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April 7th, 2015 – By Katie Vrabel, USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern
From the caddie’s signature white jumpsuits to the acclaimed Amen Corner and notorious Butler Cabin, and never forget the famous green jackets, The Masters is all about tradition. British television personality, Alistair Cooke, said it best, “The Masters is more like a vast Edwardian garden party than a golf tournament.” The Masters is about the passage of time.
When approaching the timelessly beautiful Augusta National on Magnolia Lane, one would never expect the hollows, bumps, and scary reads that would follow, once on the golf course. Although the grounds of Augusta are very alluring, some of the rules observed at The Masters, may not be as captivating. If ever lucky enough to grace the greens of The Masters, here are a few things of which one should be aware.
From the second one steps foot onto the course at Augusta National, you are no longer a fan, you are a “patron.” As a patron of The Masters, one must never think about running during the proclaimed golf tournament. Running is not permitted, so put on your best pair of sneakers and get ready to walk the fastest speed-walk of your life. After arriving at your location of choice, you anchor your fold-up chair and feel a sense of relief as you have marked your spot for the rest of the day. They do not fool around at The Masters. If another patron tries to sit in your chair while you are away on the second nine, watching Tiger Woods sink the chip shot of a lifetime on the 16th hole, that clueless dolt will be escorted off of the premises.
Speaking of the second nine, never, ever refer to the front nine or the back nine as such. Founder of the Augusta National Golf Club and co-founder of the Masters Tournament, Bobby Jones, preferred the two to be referred to as the first nine or the second nine. Although these are just a few of the recognized rules at The Masters, there are even more classic traditions for golfers to follow.
Shortly after finishing some of Augusta’s most well-known holes, otherwise known as Amen Corner, golfers will approach Hole 16, Redbud. During practice rounds after playing their balls, golfers will approach the pond and with the encouragement of the excited fans, try to skim balls onto the green. Another tradition relished by any golfer at The Masters is entrance to Butler Cabin. Butler Cabin is located between the Par-3 Course and the clubhouse. The cabin is a very sacred place, as it is the location where the newly crowned champion first gets his famous green jacket laid upon his shoulders, before reenacting the same moment on the 18th green shortly after.
Since 1965, CBS has also used Butler Cabin to broadcast from during the week of The Masters. The Crow’s Nest, located in the clubhouse, is also a very popular location at Augusta National. Although it is not a cabin nestled along the course, it is the home of the amateurs playing at The Masters. There are only partitioned walls and relatively small private facilities to look forward to, but this is the “roost” of the amateurs for the week at Augusta National.
It does not matter if one is a professional golfer, amateur golfer, or patron. Anyone who is privileged enough to attend The Masters is blessed. Your life will be changed forever by the traditions observed at The Masters. The game of golf or a golf tournament will never look the same way. Three-time champion, Phil Michelson said it best, “The winner of this tournament doesn’t just win a major. He becomes a part of the history of the game, and that’s what excites me. This tournament creates something that is very special, and year in year out, history is made here.”
10 Fun Facts About The Masters Tournament
1) Before becoming the renowned golf course that it is today, Augusta National Golf Club was originally a tree nursery, prior to being an indigo plantation. (Above: Bobby Jones plays from what is now the 8th tee)
2) Bobby Jones was never a fan of naming the golf tournament, “The Masters.”
3) Augusta National has the largest bank of payphones that remains in the USA.
4) You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy some food and drinks at The Masters. Their signature pimento cheese sandwich is only a whopping $1.50 and their premium imports are $3.75 – possibly the cheapest in all sports.
5) Nassau is the game of choice among members at Augusta National. There are never any big money bets made.
6) Amen’s Corner consists of the 11th, 12th and 13th holes. The 11th hole is referred to as “White Dogwood,” the 12th hole is referred to as “Golden Bell” and the 13th hole is referred to as “Azalea.”
7) There is a Secret Service-certified house onsite. The house was built due to President Eisenhower’s frequent visits to Augusta National.
8) The clubhouse has another name. It was originally called the Dennis Rodman house, names after the initial owner who built it in 1854 as his plantation home.
9) Bobby Jones originally planned for an 19th hole. Jones wanted to build a par-3 to help settle bets from casual rounds of golf.
10) Patrons are not allowed to lie down on the perfectly manicured lawns of Augusta National. One may sit upright but if you try to lie down for a quick snooze, you can kiss The Masters goodbye.
