At the eve of “The Masters 2020” lets revive some of the histories it had.
Masters Tournament also referred to as US Masters, is one of the world’s most-prestigious golf events. It is an invitational type golf tournament, which held annually since 1934.
Masters is considered one of the four major championships along with US Open, British Open and PGA Championship.
Who started the Masters Tournament?
The idea for Masters was initiated by the American amateur golfer Bobby Jones. After his retirement in 1930, Bobby was curious to build a golf course. As soon as the idea came to his mind, Mr. Jones contacted Clifford Roberts, who was a golf administrator as well as an investment dealer.
They started looking for suitable land to make a golf club. They came across the property in Augusta, Georgia, and it was perfect for them. They build the Augusta National Golf Club, which was formally opened in 1933 after that Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts inaugurated the Masters Tournament in 1934.
Early History of Masters
Until 1938 Masters was known as Augusta National Invitational Tournament, which began on March 22, 1934. Officially the Masters Tournament name was adopted in 1939.
Horton Smith won the first edition of the Tournament. His prize money was $1500.
There have a few changes in the pattern. Among the 18 holes, 10 through 18 was played in the first nine in the first Tournament. Holes 1 through 9 were played in the second nine. But this pattern did not last long, and it was reversed permanently in 1935. After that, it was never changed.
Due to World War 2, the Tournament remain stopped from 1943 to 1945.
Masters in 1960s–1970s
The Masters Tournament from 1960 to 1978 was dominated by Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. Their cumulative winning number was 11times during that 18 years’ time frame.
Among those three, Gary Player was non-American. The rest of the eight tournaments was won by different players each year.
Masters in 1980s–2000s
Seve Ballesteros was the first European to win the Masters in 1980. Jack Nicklaus also showed his form in the 1980s. He won the 1986 Masters and became the oldest player to win the Tournament at the age of 46.
The Tiger Woods era started in 1997. He won the Masters Trophy at 21 years old age and broke a 72-hole record. After Nicklaus, Woods becomes the second player to win 5 Masters by winning the 2019 Tournament. Woods is also playing 2020 Masters, and if he wins, he will join Jack Nicklaus as six times winner.
How did the Masters Tournament get its Name?
To know the answer, we have to look back to the inauguration year 1934. As we already know that Jones and Roberts named it The Augusta National Invitational Tournament. Later, Roberts proposed “The Masters” name to Jones, but he did not like it. Jones thought the Masters name is rude.
After five years, Jones relates the Name with their quality, and Invitational Tournament changed to The Masters in 1939. It was then scheduled to take place in the first week of April every year.
Some Notable Statistics in the Masters
- The idea of a green jacket came in 1949, and Sam Snead won it in the first edition.
- Jack Nicklaus has the most victories. He won 6 Masters.
- Tiger Woods was the youngest winner. He was 21.
- Jack Nicklaus was the oldest winner, and he won his 6th Masters at 46 years old age.
- Masters was stopped during the Second World War. Till now, 74 tournaments took place, and 35 different players won it.
Final Words
Most of the invitees at The Masters are professionals except few amateurs. Any player who is invited to the Masters considered elite class player as there are many criteria to get an invitation. Golfers are showing the class over the years at Masters, and millions of fans wait every year to witness a new level.