Sports

Golf: The Masters Golf Tournaments

Theres no doubt that the creators of the Masters Golf Tournament, Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, left indelible impressions for years to come. The tournament trophy and Green Jacket are arguably the most coveted awards not only in golf, but the entire sporting world as well. Since 1934, when Masters Golf began at Augusta, Georgia, some of the sports greatest moments have unfolded.

Some of the greatest matches have been played at Augusta, including Gene Sarazens shot heard round the world in 1935. The 1950s included two victories by Ben Hogan, and the first of four for Arnold Palmer. In fact, Palmers 1958 win began the tradition of Amen Corner. In 1960, the Par 3 Contest was begun, and in 1965 and 1966 Jack Nicklaus became the first Masters Golf Tournament champion to defend his title successfully.

The Masters Golf Tournament in Recent Years
In the 1980s, the golfing world witnessed Spaniard Seve Ballesteros capture the Masters twice, while Tom Watson won his second title. In 1986, at the tender age of 46, Jack Nicklaus slid on his sixth Green Jacket. Contemporary superstar Tiger Woods broke the tournaments four-day scoring record that had stood for 32 years in 1997; in 2001 and 2002 Woods became only the third player in history to win back-to-back Masters titles

Along with the U.S. Open Golf Tournament, the Masters Tournament is a fan favorite. Some have even equated it to the World Series. Millions take in the competition via television, or journey to Augusta to enjoy the action first hand.