What is the Masters? And why is it so important?

If you’re a sports fan, you’ve likely heard that this week is Masters week. And even if you aren’t a sports fan, you’ve probably gotten the message that this week is a pretty special week for golf fans. But if you’re wondering what exactly is the Masters, or why it’s important, you’ve come to the right place.

What is the Masters?

The Masters is a golf tournament held annually at Augusta National Golf Club. The tournament is one of four major championships in men’s professional golf and is the first of the four contested each year.

Why is the Masters so important?

The Masters is important because, as stated above, it is one of four majors in men’s professional golf. Beyond being a major, the Masters holds additional prestige as the winner each year has a standing invitation to come back and compete in the event for the rest of their life.

When is the Masters?

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The Masters is traditionally held in the first full week of April each year. That tradition has only been broken during extreme circumstance, such as during WWII when the tournament was not held for three years, or such as last year when the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the event to November.

When did the Masters start?

The Masters was first played in 1934 and was won by Horton Smith.

Who started the Masters?

Amateur golfer Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts, the founders of Augusta National Golf Club, started the Masters as a way to promote their newly formed golf club and as a way to give back to the game of golf.

What do you get for winning the Masters?

If you win the Masters, you not only win a boatload of cash (this year’s winner will take home $2,070,000), but you also receive a custom green jacket. The green jacket is a sign of prestige and is only for tournament winners and Augusta National Golf Club members. You are only allowed to wear your green jacket while on the grounds of Augusta National, unless you are the reigning champion in which case you get to take the green jacket home for the entire year.

Who has won the most Masters?

Jack Nicklaus has won the Masters six times and has the record for most Masters titles. Tiger Woods has the second most wins at Augusta National with five wins, while Arnold Palmer claimed four green jackets during his career.