History of The Masters Golf Tournament So far.
The Masters Golf Tournament: A History
History of The Masters Golf Tournament, one of golf's four major championships, is an invitational tournament held annually at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Renowned for its challenging course, rich history, and iconic traditions, the Masters has captivated golf enthusiasts worldwide since its inception in 1934. This article delves into the tournament's origins, highlighting key moments, legendary champions, and enduring traditions that have shaped its legacy.
The Genesis of a Golfing Tradition
The seeds of the Masters were sown in the mind of legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones, who, after retiring from competitive golf in 1930, envisioned building a world-class golf course. He partnered with Clifford Roberts, an investment banker, and together they acquired a 365-acre former plant nursery in Augusta. Jones, with the help of renowned course architect Alister MacKenzie, designed the Augusta National Golf Club, which opened in 1933.
Driven by a desire to "provide a service to golf by hosting a tournament," Jones and Roberts decided to hold an annual event. When Jones founded the Masters in 1934, it was a quaint little tournament in a quaint little state. Golf was hardly at the forefront of Georgia's sporting passions, taking a backseat to minor-league baseball and college football .The inaugural tournament, initially named the Augusta National Invitation Tournament, teed off on March 22, 1934. Roberts favored the name "Masters Tournament," but Jones, deeming it "too presumptuous," opted for the more modest title. However, in 1939, Jones relented, and the tournament officially became known as the Masters. The Masters played a crucial role in increasing golf's popularity, especially in Georgia.
Early Champions and Memorable Moments
YearWinner 1934Horton Smith 1935Gene Sarazen 1936Horton Smith 1937Byron Nelson 1938Henry Picard
Horton Smith etched his name in golf history by winning the first Masters Tournament in 1934, claiming the top prize of $1,500. He would go on to win the tournament again in 1936, becoming the first two-time Masters champion.
Gene Sarazen triumphed in 1935, achieving victory in a 36-hole playoff against Craig Wood. In that same year, Sarazen hit the "shot heard 'round the world," holing a shot from the fairway on the par-5 15th hole for a double eagle (albatross). This tied Sarazen with Craig Wood, and in the ensuing 36-hole playoff, Sarazen was the victor by five strokes. This victory marked a significant milestone for Sarazen, as he became the first golfer to win all four modern major championships, completing the Career Grand Slam.
The tournament was not played from 1943 to 1945 due to World War II. The 1940s and 1950s witnessed the rise of golfing legends like Byron Nelson, Jimmy Demaret, and Sam Snead. Nelson secured his first Masters title in 1937 and his second in 1942, defeating Ben Hogan in an 18-hole playoff. Demaret, known for his flamboyant personality, captured three Masters titles, while Snead matched that feat, with his first victory coming in 1949.
The Golden Age and the "Big Three"
The Masters entered a golden age in the 1960s, with the emergence of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus, often referred to as the "Big Three." Palmer, with his charismatic persona and aggressive playing style, ignited a passion for golf among fans worldwide. He won his first Masters in 1958 and went on to claim three more titles in 1960, 1962, and 1964. In 1960, Palmer won by one stroke in memorable circumstances. Trailing Ken Venturi by one shot, Palmer made birdies on the last two holes to prevail.
Player, a South African golfing icon, broke new ground in 1961 by becoming the first non-American player to win the Masters. He would add two more Masters titles to his impressive resume in 1974 and 1978.
Nicklaus, arguably the greatest golfer of all time, dominated the Masters throughout his career. He won his first green jacket in 1963 and his sixth in 1986 at the age of 46, becoming the oldest Masters champion. His final-round 65 in 1986, featuring a remarkable back-nine 30, is considered one of the most iconic moments in Masters history.
Modern Masters and Enduring Traditions
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw the rise of new golfing stars, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Bubba Watson. Woods, a global sporting icon, captured his first Masters title in 1997 at the age of 21, winning by a record 12 strokes. He would go on to win four more Masters titles, solidifying his place among the game's greats.
Mickelson, known for his exceptional short game, finally claimed his first Masters victory in 2004 after numerous near misses. He would win two more green jackets in 2006 and 2010, becoming a three-time Masters champion.
Watson, with his unorthodox swing and remarkable shot-making abilities, secured his first Masters title in 2012, thanks to an unforgettable hook shot from the trees in a playoff against Louis Oosthuizen. He won his second green jacket in 2014.
The Masters is steeped in tradition, with several rituals and customs that add to its allure. The most iconic of these is the green jacket, awarded to the champion since 1949. The green jacket was inspired by coats worn by members of the Royal Liverpool club to indicate their rank and status. Bobby Jones, golf champion and co-founder of Augusta National Golf Club, saw this and brought the idea to co-founder and Chairman Clifford Roberts. In 1937, the green jackets were implemented as a means to distinguish the Augusta National club members from the event attendees. The idea was to provide an easily recognizable way for the public to locate assistance when needed. The first green jacket was not presented to the winner until 1949 when Sam Snead triumphed and subsequently it was then retroactively awarded to previous winners and has remained a right of passage ever since. The champion can keep the jacket for a year before returning it to the club, where it remains a symbol of their victory. The green jacket represents the greatest victory in golf, history, tradition, and heritage. It connects the generations of champions.
Other notable traditions include the Champions Dinner, held on the Tuesday before the tournament, where past champions gather for a special meal. The Par 3 Contest, held on Wednesday, provides a more relaxed atmosphere, with players often inviting family members to caddie for them. The Drive, Chip and Putt competition, a free nationwide junior golf development competition, was founded in 2013. It is aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. Beginning in 1963, distinguished golfers, usually past champions, have hit an honorary tee shot on the morning of the first round to commence play. The Crow's Nest is a small dormitory-style room hidden away on the second floor of the legendary Augusta National clubhouse. All amateurs are given the chance to stay a night in The Crow's Nest ahead of taking part in The Masters, where they'll be able to soak up the history and tradition of the place. There is also a tradition of skipping balls across the water fronting the 16th green. At the Masters, there are many crystal trophies handed out for the week. It's a tradition at the tournament for players who record scoring milestones to be awarded various crystal items for such feats. For an ace, a player receives a crystal bowl while the low score each day nets a crystal vase. Make an eagle at any point during the tournament and you'll be taking home two crystal goblets.
Augusta National: A Living Monument to Golf
Augusta National Golf Club, the permanent home of the Masters, is a masterpiece of golf course architecture. Designed by Jones and MacKenzie, the course is renowned for its challenging layout, immaculate conditioning, and stunning beauty. Each hole is named after a tree or shrub, reflecting the course's origins as a former plant nursery. Augusta National was founded in 1932 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts on the 365-acre site of a former nursery/antebellum plantation called Fruitland (later Fruitlands). Spectators at the Masters are referred to as "patrons." The Big Oak Tree is located behind the clubhouse and is a popular gathering place for players and patrons. The Champions Locker Room is reserved for Masters champions.
The course has undergone several changes over the years , with architects like Perry Maxwell and Robert Trent Jones contributing to its evolution. However, the core elements of MacKenzie's design remain, ensuring that Augusta National continues to test the skills of the world's best golfers while preserving the original design.
Conclusion: A Tournament for the Ages
The Masters Tournament has evolved from a dream of Bobby Jones into one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. From its modest beginnings as a local tournament to its current status as a global phenomenon, the Masters has consistently showcased the highest level of golf while upholding its unique traditions. The tournament's rich history is intertwined with the legacies of legendary champions like Horton Smith, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the event. The iconic green jacket, the exclusive Champions Dinner, and the lively Par 3 Contest are just a few of the traditions that contribute to the Masters' enduring appeal. Augusta National Golf Club, a masterpiece of golf course architecture, provides the perfect setting for this annual celebration of the game. As the Masters continues to unfold year after year, it promises to deliver more memorable moments and add new chapters to its storied history.
