The cost for a coveted ticket to watch the Masters Tournament is increasing by $50.

The Augusta Chronicle reports that Tournament patrons who receive series badges each year were notified this week that the cost of a Masters badge is now $250.

It's the first increase since 2009, when the price went up $25 to $200.

The Augusta National Golf Club also announced a new online process for paying for the badges. The club told patrons that application renewal and payment must be completed online by Jan. 31 or their ticket allocations will be forfeited.

The 2012 Masters Tournament will be held April 2-8 in Augusta.

Tags: golf, Masters tickets, Augusta Masters, The Augusta Chronicle