Things you may not know about The Masters
9. April 2024
Things you may not know about The Masters is a short golf blog post that looks at some of the yearly traditions and facts at Augusta National Golf Club.
The Masters, the first major championship of the calendar, is played at Augusta National every year. (except for when Covid-19 is around)
We have all watched The Masters on television and some of us have also had the pleasure of visiting Augusta in the flesh.
Even after watching it again and again there are many people out there who don’t know the following.
Things you may not know about The Masters
Drive, Chip & Putt
Since 2013, The Masters, The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association joined up and created this fantastic free tournament.
All children aged between 7 – 15 can enter this event in their own states and qualify for the final which is held at Augusta National Golf Club on the Sunday before The Masters.
The Champions Dinner
A wonderful tradition, since where The Masters Champion gets to decide the menu for the following year’s event.
This year the 2024 Champions Dinner is hosted by Jon Rahm.
The Par 3 Contest
Since 1960, the annual Par 3 Contest has been a fun highlight at The Masters.
It will be held again this year on Wednesday 10th April at 12:00 PM EDT. Who will win this year’s Crystal Bowl?
Skipping Balls at the 16th Hole
Always the fans’ favourite, which takes place at the Par 3 16th.
During the practice rounds, players often take turns from the edge of the tee skimming balls across the pond and onto the green.
Honorary Starters
The official start of The Masters Tournament is held on the Thursday at 08:15 – 08:30 AM EDT
This year’s Honorary Starters are Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player & Tom Watson.
The Crows Nest
Every year a handful of amateur golfers get to compete at The Masters Tournament.
They have use of The Crows Nest which is an area of the clubhouse above the Champion’s Locker Room with quality accommodation.
That’s right, the amateurs get to sleep in the Augusta National Clubhouse.
Crystal Awards
Any player who has a Hole in One, an Albatross or wins the Par 3 Contest, receives a Crystal Bowl.
Players that have an Eagle are presented with 2 Crystal Glasses.
The player with the day’s Lowest Score will also be awarded with a Crystal Goblet.
The Historic Oak Tree
Planted in the 1850s, this Oak Tree has seen it all. It has now become one of the most iconic trees in Golf.
It was planted long before Bobby Jones turned up with the idea of building a golf course.
Every VIP in Golf will gather around it during the event and millions of US Dollars will change hands.
The Green Jacket
The first golf tournament to offer a jacket to the winner. The Green Jacket is presented to the champion golfer by the previous winner.
If a player wins the tournament multiple times, he only receives one Green Jacket unless he has changed his size
A Lonely Palm Tree
That is right, there is 1 Palm tree on the entire course and it’s close to the 4th Green.
See if you can spot it whilst watching The Masters Tournament on the TV.
The Champions Locker Room
This locker room is purely for the use of Past Champions.
Other players and members do not have access to it because they have their own.
On each locker there is a plaque with the player’s name and winning dates.
It is here where the Green Jackets remain.
Tipping is Banned
This rule has been in place since the co-founder Cliff Roberts created it.
He didn’t want members to be treated differently based on how much they tipped.
Phones & Cameras are banned
Cameras and Phones are allowed onto the property during the practice rounds but are banned during tournament days.
You will be removed from the grounds if you are caught with a mobile phone on your person, even if it is not in use.
Be warned, leave that stuff at home.
Animals are banned
It has been 65 years since the last deer was sighted in the grounds of Augusta National GC.
Gary McCord is banned
The golfing commentator was banned in 1995 because he said “They don’t cut the greens here at Augusta, they use bikini wax.”
Running is banned
Patrons must not run whilst on the grounds of Augusta National. Only players have the right to run if required.
This creates a funny scene when the gates open and the Patrons power walk to their favourite spots.
Souvenirs of Sand are banned.
Many have tried to take a small amount of sand away as a souvenir. But in 2012, 2 friends were arrested for trying just that.
The Water is blue.
An American journalist found that they dye the water with food colouring to help enhance the look.
The Grass is Painted
An ex-greenkeeper admitted that bare patches, that may appear on the TV, must be painted green to enhance the look of the course.
Reduced Commercials
There are a maximum of 4 minutes per hour of official adverts during the TV broadcast.
There are no Spectators
Commentators are not allowed to call the general public, fans or spectators. They must be known as ‘Patrons’
There is no rough
When pacing up and down the course, you soon realise that there is no rough. There is only a second cut or semi-rough.
Local Caddies Only
Up to 1983 players were not allowed to use their own caddie. Instead, they had to use local caddies.
Patrons must wear their headwear correctly.
It is not allowed to wear a baseball cap backwards because of the ettiquette. All hats must be worn correctly.
Patrons Chairs
Each patron may place one chair in their desired spot which is free. The chair must then be marked.
They may leave that chair unattended for anyone to sit on until their return. No one can touch another person’s chair.
Augusta National closes in Summer
Directly after The Masters Tournament, the golf course closes until October. That goes for members too.
The Car Park House
Owners of the house (in the middle of the West Car Park) have refused multiple millions of dollar offers from the club.
Green Jacket Return
All Masters Champions must return their Green Jackets within 12 months of winning them. They are, however, given replicas to keep.
Prison for Ticket Touts
Any Patrons who are caught selling their tickets may face a prison sentence in the state of Georgia because of the law..
It is illegal to sell tickets within 800 meters of the gates. In 2012, 24 people were arrested for selling their unwanted tickets.
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