downs facility does have ATMs, the lines are typically long, and not how you want to spend your time at the Derby.

While you should probably bring more than you need, if you are going with the goal of doing some serious betting, you may want to limit how much you bring. In fact, some may say, don’t bring more than you are willing to lose. Horse racing can be addictive, and after sampling some local bourbon and gulping down some iconic mint juleps, you may get a little zealous with your bets.

Decide How You Want to Experience the Derby

Do you want to party in a potentially muddy infield with a rowdy crowd who may have had one too many mint juleps, or sit in the stands of Churchill Downs, where you will likely see celebrities and some big tickets being cashed? Both can be tremendous fun, and it’s up to you to decide which adventure you want. This is one of the great things about the Kentucky Derby atmosphere. If you are looking for a Kentucky Derby Package with some luxurious seating, check out Superior Executive Services packages. We have everything from luxurious 1st Level Clubhouse Packages to Millionaires Row Packages, where you can get the ultimate VIP experience.

Explore Louisville

Louisville is a city full of good food, drink, sports, history, and entertainment. This statement is true at all times during the year, but this is especially true during the Derby. For the people of Louisville, the Kentucky Derby is like Christmas, July 4th, and all other holidays wrapped in one. This will quickly become apparent as you move around the city during the Derby. It is a special and exciting time to be in Louisville. There a number of events to look forward to, including the boat race, free concerts, and the largest firework show in the U.S.

With more than 158,000 people attending the 2017 Kentucky Derby, the event is the largest and most attended horse race in the country and 2018 is sure to follow this trend. While the label “the most exciting two minutes in sports” may lead you to believe the excitement is short-lived, this is certainly not the case. The Derby is actually a two-day event with events and races that can be as equally as fun as the main race.

Fun fact: among all the traditional excitement of the race, this year there will be a horse named Gronkowski. As you might have guessed, the horse is named after the New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski—the horse stands at roughly the same height.

Best Golf Movies to Get in the Masters Spirit

With the Masters quickly approaching, it’s time to get into the Masters spirit. Here at Superior Executive Services, we don’t have to do much to do this because, well, we’re always in the spirit. But to help you get in the mood, we thought we would share some classic golf movies that speak to the golfer in all of us.

Happy Gilmore

This is arguably the greatest and most quoted golf movie of all time. What makes it so great? Prime Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Bob Barker, long-drives, unorthodox swings, 5-iron chips, and so much more. Even for people who have never golfed, this movie is a favorite, which says something. It’s so influential that it’s hard to watch golfers, even professionals, play around at a driving range and not see one or two try the famous Happy Gilmore swing.

The Legend of Bagger Vance

Among the many lessons of this movie, one of the greatest, especially for those unfamiliar with professional golf, is the importance of a caddie. They don’t just carry the clubs and whatever else the golfer needs. No, caddies are coaches. They help keep the golfers swing in check, stay mentally cool, and be the voice of reason. All of this is exemplified in the 2000 golf classic, The Legend of Bagger Vance. Apart from the stellar drama and, this classic is worth watching just based on the cast alone—Will Smith, Matt Damon, and Charlize Theron are among the top-billed actors.

Tin Cup

Starring Kevin Costner who plays a role that has often been compared to something in between John Daly and Phil Mickelson, this golf flick is full of action, professional golfer cameos, and go-for-it-all golfing. Also, the banter between Kevin Costner’s character and Cheech Marin’s character, Romeo, provides some hearty laughs. If you haven’t seen this one yet, it’s definitely worth checking out.

The Greatest Game Ever Played

What makes this golf flick so spectacular is the fact that it is largely based on truth. Francis Ouimet, played by Shia LaBeouf, became the first amateur to win the U.S. Open. Ouimet’s story is quite inspiring. He was raised by an immigrant family, became a caddie at the age of 11, defied all odds, and beat some of the greatest golfers of all time, earning him the title, “Father of Amateur Golf”.

Caddyshack

You would be pressed to find a list of golf movies that did not include this timeless classic. Starring legendary comics and actors like Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray, this comedic golf film is simply perfect. Not only does it have relatable characters and a hilarious plot, but the fact that much of the film was improvised by some legendary funny people makes it that much better. It’s basically the Masters of the comedy world.

How to Win Over Key Clients

Unless you have more business than you can handle, as a business owner you should always be looking for ways to win over prospective clients. Moreover, rather than putting all of your efforts into attracting new clients and making a sell, it’s better to direct that effort toward attracting quality clients who will be loyal to you. At Superior Executive Services, we are experts in corporate hospitality and sports travel packages. Here are a few tips to help you use these custom experiences to win over key clients.

Know Your Clients

If you want to find ideal customers, you must first define what “ideal” means to you. Spend some time really thinking about your perfect client and how you can narrow your focus to best reach your target audience. When trying to do this, it can be helpful to simply ask yourself what these clients value and what do they do. Once you have a general answer for this, you can begin to tailor your message and efforts accordingly.

Be Helpful

People are easily fatigued by being pitched to over and over again. Rather than basing all of your correspondence with prospective clients around a pitch, instead ask how you can help the other person, and try to genuinely help. This will foster meaningful relationships that can yield long-lasting results.

Support Your Community

Being a part of local organizations is not only the perfect place to share information and advice, but it also is a great way to build trust with quality clients and, most importantly, help your community. Although you might not see an immediate return on investment following a community initiative, over time you will almost certainly begin to build some advantageous relationships, earn some trust, and respect among your community.

Showcase Your Work

If potential clients are unable to see evidence of the results you can bring, you may have a tough time selling your service. This is why it is important to invest in how you showcase your work. Whether it is through a website, a portfolio, or case studies and testaments, you should be able to highlight your work. Showcasing the quality of your work can boost your credibility, provide assurance, and build loyalty and trust.

Be Transparent

Transparency is a surefire way to build trust. It is especially important to be transparent and honest with new and potential clients. When it comes time to close a deal or make a sale, having a foundation built through transparency can be the difference between failure and success.

Make Them Feel Special

If you truly want to win over quality clients, you have to impress them. Any opportunity you have to interact with a prospective client provides a chance to make them feel special and valued. When you do this, you can create a special bond that leads to long and fruitful partnerships.

Things to Do in Augusta Besides Attending the Masters

There is something truly special about spring in Augusta, Georgia. Perhaps it’s the warm changing weather, the blooming azaleas, the genteel hospitality, or maybe the fact that nearly quarter-million people gather to be a part of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world—the Masters! This is certainly one of our favorite things about Augusta in the spring. Perhaps the only thing we love more than the Masters is putting our clients at the heart of this experience and accentuating their customized trip with unrivaled hospitality and services. Learn more about our Masters packages and contact us today with any questions you may have.

In past blogs, we’ve talked a lot about the Masters, including tips, facts, history, traditions, etc. In today’s article, we are going to switch it up just a bit. We are going to talk about some of the things to do in Augusta…that is not going to the Masters.

Take In Some Local History

Augusta is rich with history (and not just Civil War history). Downtown there are dozens of historic buildings that have been repurposed and given new lives but still wear their history. One special landmark is the Morehouse College, which was originally the Springfield Baptist Church, a church built by freed blacks in 1787. Also, be sure to check out the beautiful and historic Magnolia Cemetery, where many Civil War veterans are buried.

Check Out Water Works

The city of Augusta has quite an impressive water system, including canals, waterways, and the Savannah River. Throughout the city, there are a number of places to walk along the water and take in this aquatic elegance. If you are in town on a Saturday morning, be sure to check out the morning market, featuring local artisans, food trucks, and much more!

Play Some Golf

As you might expect, the city that is home to the Masters also has plenty of opportunities to play a quality round of golf. Although nothing compares to Augusta National, there are some fun and affordable courses. Some top Augusta courses include Forest Hills Golf Club and Municipal Golf Course. Though this could probably go without saying, if you are in Augusta during the Masters and you are a golf fan, do your best to score some tickets. Not sure how to do this?

Pay Homage To The Godfather Of Soul

Augusta is not only home of one of the greatest golf tournaments in the world, but it is also the birthplace of one of the greatest soul singers of all time: James Brown. Be sure to not only head downtown to get a selfie with the James Brown memorial statue but also check out the impressive collection of James Brown memorabilia at the Augusta Museum of History. If you really want the full James Brown experience, stop in for a quick tour of the Imperial Theatre, a beautiful venue where Brown played and rehearsed.

Soak In Southern Hospitality

Anyone who travels to the south and doesn’t soak up as much southern hospitality as possible would be greatly remiss. This is without a doubt one of the best parts of visiting Augusta. A visit to Augusta offers visitors a chance to experience southern hospitality at its finest. Though this is a feeling you will probably experience just by virtue of being in town, one way to guarantee that you experience it is to stop into one of Augusta’s notable restaurants. Whether you are looking for southern-style BBQ, farm-to-table classic southern dining, or some contemporary southern cuisine, Augusta has it all.

As you can see, Augusta is a city with a lot to offer. It’s worth visiting any time of the year. However, it is especially worth visiting when the Masters tournament is being played. As we’ve said before, the Masters is an event like no other. It’s not only a bucket-list destination for golf fans, but also for anyone who wants to experience an exciting event rich with history, tradition, and excitement.

Fun Facts about the Masters and Augusta National

Believe it or not, we’ve made it halfway through winter. That’s a fact that’s almost worth celebrating in and of itself. However, here at Superior Executive Services, spring means more than warm weather. It means that one of the best golf tournaments in the world is also around the corner. Yes, we are, of course, talking about…the Masters!

Below are Some Fun and Interesting Facts About the Masters

  • Ike’s Pond Is Named After General Eisenhower. The Three-Acre Pond Is A Manmade Pond With A Dam And A Natural Spring.
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower Is The Only President To Be Given Club Membership.
  • Club Membership Is Only Offered. It Is Never Given To Those Who Ask.
  • There Are Ten Cabins Located On The Grounds Of Augusta National Golf Club. These Cabins Were Built To Serve As Private Lodgings For Members And Their Guests. One Of The Cabins Is Actually Dedicated To Former President Eisenhower Because It Served As The Place Where He And His Wife Would Stay When They Visited The Course.
  • From 1934 To 1945, The Master Tournament Was Not Played. This Is Because The Course Was Turned Into A Place To Raise Turkey And Cattle To Support The War Effort.
  • No Amateur Has Ever Won The Master Tournament.
  • The Driveway That Leads To The Clubhouse, Known As Magnolia Lane, Is 330 Yards In Length And Is Lined With More Than 60 Magnolia Trees.
  • The Iconic Crow’s Nest That Sits On Top Of The Clubhouse Is Actually Available As Living Quarters For As Many As Five Amateurs During The Tournament.
  • Never Has The Winner Of The Par-Three Tournament Also Won The Masters Tournament In The Same Year.
  • The First African American Member Of The Club Was Admitted In 1990.
  • Each Hole On The Course Is Named After A Plant Or A Shrub. For Example, Tea Olive, Pink Dogwood, Flowering Crab Apple, And Azalea Are All Names Of Holes At Augusta National.
  • The Green Jacket Tradition Began In 1937 After The Jackets Were Purchased From New York’s Brooks Uniform Co So That The Patrons Of The Course Could Easily Find Members Who Would Have All The Needed Information.
  • The Television Network CBS Has Had The Rights To Broadcast The Tournament Since 1956.
  • It Wasn’t Until 1949 When The Green Jacket Was Given As A Part Of The Award Ceremony.
  • Until 1983, All Of The Participants Were Not Permitted To Use Their Own Caddies. They Had To Use Caddies Provided By The Club.
  • In Honor Of The Four-Time Masters Winner, A Plaque Of Arnold Palmer Is Affixed To A Fountain Behind The Number 16 Tee.
  • The Champion Of The Tournament (And Also Winner Of The Green Jacket) Is Allowed To Take The Jacket Off The Premises For A Year, And After That, It Must Be Returned To The Clubhouse.

When you partner with us you can expect to not only get tickets to one of the world’s most prestigious events, but also unrivaled hospitality, luxurious accommodations, and a superior partner committed to providing you and your guests with superior entertainment.

We are experts in corporate hospitality and in tailoring custom golf trip packages for companies and individuals alike. Whether you are a wide-eyed first-time visitor or a savvy Masters veteran, we can work with you to plan your perfect trip.

Tips for the Masters

At Superior Executive Services, we love the Masters—its tradition, history, excitement, and atmosphere. Perhaps the only thing we love more than the event itself is putting our clients at the heart of this experience and accentuating their trip with unrivaled hospitality and services.

Below are some tips to help you make the most out of your bucket-list experience.

Attend The Practice Rounds

Not only are the tickets for the practice rounds cheaper and easier to get, but attending the practice rounds gives you a unique opportunity to marvel at some of the world’s greatest golfers, take in the stunning allure of the course, and watch retired legends like Jack Nicklaus play. If you go, be sure to check out the par-three contest and watch players try to make the green on hole #16 by skipping across the pond.

Bring Your Camera To The Practice Rounds

Part of what makes this legendary golf tournament so prestigious and special is that it has a lot of long-standing traditions. One such tradition is that no phones and cameras are allowed during the tournament. However, this is not true during the practice round days, for cameras. During this time, ticket holders are permitted to snap photos of their favorite golfers, which is an opportunity you’ll definitely want to take advantage of. Also, don’t forget to make your way down to the clubhouse and take an iconic selfie in front of the famous yellow flowers. It’s the perfect way to  ommemorate this bucket-list experience.

Don’t Miss Out On The Food

We often say that the Masters is a sporting event unlike any other event in the world. We say this because we believe it. The Masters is truly amazing. If you haven’t been, one thing you will likely be (pleasantly) surprised of is the food. Not only is it good—especially their famous pimento cheese sandwich—but it is remarkably cheap. This is because Augusta National rarely raises concession prices. This means you can get a delicious meal for under $5. At that price, why not sample it all?

Join The Festivities

Although Augusta, Georgia, is a sleepy southern town, it comes alive during the week of the Masters. To truly celebrate the tournament, take part in some of these local festivities. From outdoor concerts to VIP parties to golf-themed drink specials, there are plenty of opportunities to have a seriously good time.

If you partner with Superior Executive Services to arrange your Masters golf package, you will receive access to our five-star hospitality club, Club Magnolia. This high-profile club is an executive playground, offering live entertainment, gourmet food and drinks, seven themed bars, putting greens, and it’s all located within walking distance of Augusta National Golf Club.

Buy A Chair

One tip often passed down by Masters veterans is to get a chair. While people are often generous sharing open chairs beside them, it sure is nice to have the freedom of planting your own chair anywhere behind the ropes. The chairs can be purchased from the store on the Augusta grounds for around $30.

Bring Rain Gear…And Sunscreen

What can we say, spring in Augusta can be a bit unpredictable. People often say that you can count on one day of the Masters being cold, one being hot, and one being rainy. Don’t let this erratic weather spoil your experience. Bring sunscreen, wear layers, and get quality rain gear—not a thin poncho that leaves you wet and shivering.

Call Your Special Someone From Amen Corner

Although phones are not allowed on the course, there are phones behind the grandstands at Amen Corner. If you really want to make your golf friends jealous or just want to say a special hi to a special someone, give them a call.

Walk The Entire Course

The Augusta National Golf Club is a beautifully manicured course. Make sure you see as much of it as you can. We understand that if you somehow snag a prime spot on hole #2, #16 tee, or #18, it can be hard to leave this situation, and maybe you shouldn’t. But do make sure that you see as much of the course as possible, whether it be from walking the course during a practice round or moving around during one of the tournament days. Do keep in mind that the course is much hillier than it seems on TV. Wear your comfortable shoes and be prepared to move.

Don’t Go Too Hard

The beer in Augusta is cheap, and with all the fun, golf-themed drinks it can be easy to have one too many. Not to mention, if you are staying at a luxurious hospitality house (like one of the ones we at Superior Executive Services offer) guests are often supplied with as much alcohol as desired. Though you certainly want to kick back, relax, and make the most of the experience, don’t overdo it. Nothing is worse than witnessing a historic moment in golfing history and not being able to truly remember it.

Book Your Trip With Professionals

Tickets to the Masters are often considered to be among the hardest to get for a sporting event. If you are going to spend the money to get these prized tickets, don’t you also want to ensure that you have a luxurious trip? We think so. This is why when you book a trip to the Masters through Superior Executive Services, we promise a luxurious experience for you and your guests. Included in your trip to Augusta is a stay at a gated-community home of your choice—which we will stock with food and drinks of your choosing—access to our hospitality club, and unrivaled treatment and hospitality on our part.

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