The Masters

Another first for 2020, The Masters at Augusta National Golf Course, taking place in November instead of March this year. Of the four major golf tournaments, The Masters is my favorite. it is the only major played at the same course every year and what a beautiful layout it is.

Augusta was first opened in 1932 and founded by golfing legend Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, it was also designed by Mr. Jones and Allister MacKenzie. The first Masters tournament was at the National, Augusta Georgia in 1934. It’s easily ranked every year, as one of Americas best courses. Augusta was built on 345 acres in 76 days, this land was originally a fruit plantation. Jones and Roberts vision, was to also build a ladies golf course, along with squash and tennis courts. Times were tough back in the early 30’s and “The Great Depression” ended this vision. One of many interesting facts about The Masters tournament. It was only created by Jones and Roberts, after their bid for the 1934 U.S. Open was turned down by the PGA. The duo then created the Augusta National Invitation, which later became simply The Masters.

The Green Jacket! Every professional golfers dream, placed upon their shoulders by The Masters champion from the year before! Every paying member of Augusta National, receives this iconic green sports coat, but outside of the members, the only people allowed to receive The Green Jacket, is a masters champion. So while you’re watching the tournament later this week and you notice someone wearing a green sports coat in the crowd, this would be an Augusta member. It was Cliff Roberts idea of the green jacket, It’s believed he wanted visitors of the tournament, to be able to identify who the club members are. The 1949 championship was won by Sam Snead, making him the first Masters champion to don the green jacket. Every champion since 1949 has received a green jacket, as well as all prior winners back to 1934. Per club rules, the jacket must stay at Augusta, and only be worn on National grounds. Except for the current Masters champion, for a period of one year the jacket may leave the grounds, but then it is to be returned at the following Masters tournament. Only two jackets have ever broke out! Gary Players jacket, is currently displayed at his home and 1934 Masters champion Horton Smith, who’s jacket was sold by a relative in 2013 for over $680,000!

Golfing legends are, and always will be, Masters Champions! Early names like Sarazen, Nelson, Snead and Hogan. Flowing on to legends Palmer, Player and Nicklaus. Continuing through greats players Watson, Ballesteros, Crenshaw and Faldo, ending with current Masters Champion Tiger Woods. the Masters really is, like no other championship in the world! It brings out the very best and worst in all players. It’s a course designed to use every club and force the players to use every facet of their game, to tame this beautiful place!

Tune in your set, computer or phone, Thursday November 12, 2020 for the very first fall Masters. From the pictures I’ve seen and what a few players have said, this course is as beautiful and ready as ever. Augusta Georgia, bring us another Masters champion!

Enjoy your week and feel free to leave me comments. Catch you on the flip side!