Since the first edition in 1934, the Masters Tournament has displayed some of the greatest moments in the world of golf. As one of the four major golf tournaments, this annual event is a highlight in the golfing calendar: talent is first-class, swings and drives are magical, and the memories associated are nothing short of spectacular.
What’s more, this event is famous due to its beauty; played at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA, the course displays towering pines and azaleas in full bloom. The first full week in April certainly ushers in a truly unique stage for golf, and sport, more generally. Here’s a little more insight into this famous tournament…
The Birth of The Masters
As mentioned, the Masters was founded in 1934, by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts. The former was both a legend and amateur champion, after dominating the game in the 1920s and 30s, with 13 major championship victories from 1923-1930. The latter made his mark on Wall Street as an investment banker, and supported Jones’ dreams of building a golf course, and Augusta National was born, with its formal opening in 1933. The year after, the Masters Tournament (although named Augusta National Invitation Tournament until 1939) was born, and subsequently scheduled each year.
The Masters Traditions
One of the most recognisable traditions of this tournament is that, if you win the Masters, not only do you win a lump sum of cash and your name engraved on the silver trophy, but you also receive a custom green jacket. This green jacket is a true sign of prestige in the world of golf and is only given to both the tournament’s winners and August National Golf Club members. The tradition began in 1949 after champion Sam Snead received the prestigious gift; each year since, the winner has been presented with said jacket by the winner of the previous year’s tournament.
Winners are only allowed to wear the jacket whilst on the grounds of Augusta National, unless you are the reigning champion – in which case, you’re free to roam in it wherever you wish for the entire year!
The tournament withholds other traditions too; there is a ‘Champions Dinner’ that is held each year on the Tuesday evening preceding Thursday's first round. It was introduced in 1952, to honour the past winners of this iconic tournament, by inviting them to dinner. The defending champion, as host, selects the menu for the dinner, which is usually pay homage to their home country; Sandy Lyle, 1988 champion, chose haggis for his 1989 dinner, whilst Trevor Immelman chose bobotie, a South African dish, after reigning supreme in 2008. What would you choose?!
Past Winners of the Masters
Jack Nicklaus has won the Masters six times and thus has the record for most Masters titles, with his wins in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975 and 1986.
Tiger Woods comes in second place with five Masters wins, his first being in 1997 when he was just 21 years old – in fact, he was the youngest ever winner of the Masters.
Other notable mentions are Arnold Palmer (4), Phil Mickleson (3), Gary Player (3) and Sam Snead (3).
Beyond being a major, the Masters holds additional prestige as the winner each year has a standing invitation to come back and compete in the event for the rest of their life.
What makes the Masters so special?
The Masters spans over four days and 72 holes, making it the smallest field in major championship golf. What’s more, there is less than 100 competitors, so it is the toughest Major to book a place on! The exclusivity makes this a truly special tournament, amongst its long-standing traditions and rich history.
Former No.1 golfer Martin Kaymer once said: "As an athlete, as a golf player, it's probably the tournament that you always want to win in your career…if you compare it to tennis, it's Wimbledon and for us it's the Masters… it really starts off the season.'
