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A look back at the 1981 Masters scene

Never-before-seen photos from The Augusta Chronicle archives capture the scene 40 years ago at the 1981 Masters tournament at Augusta National.

The 1981 Masters tournament featured marquee golfers including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and first-time competitor Greg Norman. Tiger Woods was just 5 years old. Fans could enjoy a 75-cent pimento cheese sandwich from the concession stand while taking in the first major of the year. (These days the sandwich is still a deal at $1.50.)

The Chronicle's photographers fanned out across the Augusta National Golf Club to capture all of the early April action and give readers a peek at the scene. The Chronicle's team of sports shooters at the 1981 Masters included Phillip Powell, Chuck Bigger, Dudley Woodard, Larry Grayam, Michael Lewis and Lannis Waters.

Facetime before there was a 'Facetime'

Fans had the opportunity to watch and meet legendary players including Palmer, Nicklaus and Gary Player

Arnold Palmer greets spectators at Augusta National Golf Club.
Arnold Palmer greets spectators at Augusta National Golf Club.
Jack Nicklaus lines up a putt during the 1981 Masters.
Jack Nicklaus lines up a putt during the 1981 Masters.
Arnold Palmer and Gary Player walk down a fairway during the 1981 Masters at Augusta National.
Arnold Palmer and Gary Player walk down a fairway during the 1981 Masters at Augusta National.
Tom Watson won his second green jacket at the 1981 Masters, finishing two strokes ahead of Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller.
Tom Watson won his second green jacket at the 1981 Masters, finishing two strokes ahead of Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller.
Greg Norman made his debut at the Masters in 1981.
Greg Norman made his debut at the Masters in 1981.
Johnny Miller tied with Jack Nicklaus for second place at the 1981 Masters.  Both finished two strokes behind Tom Watson.
Johnny Miller tied with Jack Nicklaus for second place at the 1981 Masters. Both finished two strokes behind Tom Watson.

Taking in the view

Sunglasses and hats were essential for sunny days.  Binoculars and spikes were optional.
Sunglasses and hats were essential for sunny days. Binoculars and spikes were optional.
4/9/1981; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Spectators gather during the 1981 Masters at the Augusta National GC. Mandatory Credit: File Photo -The Augusta Chronicle via USA TODAY NETWORK
4/9/1981; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Spectators gather during the 1981 Masters at the Augusta National GC. Mandatory Credit: File Photo -The Augusta Chronicle via USA TODAY NETWORK
4/9/1981; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Spectators walk through the trees at the Augusta National GC during the 1981 Masters. Mandatory Credit: File Photo -The Augusta Chronicle via USA TODAY NETWORK
4/9/1981; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Spectators walk through the trees at the Augusta National GC during the 1981 Masters. Mandatory Credit: File Photo -The Augusta Chronicle via USA TODAY NETWORK
4/9/1981; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Spectators with umbrellas walk through a path in the rain at Augusta National GC. Mandatory Credit: File Photo -The Augusta Chronicle via USA TODAY NETWORK
4/9/1981; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Spectators with umbrellas walk through a path in the rain at Augusta National GC. Mandatory Credit: File Photo -The Augusta Chronicle via USA TODAY NETWORK
04/10/1981; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Spectators at Augusta National Golf Club during the 1981 Masters.
04/10/1981; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Spectators at Augusta National Golf Club during the 1981 Masters.

Course work

A caddie at Augusta National during the 1981 Masters.
A caddie at Augusta National during the 1981 Masters.
Mowers and grounds crew work ahead of the 1981 Masters.
Mowers and grounds crew work ahead of the 1981 Masters.
Grounds crew at Augusta National Golf Club
Grounds crew at Augusta National Golf Club
Caddies at Augusta National Golf Club
Caddies at Augusta National Golf Club

Take me to your leaderboard

A worker touches up the 1981 Masters scoreboard at the Augusta National Golf Club.
A worker touches up the 1981 Masters scoreboard at the Augusta National Golf Club.
Tom Watson's name is adjusted on the thru board during the 1981 Masters at Augusta.
Tom Watson's name is adjusted on the thru board during the 1981 Masters at Augusta.
Spectators look at the main scoreboard along the No. 1 fairway blank leader board during the 1981 Masters.
Spectators look at the main scoreboard along the No. 1 fairway blank leader board during the 1981 Masters.

Photography allowed

Photographer Brian Morgan covers the 1981 Masters in old school style, wearing a kilt and shooting with manual focus lenses and 35mm film cameras.
Photographer Brian Morgan covers the 1981 Masters in old school style, wearing a kilt and shooting with manual focus lenses and 35mm film cameras.
Johnny Miller takes a photograph of a Pinkerton security guard with some fans at the No. 1 tee box.
Johnny Miller takes a photograph of a Pinkerton security guard with some fans at the No. 1 tee box.

A fan's gotta eat

04/09/1981; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Outdoor dining area and waiters at Augusta National Golf Club during the 1981 Masters.
04/09/1981; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Outdoor dining area and waiters at Augusta National Golf Club during the 1981 Masters.
Concessions stand at the Augusta National Golf Club during the 1981 Masters.
Concessions stand at the Augusta National Golf Club during the 1981 Masters.

Tickets please

Even 40 years ago, tickets to the Masters were hard to come by but parking was cheap.
Even 40 years ago, tickets to the Masters were hard to come by but parking was cheap.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A look back at the 1981 Masters scene