The People Behind The Masters Golf Tournament

For avid golf fans, The Masters Golf Tournament is one of the highly acclaimed and most competitive event in the field of golf. Held every year at Augusta National Golf Club, this is where the best of the best compete against each other for the Masters’ Championship title and the prestigious Green Jacket.

This year, The Masters Golf Tournament is all set to start on April 8 and will end on April 13. Months before this major competition, tickets are already selling like hotcakes and with only a few weeks left, tickets or badges are almost sold out. In addition, hotels are already busy with reservations and promoting their Masters packages.

With all the preparations for this major event, let’s pause for a while and try to recall the people behind this famous Masters Golf Tournament.

The Masters Golf Tournament held every year at Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia has been going on for more than six decades already. With this it is considered as the premier golf tournament in the United States. At first it was known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. However, its name was changed to The Masters in 1940. This event lasts for four days with 18 holes played each day and no qualifying rounds.

The Masters Golf Tournament originated back in 1934 through the efforts of Robert Tyre “Bobby” Jones , Clifford Roberts, and golf course architect Alister MacKenzie.

Bobby Jones was the President in Perpetuity of the Augusta National Golf Club. He retired from tournament golf after completing the Impregnable Quadrilateral or the winning of all four major championships all in the same year. In 1930, Jones won the U.S. Open and Amateur, and British Open and Amateur. He’s winnings made him an American sports hero and the most famous amateur golfer of all time.

On the other hand, Clifford Roberts was a businessman in Atlanta. Together, he and Jones hired Alister Mackenzie who was a popular golf course architect. The Augusta National is considered as his best creation. Although the golf course had underwent some changes during the last few years due to the changing technology, it still retains its national beauty.

The Masters Golf Tournament had already produced several golf champions. The list includes top golfers all over the world like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Horton Smith, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Phil Nickelson and last year’s champion, Zach Johnson.

The Masters is not just a big tournament but also a historic one that roots back in 1934. If it weren’t for Robert Tyre “Bobby” Jones, Clifford Roberts, and Alister MacKenzie, there will be no Augusta National and no The Masters Golf Tournament.

For master's badges, housing and hospitality call 404-444-4444.

The Par 3 Contest of The Masters Golf Tournament

The Masters Golf Tournament is famous for its prestige and stiff competition. Golfers who participate in The Masters are only those who were invited or who ware qualified based on the standards and requirements of the Masters Tournament committee. Players come from different parts of the world to compete for the most coveted Masters title and the traditional Green Jacket.

Through the years, several Masters champions had left their marks in the history of golf. United States has 55 wins and 33 winners in all followed by Spain with 4 wins and 2 winners. On the other hands, South Africa had earned 3 wins from only one winner tying up with England also with 3 wins and 1 winner. Meanwhile, Germany has 2 wins garnered by only one winner. Wales, Canada, and Fiji all have one Masters champion.

Besides the main events of the tournament, the Par 3 contest is also another highlight of the Masters. It was first introduced in 1960 with Sam Snead as the first winner. The par 3 course was built in 1958. It is a nine-hole course with a par of 27 and measures 1, 060 yards in length. So far, there have been 63 holes-in-one in the history of the par 3 contest. This special contests is played on he Wednesday before the tournament starts. Since t stated, no par 3 contest winner has also won the Masters in the same year.

The winners in the par 3 contests include Mark O’Meara, Ben Crane, Jerry Pate, David Toms, Chris Perry, Joe Durant, Jay Haas, Hal Sutton, Chip Beck, Davis Love III, Rocco Mediate, Raymond Floyd, Bob Gilder, Ben Crenshaw, Gary Koch, Hubert Green, Tommy Aaron, Hale Irwin, Tom Watson, Johnny Miller, Joe Inman, Lou Graham, Tom Weiskopf, Sam Snead, Gay Brewer, Steve Melynk, Dave Stockton, Bob Lunn, Bob Rosburg, Arnold Palmer, Terry Dill, and many more.

On the other hand, several non-American golfers also won the par 3 contest. The list includes Padraig Harrington from Ireland, Sandy Lyle from Scotland, Vijay Singh from Fiji, Tsuneyuki Nakajima from Japan, Isao Aoki also from Japan, Harold Henning from South Africa and many others.

The par 3 contests is an exciting event that guarantee great fun for the whole family. It is also an excellent way to relax and unwind before the Masters tournament starts.  In December last year, Billy Payne, Chairman of the Masters Tournament and Augusta National Golf Club, announced that ESPN will cover the par 3 contests on April 9 from 3:00- 5:00 p.m. This contest is a great opportunity for both players and patrons to enjoy golf together. In addition, it is one way to promote the game of golf especially to the younger generation.   For master's badges, housing and hospitality call 404-444-4444.

The Masters Golf  Tournament Tradition

The year 1934 marked the beginning of one of golf’s most competitive and exclusive tournament, The Masters Golf Tournament. Unlike with other golf tournaments, The Masters is played every year since it was founded in only one location, the private golf club of Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia, USA.

This historic tournament upholds its distinction as the pioneer golf tournament in the United States by sticking to some of its traditions. For example, an honorary opening tee shot is made at the first hole at the start of The Masters. Legendary players of golf usually do this honorary shot. Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod were the first to make this shot. However, from 1973 to 1976, only McLeod made the shot. After which, Sam Snead made the honorary opening tee shot from 1984 until 2002. He was joined by Masters champion Gene Sarazen in 1999 and by Byron Nelson in 2001. Meanwhile, Arnold Palmer took over as the honorary starter last year.

With regard to caddies, players are allowed to bring their own. However, they have to abide by the Masters’ standards especially in wearing their full caddie uniform which includes a white jumpsuit, green Masters cap, an white tennis shoes. The surname of the player and sometimes including its initial, are found in the back of his caddie’s uniform. Caddie number “1” is reserved for the defending champion while the rest may get their caddies’ numbers in the order they arrive and register for the tournament.

The Masters also invites winners of the most prestigious amateur tournaments al over the world. Meanwhile, defending Masters champion is always paired with the current US Amateur champion for the first two days of the competition. Winners will receive a Gold Medal with their names engraved on the silver Masters trophy. A sterling replica of the masters Trophy is presented to the champion since 1993.

One of the awards given to the Masters champion is the green jacket which is the official attire won by members of the Augusta National. A winner keeps the jacket for a year after his first victory then returns it for him to wear every time he visits Augusta National. Usually, it is the champion of the previous year who puts in the jacket to the current year’s champion.

 The Champion’s dinner is also a much anticipated event that highlights The Masters Golf Tournament. It is held every year on the Tuesday evening before Thursday’s first round. The Champion’s dinner started in 1952 and was first hosted by Be Hogan in order to honor the past champions of the tournament. The Masters Club includes only the past winners of the Masters but some members of the Augusta National Golf Club have been included as honorary members which include the chairman. The host of the Champion’s dinner is the defending champion who chooses the menu for dinner.

The Masters Golf Tournament is the most ideal time for golfers and past Masters champions to reunite and strengthen their bonds of friendship. It is also another way to develop camaraderie and sportsmanship. For master's badges, housing and hospitality call 404-444-4444.

The 2008 Masters Golf Tournament Special Invitees

Being the premier in golf tournament in the United States, The Masters Golf Tournament held every year in Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia is simply a spectacular event in golf history. This is the most ideal tournament for all golfers who want to be popular and successful in the field of golf.

The venue itself, Augusta National, is an excusive private golf club famous for its rich natural beauty and picturesque views. The holes are even named after flowering trees and shrubs that are in full bloom during The Masters.

This year, The Masters Golf Tournament will be contested on April 7-13. With only a few weeks before this major competition, tickets are almost sold out to the general public. Meanwhile, those who cannot afford to watch The Masters in Augusta National may watch it live on television like in ESPN.

The tickets to The Masters Golf Tournament are very hard to come by and it’s no wonder that getting into the list of invitees is just as difficult. Players to The Masters are invited by The Master Golf Tournament committee and that’s the only way for one to be included in the competition.

At present, there are 87 golfers who have earned an invitation to compete in the 2008 Masters Golf Tournament. These golfers are invited based on qualifications set by The Masters Committee which they were qualified.

Their bases for qualifications include Masters tournament Champions (Lifetime), Us Open Champions (Honorary, non competing after 5 years), British Open Champions, (honorary, non competing after 5 years), and PGA Champions (Honorary, non competing after 5 years)

On the other hand, Winners Of The Players Champion last 2006 and 2007, current US Amateur Champion (6-A) (Honorary, non competing after 1 year) and the runner-up (6-B) to the current US Amateur Champion are likewise invited.

In addition, Current British amateur Champion (Honorary, non competing after 1 year), current US Amateur Public Links Champion and the first 16 players including ties, in the 2007 Master Golf Tournament.

Meanwhile, the first 8 players, including ties, in the 2007 US Open Championship, the first 4 players, including ties, in the 2007 British Open Championship, and the first 4 players, including ties in the 2007 PGA Championship are also invited.

Furthermore, other invitees include the 30 leaders on the Final Official PGA Tour Money List for 2007 Winners of PGA Tour events that award a full-point allocation for the season-ending Tour Championship, from previous Masters to current Masters, those qualifying for the season-ending 2007 Tour Championship, the 50 leaders on the Final Official World Golf Ranking for 2007, the 50 leaders on the Official World Golf Ranking published during the week prior during the 2008 Masters Tournament.

With all the top golfers from across the globe competing for the prestigious Masters title and the famous Green Jacket, The 2008 Masters Golf Tournament will be an exciting event for all to see. For master's badges, housing and hospitality call 404-444-4444.

The Masters Invitees

Augusta National will once again be parked with golf enthusiasts who will compete for The Masters title on April 7-13 for the 2008 Masters Golf Tournament. Those who will be watching this tournament will brace themselves for the exciting events to be played by famous top golfers all over the world.

The Masters Golf Tournament started last 1934. since then, it has become a famous golf tournament in the world. It is so prestigious not everybody who wants to join  in the competition can do so. Instead, the players to The Masters are invited by the Masters Tournament Committee.

In the United States alone, several golfers were already invited to play in The Masters. The list of golfers include last year’s Champion, Zach Johnson, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Tom Watson, Drew Weaver, Brett Wetterich, Steve Lowery, Jerry Kelly, Todd Hamilton, Raymond Floyd, and many more.

From Europe, we have Nick Dougherty, Luke Donald, Niclas Fasth, Anders Hansen, Soren Hansen, Robert Karlsson, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Henrick Stenson, Lee Westwood, Ian Woosnam, Sergio Garcia, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Jose Maria Olazabal.

On the other hand, there are also Australian golfers who will be joining The Masters. They are Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Richard Green, Geoff Ogilvy, Nick O’Hern, Adam Scott, and John Senden.  Moreover, we also have golfers coming from Africa which include Tim Clark, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelmen, Rory Sabbatini, Gary Player, and Richard Sterne.   Furthermore, there are also invitees coming from Asia. They are Shingo Katayama K. J. Choi and Toru Taniguchi.

However, The Masters Tournament and Augusta National Golf Club announced last January 21, 2008 the inclusion of three international players who received special invitations to play in The Masters. These three golfers are Lian Wen-Chong of China, Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand and Jeev Milkha Singh of India.

According to the committee, these three special invitees are successful, accomplished, and talented golfers worthy to play in The Masters. Lian Wen-Chong was the winner of the 2007 Singapore event in a playoff on the PGA European Tour and became the first  Chinese player to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit title. On the other hand, Prayad Marksaeng had already won six Asian Tour victories. He was voted Asian Golfer of the Year in 1997 and became the first from his country to qualify for the British Open. Meanwhile, Jeev Milkha Singh played his first Masters tournament in 2007 and became the first Indian golfer to qualify in the European Tour.

No matter where you’re coming from, The Masters Golf Tournament only invites the best among the best golfers in the world to compete in this prestigious title. Who will win the title this year? We’ll find out in 2008 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta National.  For master's badges, housing and hospitality call 404-444-4444.

The Masters Initiatives in Promoting Golf to the Youth

Who says that golf is only for adults is obviously mistaken. Golf is a very popular sport played by people everywhere. Because of its popularity and appeal to the public, several golf tournaments are held every year in different parts of the world. Of course, none can compare with the prestige and challenge brought about by The Masters Golf Tournament.

The Masters was founded not merely for fame and competition but also comes with the sincere desire to promote the game of golf to the youth. In order to address this goal, the 2008 Masters Tournament committee came up with two great initiatives for this year’s golf tournament in Augusta National.

Golf is one of the most popular sports children are very familiar with. As a matter of fact, golf fans and golfers from different parts of the world would often bring with them their children to watch golf tournaments especially one as exciting and challenging as the Masters Golf Tournament.

The chairman of the Masters Tournament and Augusta National Golf Club President, Mr. Billy Payne announced last December 6, 2007 their first two initiatives of a multi-year, multifaceted program to utilize the Masters brand and resources to promote the game of golf around the world.

The first of these initiatives employs the Masters Golf Tournament’s most coveted item which is a ticket to the Masters.

Starting this year’s Masters Golf Tournament, a youngster age 8 to 16 will be admitted for free during the Tournament days which are scheduled Thursday through Sunday. However he or she must be accompanied by an accredited patron in order to avail of this special freebie. Accredited patron refers to someone attending the Masters who is also the individual named on a series badge application.

According to Payne, They are offering this kind of initiative starting the 2008 Masters because of their serious desire to help expose children to the wholesome game of golf and the world famous The Masters Golf Tournament.

Beside exposure to how the game of golf it is played, it is also an excellent opportunity for children to visit the exclusive private golf club of Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia. Children will also get to see famous golfers like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, and Phil Mickelson.

Meanwhile, Payne also announced that ESPN will also cover the par 3 contest on April 9 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. The par 3 contest is considered as one of the exciting events in the Masters, which the whole family will surely enjoy. It is also a special game which was first conducted in 1960 and is played over a nine hole, par 27 1,060 yard course.  In addition, it is a rare opportunity for both players and patrons to enjoy golf as families.

These two initiatives are important steps in promoting golf especially among children. Furthermore, The Masters Golf Tournament will also gain popularity in the younger generation through these initiatives. For master's badges, housing and hospitality call 404-444-4444.