Did you know?
The Masters Green Jacket was first introduced in 1937. The idea was that Augusta National members would wear these jackets during the tournament to make them stand out to members of the public needing guidance or assistance.
The reason the Masters green jacket is green mostly seems to be because green is a very golf-y color for the most coveted prize in golf. What a surprise…
Jack Nicklaus, (“The Golden Bear”), has won six times, the highest number to date. Nicklaus is also the oldest winner (age 46) of the championship. The youngest winner is Tiger Woods. He was 21 years, 3 months and 14 days old when he won in 1997. The caddies with the most victories on Augusta are Willie ‘Pappy’ Stokes and Willie Peterson (all 5 with Jack Nicklaus). Steve Williams won the Masters 3 times with Tiger and 1 time with Adam Scott.
Play a round at Augusta?
Every well respected golfer dreams of teeing it up at Augusta National Golf Club. Although it is one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world, there are some options:
- Work there as a caddie. This is a part-time job – the course is closed between May and October. Caddies are allowed one round a year.
- Qualify for the US Masters. No, take this seriously, it may end up as your best bet. You don’t have to turn professional – the British Amateur Champion gets an automatic invitation.
- Be invited to a game by one of the 300 members of Augusta National. The membership is on invitation only and one of the 300 spots has to become available. Someone happens to have the phone number of Bill Gates or Jack Nicklaus?
- Become one of the media reporting on site at the US Masters at Augusta. A limited number of tee spots for media are available for the day after the Masters, awarded by ballot.
- Work as a volunteer at the Masters. However apparently it is almost as hard to become a volunteer at the Masters as it is to become a member at Augusta, as vacancies rarely occur and there is a long waiting list for these jobs.
- Work for Augusta National. Employees are allowed one round a year on the course.