AUGUSTA, Ga. — For many in Augusta, one of the highlights of Masters week is not just the golf action at Augusta National but also the chance to witness the steady stream of private planes taking off from Daniel Field Airport. This annual tradition has become a unique way for locals and visitors to cap off the week-long event, and this year, several families turned out to be part of the spectacle.

Among those who visited the airport was Nathaniel Deloach, who brought his daughter, Gracie, to see the planes take off. Gracie, a plane enthusiast, had been captivated by the sight of the aircraft arriving and departing during last year’s Masters. Inspired by the experience, the family decided to make the trip to Daniel Field on the final day of the tournament.

“When the Masters started, we actually let her watch the planes coming in and going out. She loved it, so we decided to come here on the last day of the Masters and let her see the planes leaving,” Deloach explained. For Gracie, it was the perfect way to end a week that had already been filled with excitement.

Kristy Guffey, a long-time Augusta resident, also shared in the experience with her daughter. Having lived in Augusta for over 40 years, Guffey had never before visited the airport during Masters week. This year, however, she wanted to create a special memory with her daughter, who had enjoyed a variety of Masters-related activities throughout the week, including attending the Drive, Chip, and Putt competition.

“I’ve been here for 43 years, and I’ve never done this, so I wanted to try it with her and get the excitement. She loves Masters week. We went to Drive, Chip, and Putt on Sunday — that was her second time. She loved it, and we also did some shopping and saw the golfers. I even got a little bear,” Guffey said with a smile.

For both families, the experience at Daniel Field Airport was a perfect way to soak in the end of Masters week. For Deloach, the most rewarding part of the visit was simply seeing his daughter’s joy as the planes soared into the sky.

“Just a smile on my daughter’s face, watching the planes going up and out,” Deloach remarked. “That’s what makes it all worth it.”

As Masters week comes to a close, the planes at Daniel Field serve as a reminder of the excitement and energy that surrounds this iconic event. For those who missed out this year, it’s a tradition to mark on the calendar for the future — a perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable week in Augusta.