At eight o’clock one Wednesday morning, at the beginning of a lovely sunlit day, a young security guard doing his rounds at Augusta National Golf Course came across a septuagenarian having coffee and sandwiches behind the 12th green on the par-3 course. “Excuse me, sir” said the guard, “but there is not much going on around here until the par-3 competition starts this afternoon.” “Young man,” returned the old timer, “can you tell me a finer place in the world to have breakfast?”
I can think of no better opening to a few words about Augusta than that.
The journey along Magnolia Drive and into the unique Augusta National Golf Club is the formal announcement of the new golf season – the US Masters. The very moment you commence that journey you realise you are entering somewhere special: The Masters at Augusta is a uniquely traditional event. This is the tournament that embodies all that is good in golf and reflects the best of the games traditions. The uniqueness of the Masters – the only major that does not change venue- is based on the ability of the governing body to say “No” to money. The net result is that it is not tied to any sponsor and can make whatever decision it likes: good or bad.
In 1934 when Bobbie Jones invited his golfing friends to play in a tournament on his newly designed Augusta National golf course, to celebrate the end of the winter tour, little did he realise that his brainchild would become the most exclusive golfing tournament in the world and the first major event in the sport’s calendar.
Everyone lucky enough to get to Augusta National Golf Club, whether they be players, media or spectators, know they are fortunate to be there and, as a result, seem to take particular care to respect the customs of the golf club and a course presented in pristine condition. Extraordinary attention is given to every little detail and in order to make sure the azaleas do not bloom before “The Week” they are packed in ice to slow down their natural growth. In addition, the behaviour of the spectators (in the case of Augusta referred to as patrons) is exemplary which is hardly surprising when entrance tickets are as scarce as hens’ teeth and jealously guarded: indeed most seem to be handed down through generations. Another quirky rule at this, strictly members only, golf club stipulates that patrons must depart the property within 30 minutes of the last putt dropping into the hole. Talk about, “Here’s your hat and what’s your hurry.”
Although the purse this year amounted to $10,000,000, with the winner receiving $1,800,000, the famous “Green Jacket” is the most coveted trophy. Introduced in 1938 the jacket quickly became the symbol of membership and in 1949 the presentation of a Green Jacket to that year’s winner, Sam Snead, signified his entry into this exclusive club. By tradition the winner may keep his jacket for a year but must then return it to the club and may only wear it during subsequent visits.
Until 1983 players were required to use Augusta National caddies, who were all African American, but while now they may bring their own bagmen the uniform of white jumpsuit, green Masters cap and white tennis shoes remains compulsory. The reigning champion’s caddy is given the Number 1 with other numbers allocated in the order the players register.
Another traditional feature of the Masters is the Champions Dinner held on the Tuesday preceding the first tournament day and hosted by the reigning champion. First held in 1952, when it was hosted by Ben Hogan, it falls to the champion to select the menu and when Sandy Lyle, the winner in 1988, decided on haggis as the main course of the evening, it received a mixed welcome.