AUGUSTA, Ga. — The excitement is palpable as Masters Week kicks off in Augusta, with the air buzzing with anticipation from both golf enthusiasts and casual patrons alike. For many, the trip to the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club begins the moment they land at Augusta Regional Airport, where Delta Airlines has ensured an unforgettable experience for its passengers.

This week, Delta is expecting to welcome around 1,900 passengers each day, the majority of whom are headed to witness the legendary golf tournament. However, for those flying in through Delta, the experience of Augusta starts long before they even step onto the course.

Delta, a key tournament partner, has gone above and beyond to create an “Immersive Masters Experience” for its patrons, making sure they feel the energy and excitement of the Masters from the moment they board their flight to the moment they step off the plane.

According to Andrew Wheatley, the ACS Field Director for RAM Stations at Delta Airlines, the experience begins even before passengers reach Augusta. “It starts on the aircraft,” Wheatley explains. “We offer live streaming of the Masters on our mainline aircraft, so passengers can watch the tournament unfold in real time while they’re in the air. Once they land, it’s as if they’re walking straight onto the green. The atmosphere is set from the moment they exit the aircraft.”

The immersive experience doesn’t stop with live streaming. As passengers make their way off the plane and onto the jet bridge, they are greeted by a stunning array of Masters-themed decorations, including posters featuring the iconic images of the tournament. The air is filled with the scent of fresh azaleas, reminiscent of those in full bloom at Augusta National, transporting passengers directly to the heart of the tournament.

For many patrons, this sensory experience only adds to the thrill of attending the Masters. “The Masters itself is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Colby Maiola, a Masters patron. “As soon as you step off the plane and see all of this, you immediately feel like you’re part of something special. It really sets the tone for the entire event.”

The atmosphere around the airport and in the city of Augusta itself is equally vibrant, with patrons and locals alike donning Augusta National attire and Masters paraphernalia. “It’s not just the tournament, it’s the whole culture surrounding it,” Maiola adds. “Everyone is involved, and there’s such a sense of community here.”

For some patrons, like Will Brown, attending the Masters is a chance to celebrate a milestone with friends. Brown and his friends, who were lucky enough to win tickets to the event, describe their experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip. “The food, the merchandise, just the overall vibe here—everything has been fantastic,” said Ryan Kennedy, one of Brown’s friends. “The people are so nice, so polite. It’s been a great experience all around.”

Delta’s effort to provide a seamless and exciting journey, from takeoff to landing, reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing the Masters experience for its passengers. With each passing day, the excitement builds as more patrons arrive, ready to witness one of golf’s most iconic events.

For Delta, the Masters is not just about getting patrons to their destination; it’s about making the journey itself an unforgettable part of the experience. Whether it’s through the livestreaming of the tournament during the flight, the themed decorations at the airport, or the warm welcome upon arrival, Delta has found a way to make every moment of the trip feel like a part of the Masters magic.