THE MODERN ERA

Masters Tournament patrons received a welcome surprise in their e-mail inbox this week: an application for 2009 practice round tickets.

Augusta National Golf Club, for the first time, sent the forms electronically. But don't fret if you don't have e-mail or didn't get one: The club will send one to you via regular mail if you have applied for tickets in the past two years. If you don't get one in the next few days, you can call or write the club to request the form.

THE APPLICATION

Only one application is accepted per household.

BY MAIL: To request one, send your name and address to:

Masters Tournament, Practice Rounds, P.O. Box 2047, Augusta, GA 30903-2047

BY PHONE: You also can call (706) 667-6700 (a recording).

- Don't call if you applied in 2007 or 2008 or if you've previously called to be on the mailing list. You'll automatically receive an application.

THE SELECTION

Completed applications must be postmarked by July 15.

Augusta National uses a random lottery system to determine who gets to buy the tickets. Successful applicants will be notified by mail in September, and tickets will be mailed in March. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.

Don't confuse practice round tickets with a patron badge, which is good for the four tournament days. A waiting list for badges is closed.

THE COST

Patrons will see a $5 price increase for practice round tickets in 2009. Tickets for Monday and Tuesday practice rounds cost $36 each. A ticket to Wednesday's practice round, which also includes the popular Par-3 Contest, costs $41. Do not mail any payment with your application.

The 2009 practice rounds are scheduled for April 6-8.

Source: Augusta National Golf Club