During Masters week, visitors commonly rent the homes of locals rather than staying in hotels to make their Augusta National trip more comfortable.
Homeowners took to TikTok, the popular social media platform, to document their preparation process while getting their houses guest-ready.
One of these was Virginia Claussen Bundy who shared that some things she does before handing over the keys include adding fresh paint, planting new flowers, updating furniture, and one year, even installing putting greens.
Not “just any renters”
“I’m not talking about just any renters,” Bundy said in one video. “We’re talking about A-listers, Fortune 500 companies, golfers, [Augusta National] members, some even have to sign NDAs (non-disclosure agreements). So we put serious work into prepping.”
While some visitors opt to rent out apartments, condos and small houses, others are willing to shell out big bucks for larger arrangements.
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According to the Masters Housing Bureau, a suggested rental rate for a larger, four bedroom home, could range anywhere from $9,000 to $18,000 dollars for a 7-night stay. Even larger homes can run a renter over $25,000.
Because of the price point, these houses must meet certain standards.
Six to eight weeks of prep
Caitlin Phibbs spoke with The Augusta Press and said that it took her anywhere from six to eight weeks to finish getting everything together.
Phibbs said some essentials include clearing out bathroom and dresser drawers and closets for guests to use, as well as supplying new towels and bed linens, including extra linens for changeovers during the week.
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“Walking out of the house when you’re done cleaning, it’s so satisfying,” Phibbs said.
Phibbs said that her favorite part of the process was adding the finishing touches, namely, masters-themed artisan coasters and napkins created by the late local artist Katherine McCall.
“The biggest thing is, what would I want if I were renting a house?” Phibbs said.
Whitney Parker, who rented her North Augusta home out, also said she enjoyed going “over the top” with decorations – especially a golf-themed tablescape in the formal dining room.
“I think it’s really cool that this is something that we have in our town. At the end of the day, it truly is like nothing else,” Parker said.
