Green Jacket Glory
As the azaleas bloom and the Amen’s Corner greens grow, Augusta National Golf Course prepares each April to welcome 40,000 guests to the most prestigious tournament in golf, The Masters.
What is The Masters?
After Bobby Jones retired from his career as a professional golfer in 1930, he decided to embark on his next dream, building a golf course. Jones brought the idea for the Augusta Georgia golf course to Clifford Roberts, an investment banker in New York City. Once proposed and discussed, Thomas Barrett Jr. was welcomed on board and recommended that the business partners purchase a 365-acre property (formerly known as Fruitland Nurseries) for $70,000.
After purchasing the land and deciding to establish a national membership for the club, Jones named the course the Augusta National and construction was soon underway. The formal opening was in January 1933.
But, Jones and Roberts didn't stop there. In 1934, the two proposed an annual tournament to the New York Office of Club Member W. Alton Jones where it was approved. Roberts proposed that the event be called the Masters Tournament but Jones thought the name was egotistical so the business partners settled on the Augusta National Invitation. However, after five years, Jones caved and the name was changed to the Masters.
Today, the Masters annually occurs on the first full week of April and is one of the four professional men’s golf championships. Taking place at the same location annually, the Augusta National Club is an exclusive for-profit corporation, which means the club does not disclose its income, membership list, or ticket sales. The initiation fee for the club is estimated to range from $40,000-$200,000 but the official figure and yearly due amount are unknown.
Why is the Masters so prestigious?
The Masters, a 72-hole golf tournament that is four days in duration, is known to be the most prestigious tournament in golf. If a golfer wins the Masters, he automatically advances to the three other golf championships, making the Masters crucial for careers. In addition to advancement, the winner receives $3.6 million and the green jacket.
Tickets, which are only granted to regular-ticket holders or through the annual ticket lottery, range in price from $100-$150. Around 40,000 people attend in Augusta while 3.2 million people watch online via ESPN (the TV rights owners of the first two rounds) or CBS (the TV rights owners of the third and final rounds).
Masters guests are famously known to sport their most southern chic style. From colorful dresses for women to polos and khakis for men, the Masters can be considered as the green carpet event for the South.
Golf’s Most Coveted Prize
Since the 1949 Masters, the winner has been awarded with a green sports jacket. However, after victory, the infamous green jacket isn't for everyday wear. The winner must return the jacket to the clubhouse one year after his victory where it is stored with the previous year’s champions’ jackets. You are only allowed to remove your jacket from the club grounds if you are a first-time winner or currently reigning champion and if you’re lucky enough to win multiple Masters tournaments, you get presented with the same custom-fitted jacket.
The Cincinnati-based company, Hamilton Tailoring Co, has manufactured the Masters jacket for three decades. Made out of wool fabric and produced at Victor Forstmann Inc., the jacket costs around $250 to make.
Augusta National’s Famous Pimento Cheese Sandwich
The club is not only famously known for its gorgeous green grass and picturesque plants, but it's the Master's concession stand staple that you’ve probably heard plenty about, the pimento cheese sandwich. Nick Rangos, the chef behind the cheesy connotation, served players and spectators for four decades. Although Ramos has since passed away, his legacy lives on as the pimento cheese spread stands as a southern staple. If you ever score a ticket to the Masters, the sandwich is a must-try.
As the sun sets in Augusta, Georgia, the 88th Masters champion has been named. Scottie Scheffler has won the Masters for the second time in three years. Enjoy your green jacket glory, Scottie! The edgemag congratulates you!