Go Figure
18 The Masters Facts
After taking out the US$70,000 option on a 365-acre property called Fruitland Nurseries in Augusta, Georgia, legendary golfer Bobby Jones and astute investment banker Clifford Roberts realised their dream to establish a member-based golf club. Augusta National Golf Club was designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie and officially opened in January 1933.
Here’s a look at some of the key numbers associated with The Masters.
1934
The Masters is the youngest of the four Majors (Men’s Golf), with the first tournament held at Augusta in 1934. Horton Smith won the inaugural tournament by one shot with a total score of 284 (-4).
61
The number of magnolia trees that line both sides of Magnolia Lane from the entrance gate to the clubhouse. The 300-metre driveway dates back to the late 1850s.
3
The number of pro golfers who became members at Augusta National Golf Club. They are Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and John Harris.
10
The number of Augusta National Golf Club Cabins located on the golf course grounds providing lodging for members and their guests.
1
The number of US presidents to have been a member at Augusta National Golf Club. That distinction belongs to Dwight ‘Ike’ Eisenhower.
1949
The year Sam Snead became the first Masters champion to be awarded the ‘Green Jacket’.
1990
The year Ron Townsend became the first African-American to be admitted as a member of Augusta National Golf Club.
5
The number of years The Masters Tournament was called the ‘Augusta National Invitational’ (1934-1938).
0
The number of amateur golfers who have won The Masters.
0
The number of entrants who have won the Par-3 Tournament and The Masters in the same year.
52
The record number of Masters events played by Gary Player.
8
Jack Burke Jr holds the title of greatest comeback at the Masters after 54 holes. He was eight shots off the lead in 1956 but rallied to claim victory.
63
Nick Price and Greg Norman jointly hold the record for the lowest score at the Masters.
3
Jack Nicklaus (1965 and 1966), Nick Faldo (1989 and 1990) and Tiger Woods (2001 and 2002) are the only men to win back-to-back Masters tournaments.
80,000
Each hole is named after a plant or shrub that adorns it. For example, No. 3 is called ‘Flowering Crab Apple.’ An estimated 80,000 plants have been added since the course was built.
6
Only six players have birdied the 72nd hole to win the Masters: Art Wall, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Sandy Lyle, Mark O’Meara and Phil Mickelson.
46
Jack Nicklaus holds the distinction of being the oldest Masters champion. The Golden Bear was 46 years, two months and 23 days old when he won his sixth and final green jacket in 1986.
1937
The year the tradition of members wearing green jackets began. Jackets were purchased from New York’s Brook Uniform Company.
