The Masters: History, Traditions, and Unforgettable Moments
Every April, golf fans around the world turn their attention to one of the sports’ most revered competitions: The Masters Tournament. Set against the manicured grass and blooming azaleas at the Augusta National Golf Club, the Masters is rich with tradition and sporting history.
In this guide, we explore the history of the Masters, highlight defining traditions, and revisit unforgettable moments to showcase what makes the Masters unlike any other event in golf.
A Brief History of the Masters
In the early 1930s, American golf legend Bobby Jones stepped away from competitive golf after completing his Grand Slam. But, he wasn’t finished with the game just yet. He set out to create a tournament that celebrated the game at its highest level. Partnering with investment banker Clifford Roberts, they bought a former nursery in Augusta, Georgia. And with architect Alister MacKenzie, they built what would become the iconic Augusta National Golf Club.
The tournament debuted as the Augusta National Invitational in March 1934 and quickly established itself as one of golf’s most coveted titles. The tournament adopted the name The Masters in 1939, reflecting Roberts’ belief that its competitors represented the masters of golf, despite Jones’ early reservations. Today, the Masters stands alongside the PGA Championships, U.S. Open, and Open Championship as one of the four men’s majors. Unlike the others, it remains invitation-only, welcoming a select pool of top professionals and leading amateurs.
Held each April and played over 72 holes, the Masters marks the first major golf tournament of the year. It’s a four-day test of precision, nerve and legacy with a prize purse now firmly seated in the seven figures.
Image by Brett Chisum
Masters Traditions that Define the Tournament
While the Masters is rich in history, it’s equally defined by traditions as distinctive as the tournament itself.
1. The Green Jacket
The Green Jacket is arguably the most iconic symbol of the Masters. Introduced in 1949, it signifies membership to an exclusive club of champions and is kept by the winner for the year.
Traditionally, the coat is presented by the previous year’s winner. Unless you’re Jack Nicklaus who was the first to win the tournament back-to-back and donned the jacket himself!
2. The Champions Dinner
Each Tuesday before the tournament, past champions gather for the exclusive Champions Dinner. The defending champion is the host and chooses the menu, often featuring dishes from their home nation.
Notable menus include, Scotsman Sandy Lyle’s haggis and Vijay Singh’s kah and chicken panang curry from Fiji. Most famously, US legend Tiger Woods had platters of cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches and fries with milkshakes after becoming the youngest Masters winner in 1997.
3. Par-3 Contest
Every Wednesday before Thursday’s first round, players take to the Par-3 course for a light-hearted but fiercely competitive nine-hole course. Introduced in 1960, it's become a heartwarming tradition with players’ families and children often starring as caddies.
Honourable Mention: The Pimento Cheese Sandwich
No discussion of the Masters is complete without mentioning the tournament’s greatest icon: the $1.50 pimento cheese sandwich.
A staple on Masters menus since the 1940s, it features three cheeses, diced pimentos, and a generous dollop of mayonnaise on soft white bread. While it does contain 556 calories and 35g of fat, it’s an indulgently delicious piece of Augusta history served in a paper bag (in Masters green, of course).
The Master’s Unique Terminology
With its rich traditions, terminology at Augusta National reflects the tournament’s sense of heritage and formality. The table below highlights some of the distinctive terms you’ll hear throughout Masters week and what they mean for viewers following the action.
Record-Breaking Scores and Iconic Masters Moments
Sports history is often defined by standout performances, and the Masters has no shortage of defining moments for better or for worse.
Dustin Johnson, 2020: Best Masters Score Ever
Dustin Johnson’s 20-under-par 268 in 2020 remains one of the most dominant displays of golfing prowess in Masters history. It broke the previously held record of 270 (18-under-par) by Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth. Johnson went on to win the tournament, showcasing a true masterclass of precision striking and nerves of steel over four competitive rounds.
Dustin Johnson’s 20-under-par 268 in 2020 remains one of the most dominant displays of golfing prowess in Masters history. It broke the previously held record of 270 (18-under-par) by Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth. Johnson went on to win the tournament, showcasing a true masterclass of precision striking and nerves of steel over four competitive rounds.
Tiger Woods, 1997: An Emotional Moment to Remember
In 1997, Tiger Woods was just 21 when he won his first ever Masters by 12 strokes with his then record-breaking 270 total. But, it was the tearful embrace between father and son that stole the headlines and captured audiences.
Roberto De Vicenzo, 1968: A Scorecard Mishap for the Ages
This incident is one of the most memorable rules controversies in Masters history. In De Vicenzo’s final round, he birdied the 17th. But, his playing partner, Tommy Aaron, mistakenly recorded a par on the scorecard. The error went unnoticed, and De Vicenzo signed for a 66 instead of the 65.
Under the rules, a signed scorecard stands even if it’s wrong. The discrepancy cost De Vicenzo a playoff as Bob Goalby finished the tournament one stroke clear with a 66 total. Denied the chance to challenge for the Green Jacket, De Vicenzo delivered one of the most quotable lines in golf: “What a stupid I am.”
This incident is one of the most memorable rules controversies in Masters history. In De Vicenzo’s final round, he birdied the 17th. But, his playing partner, Tommy Aaron, mistakenly recorded a par on the scorecard. The error went unnoticed, and De Vicenzo signed for a 66 instead of the 65.
Under the rules, a signed scorecard stands even if it’s wrong. The discrepancy cost De Vicenzo a playoff as Bob Goalby finished the tournament one stroke clear with a 66 total. Denied the chance to challenge for the Green Jacket, De Vicenzo delivered one of the most quotable lines in golf: “What a stupid I am.”
Unforgettable Masters Champions
From Jack Nicklaus and his record six wins to Tiger Woods’ boundary-pushing performances, the Masters has crowned some of the games’ greatest champions.
In 2025, Rory Mcllroy finally clinched his first Masters title in true dramatic fashion, completing the coveted career Grand Slam on Augusta grass. Not only did he win $4.2 million (the largest single winner’s purse in Masters history), he now joins the likes of Gene Sarazen, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only players to achieve such an impressive feat.
Why the Masters Endures
Few tournaments carry the weight of legacy like the Masters. While records are broken, prize money increases, and new champions emerge, the essence of the tournament remains unchanged. The Masters is where tradition, history, and golf itself are celebrated. This is why the Masters matters and will continue to matter.
Few tournaments carry the weight of legacy like the Masters. While records are broken, prize money increases, and new champions emerge, the essence of the tournament remains unchanged. The Masters is where tradition, history, and golf itself are celebrated. This is why the Masters matters and will continue to matter.
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