Been going to the Masters every year since I was a teenager. Fortunately my Father gets 2 badges every year and hasnt missed a Masters since 1971 (his first year). Unfortunately for Mother, her birthday is in early April and almost always falls during Masters week. By the way, They've been divorced for over 20yrs now. Weve basically tried staying in many different places and they are all expensive. If you wanna stay close to Augusta National and all the action I would recommend renting a house for the week/wknd. Masters week in Augusta is usually spring break for all the locals and they love to rent their houses out to pay for their spring break trip. Another option is staying at Reynolds Plantation which is about an hour away and absolutely amazing. Great golf, huge lake, houses for rent, and a ritz carlton inside the plantation as well. The only downside is the drive. As far as tickets go, yes they have gotten outrageously expensive over the past 10 years. Just remember, they are badges, not tickets.
2 badges is all you need, no matter how many people are in your party.
Once you're in, you're in..