Mashie Monday

Masters Week

Last month, I planned to write about golf pros today, because there were two in my family and many more among my friends. Since this is Masters Week, I decided to write about the tournament and the man who started it. Next month, the golf profession takes center stage—or the middle of the fairway!

Even if you aren’t a golfer or fan, you have probably heard of the Masters tournament, which is conducted the first full week of April every year. It began in 1934 as the Augusta National Invitational Tournament.

Augusta National was founded by Bobby Jones, an outstanding amateur and attorney, and Clifford Roberts, an investment banker. The course was designed by Alistair MacKenzie, the architect of more than 50 courses around the world. Among them are the University of Michigan course, the Scarlet course at Ohio State, Royal Melbourne (West), and Cypress Point.

Building a golf course became a project for Jones after he retired from competitive golf. In 1930, he garnered what was then considered the Grand Slam of golf by winning the British and US Amateur championships and the British and US Opens. Today’s Grand Slam consists of the Masters, the US Open, the British Open, and the PGA. In the coming months, I’ll be writing about all three. Sneak peek: the US Open (in June) is my favorite.

Following the completion of August National, Jones and Roberts tried to get the 1934 US Open at the course. The USGA turned them down, citing the hot Georgia summers as a deterrent to good playing conditions. When the course failed to attract any other big event, the first invitational was born. In 1934, the field consisted mostly of Jones’ friends, most of whom had been tournament players. Horton Smith was the winner.

A new tournament starting during this time period is not surprising, since the1910s through the 1930s are considered to be the Golden Age of Golf. Although the Masters came after the time period in my first series, I lean into the rise of golf as a key to making the small-town resort setting come alive.

The tournament officially took on its current name in 1939. Then, play was suspended from 1943 to 1945 due to World War II. Following the war, some of the iconic customs began.

In 1948, the first green coat was awarded to the winner. These jackets stay at the club and are only worn during Masters Week. Soon after the coat ceremony arose, the champions’ dinner became a tradition in 1952. It is hosted by the defending champion, who chooses the menu. Now, all previous champions are invited. Sometimes, the dishes become a topic of conversation. The par three contest, a casual event, began in 1960. Since its inception, no winner has ever gone on to snare the green jacket.

Although I have been to many professional golf tournaments, I’ve never gone to the Masters. However, I’ve often watched on the television. My mom’s birthday usually fell at some point during the week, so viewing was often a family event. I always think of her during the tournament. She loved golf and nature, and the Masters combines both.

August National looks to be a beautiful course and, in early April, azaleas and dogwoods are in bloom, making it a spectacular setting. Even if you aren’t a golf aficionado, take a few minutes to watch this week. You will be enthralled by the gorgeous views, and you might even become captivated by the game.

Watch for Bootlegger Briefs on April 20!