The Masters: What You Need to Know
Welcome to your guide to the Masters tournament! From its rich history to its iconic traditions and notable records, we'll dive into everything you need to know.
Quick Facts
The Masters will be held at Augusta National Golf Club from April 11-14th, 2024.
Currently, 88 players (including 5 amateurs) have either qualified or received a special invitation, and are listed as expected to play in the tournament.
Jon Rahm enters the tournament as the defending champion.
The History
The Masters tournament was established by golfing legend Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts.
The inaugural tournament was held in 1934.
The host venue for the Masters is always Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.
Fun Fact: The Masters was originally scheduled to be called the "Augusta National Invitation Tournament" but was renamed to reflect its prestige.
The Course
Augusta National Golf Club is renowned for its picturesque beauty, meticulous landscaping, challenging layout, and iconic landmarks such as Amen Corner and Magnolia Lane.
Augusta National Golf Club features a par-72 (36-36) layout with a total yardage that varies from year to year however is approximately 7555 yards.
Fun Fact: Augusta National was built on the site of a former nursery, explaining the profusion of flowers and azaleas throughout the course. Each hole is named after a plant or shrub.
Tournament Format
The Masters follows a four-round stroke-play format, with 18 holes played each day over four days (Thursday through Sunday).
After the second round, a cut is made, and only the top-performing players advance to compete on the weekend. This cut is typically set at the top 50 players (including ties) or anyone within 10 shots of the lead.
The remaining players then vie for the coveted Green Jacket in a thrilling weekend showdown.
The Green Jacket has been awarded to the winner since 1949.
Fun Fact: The Masters is the only major championship to use a sudden-death playoff format to determine the winner in the event of a tie after 72 holes.
Top Traditions
One of the most iconic traditions at the Masters is the Green Jacket presentation ceremony held in Butler Cabin. After the final round concludes, the reigning champion is awarded the coveted Green Jacket by the previous year's winner.
A beloved tradition at the Masters Tournament is the Champions Dinner, where past winners gather for a special meal. The reigning champion selects the menu, adding a unique touch to the event.
The tournament kicks off with great fanfare as honorary starters take to the first tee to hit ceremonial tee shots, signaling the official start of the Masters. This tradition, which began in 1963, adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament and pays homage to the game's legends.
On the Wednesday before the tournament, players and their families participate in the Par 3 Contest, held on the picturesque Par 3 course adjacent to Augusta National. This lighthearted event allows players to relax and enjoy the camaraderie of the Masters week while showcasing their skills on the short course.
Fun Fact: Since its inception in 1960, no winner of the Par 3 Contest has gone on to win the Masters Tournament in the same year, leading some to believe in the "Par 3 Contest curse." Despite this superstition, players continue to embrace the event as a cherished tradition of Masters week.
Notable Records
Jack Nicklaus holds the record as the oldest winner of the Masters Tournament, claiming victory at the age of 46 in 1986 with his legendary performance.
Tiger Woods became the youngest winner in Masters history when he captured the Green Jacket at the age of 21 in 1997, marking the beginning of his historic career.
Jack Nicklaus has won the event 6 times (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986) holding the record for the most victories. Tiger Woods has won the Masters 5 times (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019).
There are only 17 players in Masters history who have won the tournament more than once.
Five-time champion Tiger Woods has never missed the cut as a pro at the Masters.
Mike Weir made history in 2003 by becoming the first Canadian to win the Masters Tournament, a moment of national pride and triumph for Canadian golf.
Fun Fact: There are 4 Canadians in the field in 2024: Mike Weir, Nick Taylor, Corey Conners, Adam Hadwin.
In 2012, Augusta National Golf Club announced its decision to extend membership to women for the first time in its history, marking a significant step forward in the club's commitment to inclusivity and progress.
Don’t miss out on another thrilling chapter in Masters history! Be sure to tune in on April 11th and witness golfing greatness unfold on the grandest stage of them all.
Bonus! Here are Iron Lady’s picks:
Scottie Scheffler
Rory McIlroy
Viktor Hovland
Wyndham Clark
Corey Conners