Take a look at some answers to frequently asked questions of the Masters Tournament:
Who created the Masters?
The Masters was the brainchild of legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones and investment dealer Clifford Roberts, who co-founded the Augusta National Golf Club in 1933.
How old is the Masters?
The tournament began in 1934.
Who was the first Masters winner?
Horton Smith. One of the better players of his day, Smith also won the Masters in 1936.
Why is it called the Masters?
When the tournament began it was called the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. Roberts suggested it be called the Masters, a reference to the "masters of golf" who played in it, but Jones thought the name immodest. Roberts finally got his way in 1939.
How did the Masters become so popular?
Jones was one of the most famous and most admired sports figures of his day, especially after he accomplished the unprecedented feat of winning a "Grand Slam" — capturing the U.S. and British Open and Amateur titles. It was only natural that a tournament he established would inherit his popularity.
Why is the Masters a major?
Unlike the other three majors — the U.S. Open, The Open, and the PGA — the Masters isn't the "championship" of anything. But majors have historically been determined by popular opinion, and between Jones, the fact that it is an early spring tournament and the quality of players who have won at Augusta, the tournament just naturally became regarded as a major.
Golf Channel StaffWhy does the Masters winner get a green jacket?
In 1937, Augusta National members began wearing green sport coats so that they could be recognized if fans had questions about the tournament. The tradition was expanded to ...
