With the 2024 Masters quickly approaching, we’ve compiled 24 fascinating facts that might surprise even the most seasoned golf fans!
1. The Masters' Name Controversy
- Tournament founder, Clifford Roberts, started calling the event “The Masters” in 1938, but Bobby Jones hated the name and referred to it as “the so-called Masters” until 1963.
- The tournament exists because Jones and Roberts were rejected by the USGA for their bid to hold the 1934 US Open.
- They also envisioned a golf Hall of Fame at Augusta, complete with a miniature version of the course—an idea that never materialized due to WWII.
2. A Ticket for Your Uncle’s Will? Not So Fast!
- You can’t just buy tickets to The Masters. Instead, you must apply through a lottery.
- Family members can inherit tournament badges, but only from a surviving spouse.
3. Alister McKenzie’s Vision
- Course architect Alister McKenzie passed away in January 1934, just months before Augusta’s inaugural tournament.
4. Gary Player’s Legendary Jacket
- Gary Player kept his Masters jacket after the 1961 win by “forgetting” to return it. Today, it’s on display at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, FL.
5. No Bikini Wax Comments Allowed
- In 1995, CBS announcer Gary McCord was banned for making a joke about Augusta’s greens: “They don’t cut the greens here at Augusta, they use bikini wax.”
6. Name-Brands Are Out
- You won’t find any Coke, Pepsi, or Sprite at The Masters. But no worries—the “cola” drinks taste almost the same!
7. Green Plastic Wrap: Why?
- All sandwiches at The Masters come wrapped in green plastic, ensuring that any crumbs or spills won’t show on camera.
8. The Last House Standing
- The Masters’ parking lot sits on land that once held a neighborhood. One house still stands, owned by the Thacker family since 1959. They’ve refused offers of millions to sell!
9. Get Ready for a Workout
- The difference between the highest and lowest points of Augusta is 175 feet. Prepare for a lot of walking—sneakers are a must!
10. No Phones, No Problem
- No phones or cameras are allowed at The Masters during the tournament. But during practice rounds, cameras are welcome. Phones? Not so much!
11. Par 3 Contest
- The Masters Par 3 Contest is held on Wednesday before the tournament, with family members often serving as caddies. A fan-favorite tradition!
12. Armed Meet and Greets
- Players enter the putting green with an armed escort, making their way through eager fans desperate to catch a glimpse.
13. The Eisenhower Cabin
- One of ten cabins on Augusta’s course, The Eisenhower was built for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. He visited 45 times!
14. Sandy Somerville’s Historic Hole-In-One
- Canadian golfer Charles "Sandy" Somerville hit the first hole-in-one in Masters history during the 1934 tournament.
15. A Rocky Start
- The Masters faced financial challenges when it first started. In 1936, the club had only 76 paying members and had to chip in to fund the prize purse.
16. Lee Elder’s Historic Moment
- Lee Elder became the first African American to compete in The Masters in 1975, breaking barriers in golf.
17. The Big Oak
- The massive oak behind Augusta’s clubhouse was planted in the 1850s, making it over 150 years old!
18. Jack Nicklaus' Masters Dominance
- Jack Nicklaus holds the record for most Masters wins with six, and at age 46, became the oldest player to win the green jacket in 1986.
19. The Youngest Player to Make the Cut
- In 2010, Mateo Manassero made the cut at just 16 years and 11 months old, becoming the youngest ever to do so.
20. The Famous Green Jacket
- While Masters winners didn’t receive green jackets until 1949, they were worn by members as early as 1937 to help patrons identify club officials.
21. The Crow’s Nest
- Amateurs who play in The Masters stay in a cozy, 11-square-foot cupola above the clubhouse, offering stunning views of the course.
22. The Champions Dinner
- The defending Masters champion chooses the menu for the Champions Dinner, a tradition dating back to 1952. Famous dishes have ranged from haggis (chosen by Sandy Lyle in 1989) to prime steak.
23. Like a Fancy Costco
- Inflation hasn’t affected Augusta’s concession prices. The famous pimento cheese sandwich is still only $1.50, and beer is just $3.
24. WWII Hold
- Due to WWII, The Masters wasn’t held from 1943-1945. During that time, the grounds were used to raise cattle and turkey, and fairways were sometimes grazed by livestock!
Which fact surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!