The golf tournament so many are obsessed with is here. While golf seems so unapproachable with uptight rules and golf claps, the Masters has some fun quirks. Here’s what to say, what not to do and why a green blazer is a coveted fashion statement.
How ‘bout them azaleas?
The Last Night’s Game Team
Quick recap - If it seems like the Masters was just yesterday, you’d almost be correct. The famed tournament was delayed from its traditional spring 2020 date until the fall (November), with Dustin Johnson taking home the famed green jacket.
1. The Masters is the only one of the four Major tournaments in the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) that doesn’t change locations - it’s always at Augusta National Golf Course. Although there are calls for the PGA to pull the Masters out of Georgia based on the new voting laws. To become a member of this iconic course is somewhat of a mystery. There are no criteria listed for membership, and the list of members is not public. Ron Townsend was named the first Black member in 1990, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice became the first woman member in 2012. (There are now only six women members). TEEING OFF
2. Longtime broadcast partner of the tournament, CBS, admitted they edit in melodic bird sounds during the telecast to enhance the programming and make it feel more like a “natural paradise,” even though spectators have noted the lack of birds on the course. Apparently, CBS admitted to doing this for other tournaments as well. At least nothing will swoop down and steal your $3 popcorn or poop in your $5 beer (see below). TWEET TWEET
3. The famed green jacket became a tradition in 1949. Members of the club decided on the color green so fans in attendance at the tournament could spot them if they had questions. The Masters’ winner also receives a green jacket. The winner is allowed to have the green jacket for one calendar year. After that year, they’re only permitted to wear it when they’re on the grounds of Augusta. NO TAKE BACKS
4. The famed Champions Dinner happens on Tuesday evening before the tournament. It’s tradition for the previous winner to select the menu for the famed feast between all the former Masters winners. Dustin Johnson’s menu will make you hungry, but it has nothing on the Masters’ cheap concessions of $3 pimento cheese sandwiches and a $5 beer. The dinner included filet mignon, miso-marinated sea bass and pigs in a blanket. One notable attendee was missing from the dinner, the five-time Masters champion himself, Tiger Woods. Woods is recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this year. GREAT FOOD, GREAT COMPANY
5. Two players for the fans in person and watching on TV to watch for are:
Brooks Koepka – The newly engaged Koepka had knee surgery less than a month ago and has been spending 7+ hours a day in physical therapy to return in time for the Masters. He’s never won the tournament. WORTH A SHOT
Jon Rahm – Rahm is entering the tournament with new motivation, his newborn son. Rahm was telling people not to bet on him because he would leave The Masters to be there for his first child's birth. Luckily, he was born on Saturday, so now he can watch his dad play for the green jacket. DAD STRENGTH
