Masters Ticket Fraud Victim Battles for Augusta Access
Augusta, GA – A dream trip to witness the prestigious Masters Tournament has morphed into a desperate fight for a golf fan to reclaim his place at the iconic event. Josh Knauer, a devoted golfer from South Carolina, is embroiled in a baffling situation after his tickets were unexpectedly canceled due to a fraudulent identity claim, leaving him persona non grata in Augusta.
Knauer, a passionate golf enthusiast, purchased his tickets for the 2025 Masters in July 2024, anticipating a memorable experience alongside his wife, brother, and a friend. However, his meticulously planned trip was abruptly derailed when he received an email from the tournament organizers stating his tickets were unavailable for resale, effectively barring him from entry.
“I received my tickets by email a month ago, I planned to attend with my wife, my brother and a friend. I had not shared the information online, the tickets were locked in my trunk.”
Josh Knauer, via Twitter (@jknauer42)
Investigations soon revealed a shocking truth: Knauer’s identity had been stolen. A fabricated Facebook profile, utilizing photos of his family, was used to create a false narrative and fraudulently acquire his tickets.
“Mally intentional people and certainly informed that he was in possession of a ticket for the masters created an online false profile by usurping his identity,” Knauer stated, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Now, the father of three is embarking on a lengthy and challenging process to prove his innocence. He’s meticulously documented his case, providing substantial evidence including over 15 text messages with timestamps confirming his attendance plans and returning the original tickets to the tournament.
“I added this update to my appeal letter. I wrote a full manifesto outlining my entire story. I attached 15+ text messages with timestamps showing arrangements to attend, and even sent my tickets back to prove my innocence. I was (am!) desperate.”
Josh Knauer, via Twitter (@jknauer42) – April 7, 2025
Despite his efforts, the tournament management remains unresponsive, leaving Knauer to fight on. He’s currently mailing a thick envelope containing his evidence to the Augusta National clubhouse, demonstrating a steadfast determination to regain access to the Masters – and restore his cherished dream.
The situation underscores the importance of vigilance and security measures within the highly sought-after ticket market for the Masters Tournament. Regardless of the distance separating his home from Augusta, Knauer’s commitment to clearing his name is unwavering, highlighting the impact of this ordeal on a passionate golf fan.
Credit: @jknauer42
FAQ
- Why were Josh Knauer’s tickets canceled?
- What is Josh Knauer doing to resolve the situation?
- Has the tournament responded to his appeal?
His identity was stolen, leading to a fraudulent claim on his tickets.
He is appealing the decision and providing substantial evidence to prove his innocence.
Currently, the tournament management has not responded to his efforts.
Did you know? The Masters Tournament utilizes a sophisticated ticketing system, but unfortunately, it remains vulnerable to fraud. This case serves as a reminder for fans to remain cautious and protect their personal information.
Pro Tip: Always verify the authenticity of any ticket offers you receive, especially from unofficial sources.
Call to Action: Share this story to help Josh Knauer in his fight to attend the Masters!