12 things you probably didn’t know about the Masters and Augusta National
AUGUSTA, Ga. — It’s the holy grail of North American golf, this year’s Masters has enjoyed as much build-up and anticipation as any tournament in recent years.
Sure, you know that Jack, Tiger and Arnie have combined for 15 green jackets and you’re plenty familiar with azaleas, but we’re guessing there’s plenty in this list that will surprise you.
Without further ado, here are a dozen fun facts about Augusta National and the Masters that will get you ready for a tradition unlike any other.
The trees on Magnolia Lane are over 160 years old
The famous Magnolia Lane extends from the entrance gate to the clubhouse. But here’s a fun fact — the large magnolia trees that line both sides of the 330-yard road date to the late 1850s. The road was paved in 1947.
Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images
Only two pro golfers are current members at Augusta National
Jack Nicklaus and former amateur standout John Harris (who recently retired from the PGA Tour Champions) are the only pro golfers who are Augusta National Golf Club members. Arnold Palmer, who died in 2016, was also a club member.
Honorary starters Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus joke during a press conference after their ceremonial tee shots to begin the 2012 Masters. (Getty Images)
Three bridges are dedicated to players
There are three dedicated bridges at Augusta National: the Sarazen Bridge at hole No. 15 — to honor Gene Sarazen’s double eagle there during the 1935 Masters, the Hogan Bridge at the No. 12 green — to honor Ben Hogan’s then-record score of 274 in 1953, and the Nelson Bridge at the No. 13 tee — to honor Byron Nelson’s performance on holes No. 12 and 13 when he won the 1937 Masters.
Arnold Palmer walks across the Hogan Bridge at Augusta on the 12th fairway for the final time in Masters competition in 2004. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
The green jacket tradition started in 1937
The tradition of members wearing green jackets began in 1937, when jackets were purchased from New York’s Brooks Uniform Co. The idea was that Masters patrons easily could see members who would have accurate information. The jackets have been stitched at Hamilton Tailoring outside Cincinnati and according to numerous reports, it takes roughly a month to produce each three-button, single-breasted blazer.
Tiger Woods, left, receives his Masters green jacket from last year’s champion Vijay Singh of Fiji, after winning the 2001 Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 8, 2001. Woods captured this second Masters title, defeating David Duval by two strokes.
As many as five amateurs can stay in the Crow's Nest during Masters week
The Crow’s Nest is a 30-by-40-foot room atop the clubhouse available as living quarters for as many as five amateurs during The Masters. There are four bedrooms, a games table and a television. Although it’s certainly not ritzy, it’s considered one of the most historic parts of the property. Eight players who have stayed in the space as amateurs later won the event — Jack Nicklaus, Tommy Aaron, Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, Craig Stadler, Mark O’Meara, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.
The Crow’s Nest, located above the clubhouse of the Augusta National Golf Club, is shown in this Feb. 2003 photo. (Augusta Chronicle file photo)
Only one president was a member at ANGC
Avid golfer Dwight (Ike) Eisenhower is the only U.S. president to have been a club member. Ike’s Pond occupies 3 acres near hole No. 9 on the par-3 course, a nine-hole layout that is the site of the traditional Par 3 Contest on Wednesday of Masters week.
Dwight Eisenhower had a putting green installed outside his office and was known to dictate to a secretary while practicing.
Every hole is named for a plant or shrub
Each hole is named after a plant or shrub that adorns it. For example, No. 3 is called “Flowering Crab Apple.” An estimated 80,000 plants have been added since the course was built.
Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays from the pine straw at hole No. 3 during the first round of the Masters. (Augusta National)
The area was used for raising animals during WWII
The tournament was not played during the years 1943, 1944 and 1945 because of World War II. To help with the war effort, turkey and cattle were raised on the Augusta National Grounds.
This overview shows Augusta National during World War II. (Augusta Chronicle file photo)
The land had once been Fruitland Nurseries
The club was conceived by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts. Their vision was to establish a national membership for the club. They took a $70,000 option on a 365-acre property called Fruitland Nurseries in Augusta, Georgia. Jones and Alistair Mackenzie of Scotland designed the course. Construction began in 1931. The course opened in 1932 with limited play. The formal opening was January 1933.
Bobby Jones (L) and Clifford Roberts at the Augusta National. (File photo)
Cabins still provide on-site lodging for members
The 10 cabins located on the grounds of Augusta National provide lodging for members and their guests. The cabin in this photo is named the Eisenhower Cabin because the club built it for President and Mrs. Eisenhower for their visits to Augusta National. The cabin is a little larger than others, because it had to house Sercet Service members.
President and Mrs. Eisenhower stand on the porch of their “little white house” at Augusta National.
The Record Fountain sits just off the 17th green
The Record Fountain was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Masters. It is located left of the No. 17 green and displays course records and Masters Tournament winners.
The Record Fountain during the 2012 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Jackie Ricciardi / Staff)
Rae's Creek was used as protection from attacks
Rae’s Creek was named after John Rae. The creek runs in front of the No. 12 green, has a tributary at the No. 13 tee, and passes by the back of the No. 11 green. Rae’s house kept residents safe during Native American attacks. It was the furthest fortress up the Savannah River from Fort Augusta.
Matt Kuchar chips over Rae’s Creek at the 13th hole during a practice round Tuesday for the 2013 Masters at Augusta National.
Looking for more fun facts? Click here to see more at Augusta.com, the Masters site of our partner the Augusta Chronicle.
