It sits atop the most recognizable landmark in golf.

Famous golfers from Jack Nicklaus (Stats | Bio) to Tiger Woods (Stats | Bio) have stayed there.

And, outside of staying in one of Augusta National Golf Club's cabins, it might be the most preferred lodging at the Masters Tournament. But you can't put a price on it - its tenants stay for a nominal fee.

The Crow's Nest, the room on top of Augusta National's famed Clubhouse, houses amateurs participating in the Masters.

It's just another special touch that separates the Masters from all other golf tournaments.

First-time amateurs usually rate staying in the Crow's Nest - with its spectacular views of the golf course and proximity to so much golf history - among the highlights of their week.

Amateur James Driscoll, who shot 68 in the first round of the 2001 Masters, bumped into a couple of past tournament winners during his stay.

"I was running up to the Crow's Nest to drop off my clubs, and the Champions Dinner was going on. I was trying to avoid it," Driscoll told The Augusta Chronicle.

"I saw Arnold Palmer (Stats | Bio) , and I tried to go the other way. As I turned the corner, Seve (Ballesteros) was walking right out; I was like, 'Oh, sorry.' This place just oozes with history. You never know who you're going to bump into."

The 30-foot-by-40-foot room is similar to a college dormitory, with sparse furnishings that have a nautical theme, hence the name Crow's Nest. An 11-foot-square cupola, which provides views in all four directions, is accessible only by ladder.

Now in its third generation, the room has gone from bunk beds to its current state.

In the early days of the tournament, it was not uncommon for the Masters to invite a dozen or more amateurs. Now that number has been reduced to five: the U.S. Amateur winner and runner-up, the British Amateur champion, the U.S. Mid-Amateur winner and the U.S. Public Links champion.

The Crow's Nest has room for five people. Wives, girlfriends or other family members are not permitted to stay during tournament week. The tradition dates to the beginning of the tournament.

The room is divided into four cubicles by partitions. Three have space for a single bed, and one has two beds. One full bathroom and an additional sink are also in the Crow's Nest. Insiders say the best bed is the one with a clear line of sight to the television set; it also offers the only way to change the channel via remote control.

White bath robes emblazoned with the Augusta National logo hang in each cubicle. Each amateur gets to keep one as a memento of his stay at the Crow's Nest.

Vintage photos line the walls, including several of famed amateur and club co-founder Bobby Jones. Another favorite image is that of two-time Masters winner Byron Nelson (Stats | Bio) and his wife walking together on the course.

To get to the Crow's Nest, golfers must climb a narrow set of steps. And when coming down, they must be careful to not turn left and enter the Champions Locker Room.

It's a walk most amateur golfers dream of taking.

Reach John Boyette at (706) 823-3337 or john.boyette@augustachronicle.com.