The Masters Tournament is the final major championship of the PGA Tour and a regular stop on the World Golf Championship circuit. It is held annually at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, United States, with the exception of 2017.
If there’s one tournament that stands out from all the rest, it’s the Masters Tournament. This annual golf tournament, held in Augusta, Georgia, is considered to be one of the four major championships in professional golf. It dates back to 1934 and features some of the best players in the world competing for the green jacket and a coveted spot on golf’s biggest stage.
If you love golf and want to learn more about this beloved tourney, then look no further. Here are some interesting facts about the Masters Tournament that will help you understand why it is such a special event.
Some Facts About The Masters Tournament
The Masters Tournament is one of the four major championships in professional golf. Held annually in Augusta, Georgia, the Masters is the first major of the year and is usually played in early April.
The tournament was founded by Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones. Jones, one of the most legendary players in golf history, designed the Augusta National Golf Club. The club and tournament are both exclusive and very prestigious.
In order to be invited to play in the Masters, a golfer must either win a major championship or be ranked in the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking list.
The winner of the Masters Tournament receives a green jacket. This tradition began in 1937 when Sam Snead won the first green jacket. The jacket is symbolic of membership at Augusta National Golf Club.
Winners of the Masters also have their names engraved on a gold trophy. In addition, they receive a gold medal with their name and year of victory inscribed on it. Here are 8 interesting facts about the Masters Tournament.
1. Why Is It Called The Masters Tournament?
The Masters Tournament is an annual golf tournament held at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. It is one of four major championships in professional golf and the first of the year. The tournament is invitational, so only players who the Augusta National Golf Club has invited can compete.
The Masters Tournament was originally called the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. It was first held in 1934 and was won by Horton Smith. The name of the tournament was changed to The Masters in 1939 and has been held at the Augusta National Golf Club ever since.
The Masters is considered one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. Many of the greatest golfers, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods, have competed in it.
2. Precisely When Is The Masters Golf Tournament?
Another interesting fact is that Masters Golf Tournament is held annually in Augusta, Georgia, United States. It is one of the four major championships in professional golf. The tournament is scheduled for the first full week of April and is played over four days.
3. In 1937, the Green Jacket trend was introduced
The Green Jacket trend was introduced in 1937 by two Augusta National Golf Club members, Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones. The jacket, which is now iconic, was originally intended to be worn by members of the club during tournament play. However, it quickly caught on as a stylish piece of outerwear and is now commonly seen at golf tournaments around the world.
4. It is prohibited to use a cell phone during the tournament
The use of cell phones is prohibited during the Masters Tournament. This includes using a cell phone for any purpose, including making or receiving calls, text messaging, emailing, taking pictures or videos, or using social media.
This rule is enforced inside and outside the tournament to maintain the competition’s integrity. Violations of this rule will result in disqualification from the tournament.
5. During WWII, Augusta National was closed
During WWII, Augusta National was closed from 1942 to 1945. This was due to the fact that club founder Bobby Jones was in poor health and could not continue to operate the course. After the war, Jones sold the club to Clifford Roberts and Price Gilbert. The new owners reopened Augusta National in 1946.
6. Every competition starts with a ceremonial opening drive
The ceremonial opening drive at the Masters is one of the most iconic moments in golf. A different honorary starter hits the first tee shot to begin the tournament every year officially. Some of the most famous honorary starters include Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player.
This tradition started in 1960 when Clifford Roberts, one of the co-founders of Augusta National Golf Club, asked Sam Snead to hit the first tee shot. Roberts believed that Snead embodied everything that was good about the game of golf. Snead agreed to do it and hit a beautiful drive down the center of the fairway. The crowd went wild, and Snead was given a standing ovation.
Since then, every Masters Tournament has started with a ceremonial opening drive from a different honorary starter. This is one of the many traditions that make the Masters such a special event.
7. The inclusion of women in Augusta happened in 2012
Another interesting fact is the inclusion of women in Augusta happened in 2012. In that year, Augusta National Golf Club finally admitted its first female members: former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and financier Darla Moore. The club had come under intense pressure to admit women in the wake of a public controversy surrounding then-chairman Hootie Johnson’s comments about the possibility of admitting women.
Johnson famously said that “women have had opportunities to participate” at Augusta but that their admission as members would be “contrary to our traditions.” After years of refusing to budge on the issue, Augusta finally relented in 2012.
8. The Augusta National almost had 19 holes
The Augusta National Golf Club, located in Augusta, Georgia, almost had 19 holes in its course. The club was only able to play 18 holes due to the construction of a new golf course and the renovation of the original course. The original 18 holes were designed by PGA TOUR member Bob Cushman and are a mix of long par 3s and shorter par 4s. The reconstruction created many holes that would have been perfect for an 18-hole event, but it was meant to be something other than an 18-hole event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Masters Tournament is a top-tier golf event that can attract some of the world’s best players. The event has come to be known for its tightly played and highly competitive matches, and the players who attend are often among the most accomplished in the world. With several exciting new tournaments set to begin next year, the Masters Tournament will continue to be a major player in the golfing calendar.
