A career-long dream brought Jordan Janes to Augusta, Georgia, as he ran his fingers over the patchwork quilt of perfectly manicured greens that make up Augusta National, The Masters’ much-lauded homeground. Arriving at Augusta, the 42-year-old St. Louis native found himself neck-deep in the flavorful traditions of a sporting event rich in history. Among them – the time-honored Masters classic: the pimento cheese sandwich.
In the carnival-like atmosphere of the tournament, amid sunlight filtering through the magnolias, Janes lost himself in this slice of authentic southern fare. Augusta’s famous pimento cheese sandwich – a blend of shredded cheese, mayonnaise, chopped pimentos, and a secret blend of spices between two slices of white bread – wasn’t merely food for the 42-year-old. It was an experience.
Janes wasn’t dissuaded by the sandwich’s alarming statistical data of 556 calories and 35 fat grams. “I might lead a healthful life when I’m home,” Janes reasoned, “but while I’m here in Augusta, I’m looking to indulge myself. I’ve clocked in 17,000 steps today. I’ve earned myself a break from guilt!” he quipped, relishing the sandwich, this was an indulgence he deemed entirely worthwhile.
In similar good faith was Jimmy Murray, a 32-year-old from Minneapolis, who confessed to finding the pimento sandwich “fantastic”. The sandwich, upon first-taste, felt like an uncommon delicacy within the midwest. The ensemble of sandwich, chips, and a soft drink – all at an unbeatable price of $5 – seemed like nothing short of a small culinary miracle.
Despite rising food costs spurred by inflation across the US, Augusta National hasn’t budged on its pricing. To the relief of golf aficionados, you can still relish the club sandwich or a barbeque sandwich, both wallet-friendly at $3, with a side of Georgia peach ice cream sandwich at an additional $3. The only blip on this budget-friendly radar is the beer prices, hiked to $6 per bottle, up from last year’s $5.
Murray had done his homework before arrival. He studied the prices and relished almost every item on the menu, all for a pocket-pleasing $10.50. An assortment of sandwiches every attendee looked forward to, not excluding the famous egg salad sandwich, all under $3. In the freshness of a new morning, visitors can start their day with a breakfast ensemble of coffee, a chicken biscuit, and mixed fruit, each priced at $3 or less.
Beverage options maintained an affordable streak with a cost of $2 for a variety of soft drinks, water, and iced tea. More mature options cost $6, covering the crow’s nest cocktail, domestic and imported beer selections, and a crisp white wine. Snacks, such as plain or barbecued chips, peanuts, dessert cookies, and pecan caramel popcorn, are all bargain-priced at $2 or less. Not to miss, the delightful southern cheese straws and the Georgia peach ice cream sandwich, both promising a sensory overload at the cost of $3 and under.
While the delightful array of foodstuffs kept the palate entertained, one item was conspicuously missing from the checklist – cell phones. Augusta National continues to uphold its no-cell-phone policy, preaching focus on the game and fostering real-life connections. Janes praised this practice, saying it throws you back to a simpler, less digital-dependent existence. “I’ve spent my time at Augusta truly absorbing the atmosphere and conversing with people. Who needs phones when you’re living the moment?” he concluded.
