As golf fans listen to Jim Nantz do his best to make Tony Romo likable during NFL Sundays, we can’t help but think ahead to Nantz’s call during golf’s most prestigious tournament—the Masters.
The Masters is one of golf’s four major championships during a season; however, it’s hard to argue against it being the most important 72 holes of the year. Why is this tournament so beloved? These five reasons why the Masters is a tradition unlike any other prove why the tagline in their commercials is accurate.
Augusta National Golf Club
Unlike the other three majors that change their location, the Masters is always at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The course is known for its beauty and meticulous maintenance, with pristine fairways and greens that look like someone painted them with a brush. But Augusta National is more than just a golf course—it’s a sanctuary.
The Green Jacket
While there is a trophy for the victor after the tournament, the infamous “Green Jacket” is what every golfer dreams of donning. The jacket may not be the most fashionable thing on the planet, but it’s more about what the jacket symbolizes.
It’s like the Masters’ version of the high school letterman jacket—only wearing this piece of apparel years after you’ve earned it is acceptable. Earning the Green Jacket puts you in tremendous company with golf’s elite or surprising winners like this past year’s Ryder Cup captain, Zach Johnson.
The Amen Corner
The Amen Corner, a term coined for the second shot at the 11th, all of the 12th, and the tee shot at the 13th, is a venerable testament to the game’s beauty and challenge. Nestled in a quiet corner of Augusta National, it’s a mesmerizing spectacle of golf architecture.
The whispering pines, the azalea-fringed water hazard, and the strategic bunkering lend it an ethereal quality. These holes provide not just a test of skill but also a visually stunning experience that leaves an indelible mark on both players and spectators.
The Par 3 Contest
The Par 3 Contest, held on the eve of the Masters, is a glorious tradition steeped in camaraderie and heartwarming family moments. Bathed in the soft, warm hues of an April afternoon, golfing legends and enthusiastic newcomers alike trace the contours of Augusta’s divine par 3 course.
The spectacle is an enchanting tableau of laughter, friendly competition, and joyful celebration of the game we so dearly love. Amid the flurry of hole-in-ones and shared stories, the Par 3 Contest embodies the spirit of the Masters—a convergence of history, honor, and the pure, unadulterated ecstasy of golf.
The Augusta National Food
The culinary experience at Augusta National is an essential part of the Masters’ tradition. From the iconic pimento cheese sandwich to the Georgia peach ice cream, the fare is deliberately simple, affordable, and deliciously Southern.
But it’s not just about the food; it’s about what they represent—a throwback to a bygone era when golf was less commercial and more about the love of the game. The food at Augusta is a symbol of the Masters’ commitment to preserving its rich history and traditions while delivering a memorable experience for fans.
There could be a dissertation detailing the beauty of golf’s first major tournament of a season, but these five reasons why The Masters is a tradition unlike any other are the cream of the crop. Sadly, we have to wait months before we see the greenest grass imaginable, although we hope this post can hold you over.
