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 You are in: Special Events: 2001: US Masters 
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 Monday, 2 April, 2001, 16:29 GMT 17:29 UK
US Masters: Did you know?
Augusta
Augusta has a rich tradition
Green Jacket
Honorary starters
Augusta shrubbery
The Crow's Nest
The Jack Nicklaus Plaque
Par-three tournament
Champions Dinner


  • The beginning

    The championship, known as Augusta National Invitation Tournament for the first five years, came into existence in 1934.

    Partners Robert Tyre Jones Jr and Clifford Roberts founded the club and built the course to host the historic championship.

  • The Green JacketBack to top

    The tradition of the Green Jacket, the Augusta National club blazer, began in 1937.

    Vijay Singh
    Last year's champion Vijay Singh
    The clothing was purchased from the Brooks Uniform Company in New York.

    Members of the club were asked to buy and wear the Green Jacket during the Masters Tournament, but because of the intense heat that idea was swiftly abandoned.

    It wasn't until 1949 that the first Green Jacket was awarded to that year's Masters champion, Sam Snead.

    The jacket is taken home by the winner for a year before he returns it to the club.

    The aforementioned item is then stored at the Augusta National and is available to the golfer whenever he decides to visit.

    Several jackets, of different sizes, are available prior for the presentation ceremony of the champion.

    A multiple winner, such as Nick Faldo, will have only one Green Jacket unless his size drastically changes.

  • Honorary startersBack to top

    Since 1963, the first drive of the Masters has been hit by some of the legends of the golfing world.

    Sam Snead
    Snead will hit the first shot of the 2001 Masters
    Jock Hutchinson and Fred McLeod were the initial pair of honorary starters and teed up on the first morning through to 1973 and 1976 respectively.

    Ken Venturi acted as a starter in 1983 only, and, for the best part of two decades, Gene Sarazen performed the role until he passed away in 1999.

    This year Byron Nelson, for the final time, and Sam Snead, will carry out the honours.

  • Augusta shrubberyBack to top

    It is believed that since the course was built, in 1932, that more than 80,000 plants of over 350 varieties have been added to the Augusta National landscape.

  • The Crow's NestBack to top

    Nothing to do with the feathered variety.

    The Augusta National clubhouse provides amateurs - five in total - living space during the tournament.

    The clubhouse was built in 1854 and is thought to be the first cement house constructed in America's Deep South.

    The Crow's Nest consists of one room with partitions that divide into four cubicles, with a single bed in three and a double in the other - presumably suitable for partners or golfers who don't mind sharing.

    The sitting area has a game table, sofa and chairs, telephone and television.

  • The Jack Nicklaus PlaqueBack to top

    Jack Nicklaus
    Nicklaus is presented with the commemorative plaque
    After winning the Masters six times, more than any other golfer, Jack Nicklaus was due another award in addition those titles.

    The plaque, found at the drinking fountain between the 16th and 17th holes, chronicles the American's victories in 1963, 1965,1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986.

  • Par-three tournamentBack to top

    Players warm up for the main event with a par-three competition the day before.

    The nine holes are laid out close to the 10th hole of the main course.

    The inaugural competition took place in 1960, but in the intervening four decades it has provided little insight as to the identity of potential Sunday evening champions.

    Winning the par-three competition is in fact now seen as a jinx as no-one has ever gone on to become Masters champion in the same year.

    Last year's winner, Chris Perry, finished 11 shots off the lead on one-over.

  • Champions' DinnerBack to top

    Ben Hogan
    Hogan began the Champions' Dinner tradition
    Also known as the Masters Club, the Champions' Dinner began during the 1952 tournament when defending champion Ben Hogan hosted a meal for previous winners.

    Each year the defending champion selects the menu and takes the stage as masterchef for the night, usually the Tuesday prior to the event.

    As yet, an order of Big Mac and fries for everyone has not appeared on the menu.


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    See also:

    02 Apr 01 | US Masters
    02 Apr 01 | US Masters
    02 Apr 01 | US Masters
    Links to more US Masters stories are at the foot of the page.


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