10 Things You Didn't Know About The Masters & Augusta National
The Masters is arguably the most popular golf tournament of the entire year. Played at the famous Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, the event highlights the world’s best players at a course that is truly one of a kind. As The Masters puts golf at center stage every April, there are many interesting facts about the tournament and its location.
Keep reading to learn 10 things you didn’t know about The Masters & Augusta National.
There are only two golf professionals who are current members of the club
As it may sound like a surprise, there are currently only two golf professionals who are members at Augusta National Golf Club. This short list includes legend Jack Nicklaus and former amateur star John Harris. One of the greatest players of all time, Arnold Palmer, was also on this list, but he passed away in 2016.
The low price of concessions is one of the many traditions
Although the ticket is expensive, prices are exceptionally reasonable at the concession stands. Fan favorites like a pimento cheese and egg sandwich go for just 1.50 and a beer is only $4.
The green jacket tradition began way back in 1937
If you know about The Masters, then you are fully aware of the green jacket tradition. Once a golfer is crowned champion, they're awarded the prized green jacket; one of the most sought-after possessions in the world of professional golf. But this tradition isn’t anything new. In fact, its been a thing since 1937. Today, these jackets are stitched at Hamilton Tailoring near Cincinnati, OH. According to experts, each iconic clothing item takes about one month to produce.
Magnolia Lane’s trees are more than 160 years old
Driving into the facility, Augusta National Golf Club welcomes in guests with breathtaking magnolia trees. But if you thought the tournament had been around for a while, it’s got nothing on Mother Nature. Known as Magnolia Lane, the trees on this entrance road are over 160 years old.
Three bridges on the course are named after golf legends
Another fun fact is that three bridges on Augusta National are named after golfers. The Sarazen Bridge on hole No. 15 is named after Gene Sarazen, who landed a double eagle on the hole way back in the 1935 Masters. Hogan Bridge, at the No. 12 green, is named after Ben Hogan, who shot a tournament score of 274 in 1953; that was a record low at the time. Finally, we have the Nelson Bridge at 13, which honors Byron Nelson, who had a legendary performance on holes 12 and 13 in his victory in the 1937 Masters.
Augusta National doesn’t release their attendance numbers
As a surprise to many, Augusta National Golf Club doesn’t release the number of how many people attend the tournament. As we can assume those figures are pretty high, course officials keep that info to themselves.
The Masters' winner from the previous year chooses the dinner menu
Every single year prior to the famous tournament, there is a Champions Dinner that is accompanied by all former winners of The Masters. When it comes to the dinner menu, this is chosen by the previous year’s tournament champion. However, the former champs aren't required to indulge in the meal; they’re free to choose whatever they like from the full clubhouse menu.
Each hole is named after a plant or scrub
The Masters golf tournament doesn’t only include the world’s best golfers, but it also features some of the most gorgeous nature known to man. And the course takes its greenery very seriously; each and every hole on the course is named after a plant or shrub found on the hole. For instance, hole No. 3 was coined the name “Flowering Crab Apple.”
The Masters’ location was once a nursery
August National Golf Club was actually a commercial nursery back in the day. The famous course boasts a remarkable 80,000 plants that have been added since the formation of the club. Some notable types of vegetation located on the grounds include dogwoods, magnolias, and azaleas.
The course temporary closed in the 1940s
While this legendary golf tournament has been running strong for decades, it took a brief pause in the 1940s. From 1943 to December 1944, Augusta National Golf Club closed its doors. This was done to support the war effort and improve the finances of the establishment.
If you’re a fan of golf, you look forward to The Masters every single year. As you’re watching the next tournament at Augusta National, keep these interesting facts in mind.
