CBS golf broadcaster Jim Nantz describes golf’s first major championship vividly every year in promoting the tradition of the Masters Tournament. It was first held in 1934 in Augusta, Ga. Although each of the other three majors is over 100 years in continuance over several different courses, the Masters is the only major held at the Augusta National Golf Club. It is also the only tournament whose rules are governed by the Augusta National board members as opposed to the R&A, PGA, or USGA. With the recent addition of the Drive, Chip, and Putt Junior National Finals on the eve of the The Masters Tournament, April 3–10 is truly Masters Week.
Along with the new tradition of having the DCP National Finals, there are several ongoing traditions that Masters Week brings. The Par 3 contest held at Augusta National’s 9-hole course has been held on Wednesday each year since 1960, when Sam Snead won the inaugural tradition. This contest is played by current players in the Masters, former inactive winners of the Masters, and honorary invites. Designed as a pre-tournament distraction, the sight of little children in Masters caddy suits carrying Sunday carry bags or tending flags twice their size makes this a cherished event for the fans. Interestingly, there has not been one Masters winner who has won the Par 3 contest the same week.
Probably the most honored tradition a professional golfer can have is hitting the ceremonial first tee shot Thursday morning to begin the tournament. Legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player have recently been asked to tee off first. Due to a recent medical condition, Palmer will not be part of the big 3 this year. The number of fans, including PGA Tour players in the tournament, who pack the ropes 20 deep at 7 a.m. Thursday is a testament to the time-honored tradition that golf is for champions and players of all ages.
A tradition for the Masters champions each year is the annual Champions Dinner, held each Tuesday evening during Masters Week. Inspired by Ben Hogan after his 1951 Masters win, the Champions Dinner allows the winner from the year before to pick up the tab for every Masters Champion as well as dictate a menu of his favorite foods. After Tiger’s record-breaking win in 1997, his menu simply included burgers and chicken sandwiches along with vanilla and strawberry milkshakes. Local Utah resident Mike Weir had lobster, wild boar, Salmon Tartare, and rack of elk, among other items. Multiple winners like Phil Mickelson had everything from lobster ravioli after his first Masters win to BBQ ribs and seafood paella. Bubba kept the same menu after both times he won, which consisted of a Southern home-cooked chicken breast along with macaroni and cheese and cornbread.
The Masters is more than a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of champion golfers. To be in the field at the Masters is an honor in itself. Usually, there are only 80–95 players who qualify for the tournament each year, including qualified amateur champions from five different tournaments and the U.S. Amateur runner-up. The tradition that Bobby Jones started back in 1934 as a tournament among friends has truly become a time-honored tradition each April. You can catch every moment of the Masters week on masters.org.
