Facts about the Masters Tournament

by Brandon Miller

Golf is a game that is loved around the world. It is played by thousands of people from retirees to high level executives. For professional golfers, there are few competitions that can compare to The Masters Tournament. Here are some interesting facts about one of golf's most revered and watched competitions.

"Home Court Advantage" - The Masters is always played on the same course. The tournament is held each year at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The course was designed by the founders of The Masters - Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones.

The Green Jacket - Since 1949, a green jacket is given to the tournament champion. The winner keeps the jacket for one year and presents it to the winner of The Masters the following year.

Most Wins - Jack Nicklaus has won The Masters Tournament six times - the most of any player. Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer have both taken four Masters titles.

The First Masters - The Masters Tournament, originally known as the Augusta National Invitation, was first played in 1934. Horton Smith was the first winner of the tournament.

Supporting the War Effort - The Masters Tournament has been held every year since it inception except for 1943-1945. During this time, the tournament was cancelled due to World War II and the course was used to raise cattle and turkeys to help the war effort.

Television and Radio Coverage - The Masters Tournament has been broadcasted on both the radio and television since 1956. Television coverage has been provided exclusively by CBS and radio broadcasts are provided by Westwood One.

Non-American Winners - In 1961, the first non-American won The Masters. Gary Player, a golfer from South Africa came back and took the title two more times in 1974 and 1978. Since then 10 other non-American players from four continents have won the tournament. No player from Australia or Asia has ever won a Masters title.

Oldest and Youngest Winners - Tiger Woods became the youngest Masters winner at the age of 21 in 1997. Jack Nicklaus was the oldest winner with his 1986 win at the age of 46 years old. Although Matteo Manassero did not win the tournament, he was the youngest to ever qualify for the Masters at the age of 16.

Most appearances - Gary Player has made 52 Masters appearances. To put this number in perspective, that accounts for around 75% of all Masters Tournaments.