Food as Iconic as the Green Jacket
Pimento Cheese & Peach Ice Cream: The Iconic Food Traditions of The Masters
Every April, golf’s greatest gather in Augusta, Georgia for The Masters—one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport. But ask any seasoned attendee what they’re most excited about, and chances are they’ll mention something besides the leaderboard: the food.
The Masters isn’t just a display of skill on the green—it’s a celebration of Southern hospitality, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its legendary concessions. While many major sporting events offer overpriced, forgettable fare, The Masters leans into tradition, simplicity, and affordability. And that’s exactly what makes it so special.
The Legendary Pimento Cheese Sandwich
You can’t talk about food at The Masters without starting here. Served on white bread, wrapped in green wax paper, and priced at just $1.50, the pimento cheese sandwich is a rite of passage. It’s creamy, tangy, and totally unpretentious. Whether you’re a golf aficionado or a first-timer just soaking up the azaleas, this sandwich is a must.
There’s even a bit of mystery around the recipe—so much so that when Augusta National switched vendors in the early 2010s, the original supplier reportedly took the secret blend with them, prompting a re-creation effort that was closely guarded.
Egg Salad Sandwiches: A Close Second
Another Southern staple, the egg salad sandwich is just as simple and just as beloved. Mild, creamy, and served on the same soft white bread, it’s comfort food that hits the spot during a long day under the Georgia sun.
Many fans grab one of each and call it the perfect lunch—washed down, of course, with a sweet tea or a cold beer.
Masters BBQ: Slow, Smoky, and Satisfying
It wouldn’t be the South without some pulled pork. The Masters’ BBQ sandwich is piled high with tender, smoky meat and just the right amount of tangy sauce. It’s a heavier option for those wanting something heartier after walking the hilly course, but every bit as classic.
Peach Ice Cream Sandwiches (R.I.P.?)
Ask any die-hard Masters fan and they’ll tell you about the elusive peach ice cream sandwich—vanilla cookies bookending a scoop of peach ice cream made with local fruit. It was the perfect cool-down treat on a warm Georgia day. Unfortunately, it hasn’t made a regular appearance in recent years, but the legend lives on in conversations and Instagram throwbacks.
Affordable, Iconic, and Oh-So-Augusta
Perhaps the most surprising (and refreshing) part of food at The Masters is the price. Sandwiches for $1.50. Beer for $5. Snacks for under $2. In a world of $12 stadium hot dogs, Augusta National keeps it old school—and fans love them for it.
It’s a reminder that tradition doesn’t always have to mean expensive or elaborate. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up year after year, ordering that same pimento cheese sandwich, and savoring the taste of history.