The Masters: a tradition unlike any other

I love this time of the year because of all the great golf tournaments coming up. My favorite tournament is the Masters in Augusta, GA. Having lived in Athens, GA for 40 years it was my privilege to go to the Masters more than 20 times. I always felt that it was like a religious experience being on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.

What I like most is all the history and traditions associated with the tournament. I started watching the Masters as a young girl and loved the great players including Arnie, Jack, and Gary.

There are so many Master’s traditions:

Par-3 tournament – Wednesday afternoon the players go to the Par-3 course and play a crowd favorite. Players only need a few clubs, so their spouse, girlfriend, children and grandchildren are often recruited as caddies and wear the traditional caddie attire. The players socialize with the crowd. No one has ever won both the Par-3 tournament and the Masters in the same year.

Ceremonial first tee shot – Thursday morning the tournament opens with three of the greats of the game teeing off on No. 1. This year will be Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson.

Caddies in uniform – Player’s caddies must all wear the Augusta caddie uniform – green Masters Cap and white jumpsuit.

Past champions – Winners get a lifetime invitation to play. Since there is not a set field size, the past champions are not taking spots from deserving younger players.

Champion’s dinner – Held on Tuesday night, the defending champion chooses the menu for all the past champions in attendance. Only past champions can attend this event. This year, Scottie Scheffler, has included appetizers: meatballs, ravioli bites, sliders and firecracker shrimp. The main meal is a choice between ribeye steak or blackened Redfish. Dessert will be a warm chocolate chip cookie with vanilla bean ice cream.

What the winner – The winner in 2025 will receive approx. 4 million dollars. They also receive the coveted green jacket for a year, their name engraved on the permanent trophy that remains at the club, a sterling replica of the Masters Trophy and a Gold Medal.

Fans are called “Patrons” – It is a privilege to be a patron and all must adhere to specific etiquette on the course. Weekly passes are called “Patron Badges” and have been sold out since 2000. If you want to buy a patron badge from an owner, be prepared to spend over $3,000 per day.

Drive, chip and putt – In 2014, the Masters began the Drive, Chip, and Putt Challenge for Juniors on Sunday prior to the Masters. The best juniors in the country get to compete.

Augusta National Women’s Amateur – In 2019, Augusta National began this prestigious women’s event. The top female amateurs play their first two rounds at Champions Retreat Course and a final round at Augusta National course on Saturday, April 5th. Many past players are now play on the LPGA Tour.

As you can see, Augusta National is special, and I can’t wait for all the traditions to get started the second week in April.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional at Pinecrest Golf Club. Jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com