The jacket is green That is all you have to say. Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts brainchild of legends, the first Masters was celebrated in 1934. For the first five years of its existence, it was named the Augusta National Invitation Tournament, before the name changed to what it is today. The Masters, unlike other sport tournaments and signature events, are steeped in tradition and continuity.

The norm is still the four-day stroke playing 18 holes each day, instead of the traditionally usual 36 holes on the third day. Jones and Roberts have left the sport with indelible images. But legends and superstars took charge of the game in the 1950s. A pair of Ben Hogan’s wins, and Arnold Palmer’s first of four, made those two players America’s best known.

The 1960s marked the arrival of “The Golden Bear,” Jack Nicklaus, who in consecutive years became the first Masters champion to win. Today the winning average score is eight below par. The setting at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, provides a lush, southern scenery that is unparalleled at worldwide courses.

Champions

The first winner of the Masters Tournament was Horton Smith in 1934, and he repeated in 1936. The player with the most Masters victories is Jack Nicklaus, who won six times between 1963 and 1986. Tiger Woods has five wins, followed by Arnold Palmer with four, and Jimmy Demaret, Gary Player, Sam Snead, Nick Faldo, and Phil Mikealson have three titles to their name. Player was the tournament’s first overseas winner with his first victory in 1961. Two-time champions include Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, and Bubba Watson.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton