Masters Tournament#Champions' Dinner

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{{Main|Augusta National Golf Club}}

The idea for Augusta National originated with Bobby Jones, who wanted to build a golf course after his retirement from the game. He sought advice from Clifford Roberts, who later became the chairman of the club. They came across a piece of land in Augusta, Georgia, of which Jones said: "Perfect! And to think this ground has been lying here all these years waiting for someone to come along and lay a golf course upon it."

{{cite book |last=Sampson |first=Curt |title=The Masters: Golf, Money, and Power in Augusta, Georgia |publisher=Villard Books |year=1999 |location=New York City |page=22 |isbn=0375753370}}

The land had been an indigo plantation in the early nineteenth century and a plant nursery since 1857.{{cite news |url=http://www.augusta.com/stories/2006/04/03/mas_75606.shtml |newspaper=Augusta Chronicle |last=Boyette |first=John |title=Augusta National's natural beauty was born in nursery |date=April 3, 2006 |access-date=August 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821062129/http://www.augusta.com/stories/2006/04/03/mas_75606.shtml |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |url-status=dead}} Jones hired Alister MacKenzie to help design the course, and work began in 1931. The course formally opened in 1933, but MacKenzie died before the first Masters Tournament was played.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.org/en_US/history/jacket/club_history.html |title=History of the Club |publisher=www.masters.org |access-date=January 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119025155/http://www.masters.org/en_US/history/jacket/club_history.html |archive-date=January 19, 2008 |url-status=dead}}

The first "Augusta National Invitation Tournament", as the Masters was originally known, began on March 22, 1934, and was won by Horton Smith, who took the first prize of $1,500. The present name was adopted in 1939. The first tournament was played with current holes 10 through 18 played as the first nine, and 1 through 9 as the second nineAlthough front and back are the terms more commonly used, for the Masters they are called the "first" and "second" nines then reversed permanently to its present layout for the 1935 tournament.

Initially the Augusta National Invitation field was composed of Bobby Jones' close associates. Jones had petitioned the USGA to hold the U.S. Open at Augusta but the USGA denied the petition, noting that the hot Georgia summers would create difficult playing conditions.{{cite web |url=http://www.golf-newz.com/the-masters |title=The Augusta National Golf Club |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=April 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327064042/http://golf-newz.com/the-masters |archive-date=March 27, 2011 |url-status=dead}}

Gene Sarazen hit the "shot heard 'round the world" in 1935, holing a shot from the fairway on the par 5 15th for a double eagle (albatross).{{cite web |last=Boyette |first=John |title=With 1 shot, Sarazen gave Masters fame |newspaper=The Augusta Chronicle |date=April 10, 2002 |url=http://www.augusta.com/masters/review2002/041102/sarazen_remembered2002.shtml |access-date=April 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407203811/http://www.augusta.com/masters/review2002/041102/sarazen_remembered2002.shtml |archive-date=April 7, 2008}} This tied Sarazen with Craig Wood, and in the ensuing 36-hole playoff, Sarazen was the victor by five strokes.

Byron Nelson won the first of two Masters titles in 1937. Jimmy Demaret won three times as did Sam Snead in the 1940s and 1950s. Ben Hogan won the 1951 and 1953 Masters and was runner-up on four occasions.

In 1940, Clifford Roberts, chairman of the Masters, stated that the Masters was one of the top tournaments in the United States, if not the biggest. He stated, "I am told that the Masters has outdistanced in attendance both the U.S. Amateur and the PGA."{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-macon-telegraph-masters-declared-num/170558300/|date=March 17, 1940|page=9|agency=Associated Press|title=Masters Declared Number One Event|newspaper=The Macon Telegraph and News|location=Macon, Georgia|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=April 18, 2025}} The tournament was not played from 1943 to 1945, due to World War II. To assist the war effort, cattle and turkeys were raised on the Augusta National grounds.

The Big Three of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus dominated the Masters from 1960 through 1978, winning the event 11 times between them during that span. After winning by one stroke in 1958,{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.com/en_US/tournament/past_winners.html |title=Past Winners & Results |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030012158/https://www.masters.com/en_US/tournament/past_winners.html |url-status=live}} Palmer won by one stroke again in 1960 in memorable circumstances. Trailing Ken Venturi by one shot in the 1960 event, Palmer made birdies on the last two holes to prevail. Palmer would go on to win another two Masters in 1962 and 1964.

File:JackNicklaus2006MastersPar3.jpg par 3 contest]]

Nicklaus emerged in the early 1960s and served as a rival to the popular Palmer. Nicklaus won his first green jacket in 1963, defeating Tony Lema by one stroke.{{cite news |url=http://www.augusta.com/masters/story/history/1963-jack-nicklaus-wins-second-pro-masters |title=1963: Jack Nicklaus wins second pro Masters |newspaper=The Augusta Chronicle |date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=January 25, 2008 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031184403/https://www.augusta.com/masters/story/history/1963-jack-nicklaus-wins-second-pro-masters |url-status=live}} Two years later, he shot a then-course record of 271 (17 under par) for his second Masters win, leading Bobby Jones to say that Nicklaus played "a game with which I am not familiar."{{cite news |url=http://www.augusta.com/masters/story/history/1965-nicklaus-wins-nine-shatter-masters-record |newspaper=The Augusta Chronicle |title=1965: Nicklaus wins by nine to shatter Masters record |date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031202232/https://www.augusta.com/masters/story/history/1965-nicklaus-wins-nine-shatter-masters-record |url-status=live}} The next year, Nicklaus won his third green jacket in a grueling 18-hole playoff against Tommy Jacobs and Gay Brewer. This made Nicklaus the first player to win consecutive Masters. He won again in 1972 by three strokes. In 1975, Nicklaus won by one stroke in a close contest with Tom Weiskopf and Johnny Miller in one of the most exciting Masters to date.{{cite news |url=http://www.augusta.com/masters/story/history/1975-nicklaus-wins-fifth-masters-elder-breaks-color-barrier |title=1975: Nicklaus wins fifth Masters as Elder breaks color barrier |date=March 23, 2012 |newspaper=The Augusta Chronicle |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028232149/https://www.augusta.com/masters/story/history/1975-nicklaus-wins-fifth-masters-elder-breaks-color-barrier |url-status=live}}

Player became the first non-American to win the Masters in 1961, beating Palmer, the defending champion, by one stroke when Palmer double-bogeyed the final hole. In 1974, he won again by two strokes. After not winning a tournament on the U.S. PGA tour for nearly four years, and at the age of 42, Player won his third and final Masters in 1978 by one stroke over three players. Player is second in consecutive cuts made with 23 straight (tied with Fred Couples), and has played in a record 52 Masters.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/historical/tournaments_entered.html |title=Historical Records & Stats – Tournaments Entered |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923002526/https://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/historical/tournaments_entered.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/historical/cutline.html |title=Historical Records & Stats – Cut Information |access-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922225101/https://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/historical/cutline.html |url-status=live}}

A controversial ending to the Masters occurred in 1968. Argentine champion Roberto De Vicenzo signed his scorecard (attested by playing partner Tommy Aaron) incorrectly recording him as making a par 4 instead of a birdie 3 on the 17th hole of the final round. According to the rules of golf, if a player signs a scorecard (thereby attesting to its veracity) that records a score on a hole higher than what he actually made on the hole, the player receives the higher score for that hole. This extra stroke cost De Vicenzo a chance to be in an 18-hole Monday playoff with Bob Goalby, who won the green jacket. De Vicenzo's mistake led to the famous quote, "What a stupid I am."{{cite web |url=http://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/roberto-de-vicenzo/ |title=World Golf Hall of Fame Profile: Roberto De Vicenzo |publisher=World Golf Hall of Fame |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=June 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613215849/http://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/roberto-de-vicenzo/ |url-status=live}}

In 1975, Lee Elder became the first African American to play in the Masters,{{cite magazine |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HFI/is_4_51/ai_60121185 |magazine=Golf Digest |last=McDaniel |first=Pete |title=The trailblazer – Twenty-five years ago, Lee Elder became the first black golfer in the Masters |access-date=January 29, 2008 |year=2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207153543/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HFI/is_4_51/ai_60121185 |archive-date=February 7, 2008}} doing so 15 years before Augusta National admitted its first black member, Ron Townsend, as a result of the Shoal Creek Controversy.{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE5D7123AF932A2575AC0A966958260 |title=Augusta National Admits First Black Member |date=September 11, 1990 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=November 20, 2008 |first=Jaime |last=Diaz |archive-date=February 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224171644/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE5D7123AF932A2575AC0A966958260 |url-status=live}}

Non-Americans collected 11 victories in 20 years in the 1980s and 1990s, by far the strongest run they have had in any of the three majors played in the United States since the early days of the U.S. Open. The first European to win the Masters was Seve Ballesteros in 1980. Nicklaus became the oldest player to win the Masters in 1986 when he won for the sixth time at age 46.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/historical/index.html |title=Historical Records & Stats – Champions / Winning Statistics |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=April 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416003046/https://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/historical/index.html |url-status=live}}

During this period, no golfer suffered more disappointment at the Masters than Greg Norman. In his first appearance at Augusta in 1981, he led during the second nine but ended up finishing fourth. In 1986, after birdieing holes 14 through 17 to tie Nicklaus for the lead, he badly pushed his 4-iron approach on 18 into the patrons surrounding the green and missed his par putt for a closing bogey. In 1987, Norman lost a sudden-death playoff when Larry Mize holed out a remarkable 45-yard pitch shot to birdie the second playoff hole. Mize thus became the first Augusta native to win the Masters.{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/augusta/si_history_stories/1987.html |title=My, Oh Mize |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Ballard |first=Sarah |access-date=February 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403102648/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/augusta/si_history_stories/1987.html |archive-date=April 3, 2008}} In 1996, Norman tied the course record with an opening-round 63 and had a six-stroke lead over Nick Faldo entering the final round. However, he stumbled to a closing 78 while Faldo, his playing partner that day, carded a 67 to win by five shots for his third Masters championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.org/en_US/history/results/1996.html |title=Tournament Results: 1996 |publisher=www.masters.org |access-date=January 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103130858/http://www.masters.org/en_US/history/results/1996.html |archive-date=November 3, 2007}} Norman also led the 1999 Masters on the second nine of the final round, only to falter again and finish third behind winner José María Olazábal, who won his second green jacket. Norman finished in the top five at the Masters eight times, but never won.

Two-time champion Ben Crenshaw captured an emotional Masters win in 1995, just days after the death of his lifelong teacher and mentor Harvey Penick. After making his final putt to win, he broke down sobbing at the hole and was consoled and embraced by his caddie Carl Jackson. In the post-tournament interview, Crenshaw said: "I had a 15th club in my bag," a reference to Penick. (The "15th club" reference is based on the golf rule that limits a player to carrying 14 clubs during a round.) Crenshaw first won at Augusta in 1984.

In 1997, 21-year-old Tiger Woods became the youngest champion in Masters history, winning by 12 shots with an 18-under par 270 which broke the 72-hole record that had stood for 32 years. In 2001, Woods completed his "Tiger Slam" by winning his fourth straight major championship at the Masters by two shots over David Duval. He won again the following year, making him only the third player in history (after Nicklaus and Faldo) to win the tournament in consecutive years, as well as in 2005 when he defeated Chris DiMarco in a playoff for his first major championship win in almost three years.

In 2003, the Augusta National Golf Club was targeted by Martha Burk, who organized a failed protest at that year's Masters to pressure the club into accepting female members. Burk planned to protest at the front gates of Augusta National during the third day of the tournament, but her application for a permit to do so was denied.{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F01E3DA133EF930A25750C0A9659C8B63 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 13, 2003 |title=City of Augusta Is Sued Over Protest at the Masters |last=Brown |first=Clifton |access-date=November 23, 2008 |archive-date=February 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224034248/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F01E3DA133EF930A25750C0A9659C8B63 |url-status=live}} A court appeal was dismissed.{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9900EFDE163BF933A25757C0A9659C8B63 |title=Court Rejects Burk Appeal |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 4, 2003 |access-date=November 23, 2008 |archive-date=February 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222022759/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9900EFDE163BF933A25757C0A9659C8B63 |url-status=live}} In 2004, Burk stated that she had no further plans to protest against the club.{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9805E2DB1F3CF93AA15751C0A9629C8B63 |title=To Burk, No Point Picketing Masters |date=February 29, 2004 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=November 23, 2008 |archive-date=February 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224171343/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9805E2DB1F3CF93AA15751C0A9629C8B63 |url-status=live}} The club admitted its first two women members, Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore, in 2012.

Augusta National chairman Billy Payne himself made headlines in April 2010 when he commented at the annual pre-Masters press conference on Tiger Woods' off-the-course behavior. "It's not simply the degree of his conduct that is so egregious here," Payne said, in his opening speech. "It is the fact he disappointed all of us and more importantly our kids and grandkids."{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2010/04/07/2010-04-07_masters_chairman_rips_tiger_for_his_conduct.html |location=New York |newspaper=Daily News |title=Masters chairman Billy Payne rips Tiger Woods for 'disappointing all of us' |first=Filip |last=Bondy |date=April 7, 2010 |access-date=April 11, 2010 |archive-date=April 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410083128/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2010/04/07/2010-04-07_masters_chairman_rips_tiger_for_his_conduct.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/07/AR2010040703169.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=Billy Payne disappointed in Tiger Woods's 'egregious' behavior |first=Barry |last=Svrluga |date=April 8, 2010 |access-date=May 12, 2010 |archive-date=February 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216182142/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/07/AR2010040703169.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-glf-masters-payne-statement,0,3492289.story |title=Billy Payne's remarks regarding Tiger Woods playing at Augusta |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411220319/http://www.latimes.com/sports/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-glf-masters-payne-statement%2C0%2C3492289.story |archive-date=April 11, 2010}}

In 2003, Mike Weir became the first Canadian to win a men's major championship and the first left-hander to win the Masters when he defeated Len Mattiace in a playoff. The following year another left-hander, Phil Mickelson, won his first major championship by making a birdie on the final hole to beat Ernie Els by a stroke. Mickelson also won the tournament in 2006 and 2010. In 2011, unheralded South African Charl Schwartzel birdied the final four holes to win by two strokes. In 2012, Bubba Watson won the tournament on the second playoff hole over Louis Oosthuizen. In 2013 Adam Scott won the Masters in a playoff over 2009 champion Ángel Cabrera, making him the first Australian to win the tournament.{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Matthews |title=As it happened: Scott wins US Masters |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/golf-news/happened-scott-wins-us-masters-5406418 |publisher=TVNZ |date=April 15, 2013 |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803183909/http://tvnz.co.nz/golf-news/happened-scott-wins-us-masters-5406418 |url-status=live}} Watson won the 2014 Masters by three strokes over Jordan Spieth and Jonas Blixt, his second Masters title in three years and the sixth for a left-hander in 12 years. In 2015, Spieth would become the second-youngest winner (behind Woods) in just his second Masters, equaling Woods' 72-hole scoring record.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/golf/masters15/story/_/id/12676053/jordan-spieth-21-ties-masters-scoring-record-first-major-championship |title=Jordan Spieth, 21, leads Masters wire to wire for 1st major win |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=April 13, 2015 |access-date=April 13, 2015 |archive-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420040705/http://espn.go.com/golf/masters15/story/_/id/12676053/jordan-spieth-21-ties-masters-scoring-record-first-major-championship |url-status=live}} In 2017, Sergio García beat Justin Rose in a playoff for his long-awaited first major title. In 2019, Tiger Woods captured his fifth Masters, his first win at Augusta National in 14 years and his first major title since 2008.

The 2020 Masters Tournament, originally scheduled to be played April 9–12, was postponed until November due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/28897249/augusta-national-announces-masters-postponed-played |title=Augusta announces Masters will be postponed |date=March 13, 2020 |work=ESPN |first=Bob |last=Harig |access-date=March 16, 2020 |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113131734/https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/28897249/augusta-national-announces-masters-postponed-played |url-status=live}} Dustin Johnson won the tournament by five strokes.

In 2025, a monument in Augusta, Georgia was erected by artist Baruti Tucker to honor the black caddies at Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters Tournament.{{cite web |title=New monument honors Black caddies of the Masters Tournament in Augusta |url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/new-monument-honors-black-caddies-masters-tournament-augusta/GLHLSTOBC5GO7E2LWSWWN5XXSY/ |website=WSB-TV |publisher=Cox Media Group |date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=April 13, 2025}} Rory McIlory won the 2025 Masters and completed the sixth grand slam in a playoff over Justin Rose.{{cite web |last1=Spears |first1=Dan |title=2025 Masters Replay: Rory McIlroy's Masters quest finally ends in victory |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/sports/pga/2025/04/13/masters-leaderboard-saturday-round-3-scores-live-updates-results/83066908007/ |website=The Augusta Chronicle |access-date=13 July 2025}}

The total prize money for the 2025 Masters Tournament was $21,000,000, with $4,200,000 going to the winner. In the inaugural year of 1934, the winner Horton Smith received $1,500 out of a $5,000 purse.{{cite news |url=http://www.augusta.com/masters/review2001/040701/masters_purse2001.shtml |title=Purse exceeds $1 Million |last=Westin |first=David |date=April 7, 2001 |access-date=November 28, 2008 |newspaper=The Augusta Chronicle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025051941/http://www.augusta.com/masters/review2001/040701/masters_purse2001.shtml |archive-date=October 25, 2008}} After Nicklaus's first win in 1963, he received $20,000, while after his final victory in 1986 he won $144,000.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1986/04/21/633823/day-of-glory-for-a-golden-oldie |title=Day Of Glory For A Golden Oldie |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Reilly |first=Rick |author-link=Rick Reilly |date=April 21, 1986 |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=July 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710121006/https://www.si.com/vault/1986/04/21/633823/day-of-glory-for-a-golden-oldie |url-status=live}}{{cite book |title=Golf My Way |last1=Nicklaus |first1=Jack |author-link1=Jack Nicklaus |last2=Bowden |first2=Ken |publisher=Heinemann |year=1974 |isbn=0-434-51350-4}} In recent years the purse has grown quickly. Between 2001 and 2014, the winner's share grew by $612,000, and the purse grew by $3,400,000.{{cite web |title=$9,000,000 Masters Results |url=http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=golf-m/specialevents/masters/2014/file.aspx?f=leaderboard |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415025925/http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=golf-m%2Fspecialevents%2Fmasters%2F2014%2Ffile.aspx%3Ff%3Dleaderboard |archive-date=April 15, 2014 |access-date=April 14, 2014 |publisher=The Sports Network}}{{cite news |url=http://www.augusta.com/masters/story/news/masters-prize-money-announced |newspaper=Augusta Chronicle |title=2014 Masters Prize Money Announced |date=April 12, 2014 |access-date=April 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413180132/http://www.augusta.com/masters/story/news/masters-prize-money-announced |archive-date=April 13, 2014}}

{{further|Augusta National Golf Club#Green jacket}}

In addition to a cash prize, the winner of the tournament is presented with a distinctive green jacket, formally awarded since 1949 and informally awarded to the champions from the years prior. The green sport coat is the official attire worn by members of Augusta National while on the club grounds; each Masters winner becomes an honorary member of the club. The recipient of the green jacket has it presented to him inside the Butler Cabin soon after the end of the tournament in a televised ceremony, and the presentation is then repeated outside near the 18th green in front of the patrons. Winners keep their jacket for the year after their victory, then return it to the club to wear whenever they are present on the club grounds. Sam Snead was the first Masters champion to be awarded the green jacket after he took his first Masters title in 1949.

The green jacket is only allowed to be removed from the Augusta National grounds by the reigning champion, after which it must remain at the club. Exceptions to this rule include Gary Player, who in his joy of winning mistakenly took his jacket home to South Africa after his 1961 victory (although he has always followed the spirit of the rule and has never worn the jacket);{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas/070405 |title=The real story behind the green jacket |last=Lukas |first=Paul |work=ESPN |access-date=November 18, 2008 |archive-date=February 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222213202/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas%2F070405 |url-status=live}} Seve Ballesteros who, in an interview with Peter Alliss from his home in Pedreña, showed one of his two green jackets in his trophy room; and Henry Picard, whose jacket was removed from the club before the tradition was well established, remained in his closet for a number of years, and is now on display at Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood, Ohio, where he was the club professional for many years.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1995/04/10/8093250/master-teacher-nearly-forgotten-now-teaching-pro-henry-picard-was-a-big-star-when-he-won-the-1938-masters |title=Master Teacher: Nearly forgotten now, teaching pro Henry Picard was a big star when he won the 1938 Masters |first=Rick |last=Lispey |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=February 9, 2016 |date=April 10, 1995 |archive-date=February 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223092215/http://www.si.com/vault/1995/04/10/8093250/master-teacher-nearly-forgotten-now-teaching-pro-henry-picard-was-a-big-star-when-he-won-the-1938-masters |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ohiogolfandtravelguide.com/ohio/golf-news/michael-kernicki-hosts-major-championship-at-canterbury-golf-club.html |title=Michael Kernicki hosts Major Championship at Canterbury Golf Club |publisher=GolfGuide.com |access-date=April 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111083303/http://www.ohiogolfandtravelguide.com/ohio/golf-news/michael-kernicki-hosts-major-championship-at-canterbury-golf-club.html |archive-date=November 11, 2010}}

By tradition, the winner of the previous year's Masters Tournament puts the jacket on the winner at the end of the tournament. In 1966, Jack Nicklaus became the first player to win in consecutive years and he donned the jacket himself.{{cite news |url=http://www.augusta.com/masters/story/history/1966-jack-nicklaus-first-win-consecutive-masters |title=1966: Jack Nicklaus first to win consecutive Masters |date=March 22, 2012 |newspaper=The Augusta Chronicle |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031191241/https://www.augusta.com/masters/story/history/1966-jack-nicklaus-first-win-consecutive-masters |url-status=live}} When Nick Faldo (in 1990) and Tiger Woods (in 2002) repeated as champions, the chairman of Augusta National put the jacket on them.

In addition to the green jacket, winners of the tournament receive a gold medal. In 2017, a green jacket that was found at a thrift store in 1994 was sold at auction for $139,000.{{cite news |date=April 10, 2017 |title=Masters-style green jacket bought for $5 at Toronto thrift store sells for $139K |newspaper=Toronto Star |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/golf/2017/04/10/masters-style-green-jacket-bought-for-5-at-toronto-thrift-store-sells-for-139k.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108022752/https://www.thestar.com/sports/golf/2017/04/10/masters-style-green-jacket-bought-for-5-at-toronto-thrift-store-sells-for-139k.html |archive-date=November 8, 2020}}

There are several awards presented to players who perform exceptional feats during the tournament. The player who has the daily lowest score receives a crystal vase, while players who score a hole-in-one or a double eagle win a large crystal bowl.{{Cite web |title=Utah's Tony Finau moves into the Masters top 10 and earns some crystal with a 66 |url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/04/09/utahs-tony-finau-moves/ |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}} For each eagle a player makes, they receive a pair of crystal goblets.

Winners also have their names engraved on the actual silver Masters trophy. The runner-up receives a silver medal, introduced in 1951. Beginning in 1978, a silver salver was added as an award for the runner-up.

In 1952, the Masters began presenting an award, known as the Silver Cup, to the lowest scoring amateur to make the cut. In 1954, they began presenting an amateur silver medal to the low amateur runner-up.

The original trophy weighs over 130 pounds and sits on a four-foot-wide base. It resides permanently at Augusta National and depicts the clubhouse of the classic course. Winners instead receive a replica, which is significantly smaller, stands just 6.5 inches tall and weighs 20 pounds, which they get to keep. The champion and the runner-up both have their names engraved on the permanent trophy, solidifying themselves in golf history.{{cite web |url=https://thegolfnewsnet.com/golfnewsnetteam/2016/09/19/masters-trophy-facts-size-weight-history-97937 |title=The Masters Trophy facts: Size, weight, history and more |date=September 19, 2016 |website=GolfNewsNet.com |access-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924183824/https://thegolfnewsnet.com/golfnewsnetteam/2016/09/19/masters-trophy-facts-size-weight-history-97937/ |url-status=live}}

The Double Eagle trophy was introduced in 1967 when Bruce Devlin holed out for double eagle on number 8. He was only the second to do so, and the first in 32 years, following Gene Sarazen on hole 15 in 1935. The trophy is a large crystal bowl with "Masters Tournament" engraved around the top.{{cite web |url=https://www.masters.com/en_US/tournament/awards.html |title=Awards & Trophies |website=Masters.com |access-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803204432/https://www.masters.com/en_US/tournament/awards.html |url-status=live}}

In 2013, Augusta National partnered with the USGA and the PGA of America to establish Drive, Chip and Putt, a youth golf skills competition which was first held in 2014. The event was established as part of an effort to help promote the sport of golf among youth; the winners of local qualifiers in different age groups advance to the national finals, which have been held at Augusta National on the Sunday immediately preceding the Masters. The driving and chipping portions of the event are held on the course's practice range, and the putting portion has been played on the 18th hole.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/inaugural-drive-chip-and-putt |title=Inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt Championship has juniors living Augusta National dreams |last=Hennessey |first=Stephen |magazine=Golf Digest |date=April 4, 2014 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804054654/https://www.golfdigest.com/story/inaugural-drive-chip-and-putt |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2013/04/08/masters-augusta-national-drive-chip-and-putt-contest/2064565/ |title=Masters unveils drive, chip and putt contest |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |date=April 8, 2013 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031113144/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2013/04/08/masters-augusta-national-drive-chip-and-putt-contest/2064565/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/22996264/drive-chip-putt-winners-crowned-augusta-national-ahead-masters |title=Drive, Chip & Putt winners crowned at Augusta |work=ESPN |first=Bob |last=Harig |date=April 1, 2018 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129012225/https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/22996264/drive-chip-putt-winners-crowned-augusta-national-ahead-masters |url-status=live}}

On April 4, 2018, prior to the 2018 tournament, new Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley announced that the club would host the Augusta National Women's Amateur beginning in 2019. The first two rounds will be held at the Champion's Retreat club in Evans, Georgia, with the final two rounds hosted by Augusta National (the final round will take place on the Saturday directly preceding the tournament). Ridley stated that holding such an event at Augusta National would have the "greatest impact" on women's golf. Although concerns were raised that the event would conflict with the LPGA Tour's ANA Inspiration (which has invited top amateur players to compete), Ridley stated that he had discussed the event with commissioner Mike Whan, and stated that he agreed on the notion that any move to bolster the prominence of women's golf would be a "win" for the LPGA over time. The winner of the Augusta National Women's Amateur is exempt from two women's golf majors.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/masters-2018-augusta-national-womens-amateur-championship-to-debut-in-2019 |title=Masters 2018: Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship to debut in 2019 |last=Herrington |first=Ryan |magazine=Golf Digest |date=April 4, 2018 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001153226/https://www.golfdigest.com/story/masters-2018-augusta-national-womens-amateur-championship-to-debut-in-2019 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.golfchannel.com/news/six-players-including-arizonas-yu-sang-hou-complete-augusta-national-womens-amateur-field |title=Six players, including Arizona's Yu-Sang Hou, complete Augusta National Women's Amateur field |work=Golf Channel |access-date=February 3, 2019 |first=Brentley |last=Romine |date=January 28, 2019 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803225544/https://www.golfchannel.com/news/six-players-including-arizonas-yu-sang-hou-complete-augusta-national-womens-amateur-field |url-status=live}}

{{Main|Masters Tournament Par-3 contest}}

File:The Masters.jpg

The Par-3 contest was first introduced in 1960, and was won that year by Snead. Since then it has traditionally been played on the Wednesday before the tournament starts. The par 3 course was built in 1958. It is a nine-hole course, with a par of 27, and measures {{convert|1060|yards|m}} in length.{{cite news |last=Uhles |first=Steven |title=Par-3 Contest will be family show |newspaper=The Augusta Chronicle |date=April 9, 2008 |url=http://www.augusta.com/stories/040908/mas_194165.shtml |access-date=April 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419125130/http://www.augusta.com/stories/040908/mas_194165.shtml |archive-date=April 19, 2008 |url-status=dead}}

There have been 94 holes-in-one in the history of the contest, with a record nine occurring in 2016, during which Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas scored back-to-back holes in one on the 4th hole, while playing in a group with reigning champion Jordan Spieth.{{cite web |url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/watch-justin-thomas-and-rickie-fowler-make-back-to-back-aces-on-the-same-hole |title=Watch Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler Make Back-to-Back Aces on the Same Hole |website=Golf Digest}}{{cite web |url=https://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/par3contest/about_par3_contest.html |title=About The Par 3 Contest |website=Masters Tournament |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=May 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519163801/https://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/par3contest/about_par3_contest.html |url-status=live}} Camilo Villegas became the first player to card two holes-in-one in the same round during the 2015 Par 3 Contest. This achievement was duplicated by Séamus Power, who scored back-to-back holes in one on holes 8 and 9 during the 2023 par 3 contest.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/golf/news/seamus-power-completes-back-to-back-hole-in-ones-masters-par-3-contest |title=Seamus Power Completes Back to Back Hole in Ones Masters Par 3 Contest |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} No par 3 contest winner has also won the Masters in the same year.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.org/en_US/history/records/par3contest.html |publisher=www.masters.org |title=Par 3 Contest |access-date=January 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119025253/http://www.masters.org/en_US/history/records/par3contest.html |archive-date=January 19, 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://golf.about.com/b/2007/04/04/the-par-3-contest-at-the-masters.htm |title=The Par-3 Contest at The Masters |publisher=About.com |last=Kelley |first=Brent |access-date=January 25, 2008 |archive-date=June 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616014743/http://golf.about.com/b/2007/04/04/the-par-3-contest-at-the-masters.htm |url-status=live}} There have been several repeat winners, including Pádraig Harrington, Sandy Lyle, Sam Snead, and Tom Watson. The former two won in successive years.

In this event, golfers may use their children as caddies, which helps to create a family-friendly atmosphere. In 2008, the event was televised for the first time by ESPN.

The winner of the par 3 competition, which is played the day before the tournament begins, wins a crystal bowl.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.com/en_US/history/awards.html |title=History: The Trophy Case |access-date=November 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024060201/http://www.masters.com/en_US/history/awards.html |archive-date=October 24, 2008 |url-status=dead}}

As with the other majors, winning the Masters gives a golfer several privileges which make his career more secure. Masters champions are automatically invited to play in the other three majors (the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship) for the next five years (except for amateur winners, unless they turn pro within the five-year period), and earn a lifetime invitation to the Masters. They also receive membership on the PGA Tour for the following five seasons and invitations to The Players Championship for five years.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.org/en_US/bios/qualifications.html |title=Players – Qualifications for Invitation |access-date=November 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529174107/http://www.masters.org/en_US/bios/qualifications.html |archive-date=May 29, 2008 |url-status=dead}}

Because the tournament was established by an amateur champion, Bobby Jones, the Masters has a tradition of honoring amateur golf. It invites winners of the most prestigious amateur tournaments in the world. Also, the current U.S. Amateur champion always plays in the same group as the defending Masters champion for the first two days of the tournament.

Amateurs in the field are welcome to stay in the "Crow's Nest" atop the Augusta National clubhouse during the tournament. The Crow's Nest is {{convert|1200|sqft|-1}} with lodging space for five during the competition.

While the tournament now has a wide range of qualifying criteria for international golfers, until 1987 the only methods of qualification for non-Americans were via "special international invitation", or by winning the tournament in a previous year.

Since 1963, the custom in most years has been to start the tournament with an honorary opening tee shot at the first hole,{{cite web |url=https://www.elmens.com/health/sports/the-masters-tournament-the-golf-event-of-2024-and-the-years-to-come/ |title=The Masters Tournament: The Golf Event of 2024 and the Years to come |publisher=ELMENS |access-date=April 15, 2024 }} typically by one or more legendary players. For a number of years before 1963, Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod had been the first pair to tee off, both being able to play as past major championship winners. However, in 1963 the eligibility rules were changed and they were no longer able to compete. The idea of honorary starters was introduced with Hutchison and McLeod being the first two. This twosome led off every tournament from 1963 until 1973 when poor health prevented Hutchison from swinging a club. McLeod continued on until his death in 1976. Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen started in 1981 and were then joined by Sam Snead in 1984. This trio continued until 1999 when Sarazen died, while Nelson stopped in 2001. Snead hit his final opening tee shot in 2002, a little over a month before he died.

In 2007, Arnold Palmer took over as the honorary starter. Palmer also had the honor in 2008 and 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.golftoday.co.uk/tours/2007/The_Masters/preview_2.html |title=Arnold Palmer to hit opening Masters tee shot |publisher=Golf Today |access-date=February 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725112744/http://www.golftoday.co.uk/tours/2007/The_Masters/preview_2.html |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |url-status=dead}} At the 2010 and 2011 Masters Tournaments, Jack Nicklaus joined Palmer as an honorary co-starter for the event.{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2011/04/08/2011-04-08_arnold_palmer_jack_nicklaus_kick_off_2011_masters_as_honorary_starters_with_tee_.html |title=Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus kick off 2011 Masters as honorary starters with tee shots at Augusta |first=Hank |last=Gola |newspaper=New York Daily News |access-date=April 8, 2011 |date=April 8, 2011 |archive-date=April 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414152054/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2011/04/08/2011-04-08_arnold_palmer_jack_nicklaus_kick_off_2011_masters_as_honorary_starters_with_tee_.html |url-status=live}} In 2012, Gary Player joined them. Palmer announced in March 2016 that a lingering shoulder issue would prevent him from partaking in the 2016 tee shot.{{cite news |url=http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/Palmer-to-skip-opening-tee-shot-at-Masters-6891129.php |title=Palmer to skip opening tee shot at Masters |first=Doug |last=Ferguson |newspaper=Albany Times Union |access-date=March 20, 2016 |date=March 16, 2016 |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331124002/http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/Palmer-to-skip-opening-tee-shot-at-Masters-6891129.php |url-status=live}} Palmer was still in attendance for the ceremony.{{cite news |title=Masters 2016: Arnold Palmer makes poignant appearance on 1st tee |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/apr/07/masters-2016-arnold-palmer-nicklaus-player |newspaper=The Guardian |date=April 7, 2016 |access-date=April 9, 2017 |archive-date=April 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410052526/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/apr/07/masters-2016-arnold-palmer-nicklaus-player |url-status=live}}

Following Palmer's death in 2016, the 2017 ceremony featured tributes; his green jacket was draped over an empty white chair, while everyone in attendance wore "Arnie's Army" badges.{{cite news |title=Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus join Masters tribute to Arnold Palmer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/apr/06/masters-arnold-palmer-jack-nicklaus-gary-player |newspaper=The Guardian |date=April 6, 2017 |access-date=April 9, 2017 |archive-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408012318/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/apr/06/masters-arnold-palmer-jack-nicklaus-gary-player |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Fit for a King: Arnold Palmer honored in moving tribute at Augusta National |url=http://www.golf.com/tour-news/2017/04/06/arnold-palmer-honored-perfectly-thursday-morning-masters |website=Golf.com |date=April 4, 2017 |access-date=April 9, 2017 |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414111700/https://www.golf.com/tour-news/2017/04/06/arnold-palmer-honored-perfectly-thursday-morning-masters |url-status=live}}

In 2021 Lee Elder joined Nicklaus and Player as an honorary starter. He was invited to join them as he was the first African-American to take part in the Masters in 1975. Despite bad health preventing Elder from hitting a shot, he was still present and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Two-time Masters champion Tom Watson joined Nicklaus and Player, starting in 2022.{{cite news |title=Tom Watson accepts invite to join Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player as honorary starters at the Masters |url=https://www.espn.com.au/golf/story/_/id/33042476/tom-watson-accepts-invite-join-jack-nicklaus-gary-player-honorary-starters-masters |work=ESPN |date=January 11, 2022 |access-date=January 11, 2022}}

The Champions' Dinner is held each year on the Tuesday evening preceding Thursday's first round. The dinner was first held in 1952, hosted by defending champion Ben Hogan, to honor the past champions of the tournament.{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions at the Masters |url=http://www.masters.com/en_US/info/faq/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014055635/http://www.masters.com/en_US/info/faq/index.html |archive-date=October 14, 2008 |access-date=November 20, 2008}} At that time 15 tournaments had been played, and the number of past champions was 11. Officially known as the "Masters Club", it includes only past winners of the Masters, although selected members of the Augusta National Golf Club have been included as honorary members, usually the chairman.

The defending champion, as host, selects the menu for the dinner. Frequently, Masters champions have served cuisine from their home regions prepared by the Masters chef. Notable examples have included haggis, served by Scotsman Sandy Lyle in 1989,{{cite web |title=Masters Club |url=http://www.masters.org/en_US/course/landmarks.html#dinner |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109192302/http://www.masters.org/en_US/course/landmarks.html |archive-date=January 9, 2008 |access-date=January 25, 2008 |publisher=www.masters.org}} and bobotie, a South African dish, served at the behest of 2008 champion Trevor Immelman. Other examples include German Bernhard Langer's 1986 Wiener schnitzel, Britain's Nick Faldo's fish and chips, Canadian Mike Weir's elk and wild boar, and Vijay Singh's seafood tom kah and chicken panang curry. The 2011 dinner of Phil Mickelson was a Spanish-themed menu in hopes that Seve Ballesteros would attend, but he was too sick to attend and died weeks later.{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2017 |title=Masters Champions Dinner: Everything you need to know |url=http://www.golf.com/tour-news/2017/03/15/masters-champions-dinner-everything-you-need-know |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504232204/https://www.golf.com/tour-news/2017/03/15/masters-champions-dinner-everything-you-need-know |archive-date=May 4, 2019 |access-date=April 19, 2017}}

In 1998, Tiger Woods served cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, french fries and milkshakes. Woods was the youngest winner, and when asked about his food choices, he responded with "They said you could pick anything you want... Hey, it's part of being young, that's what I eat."{{Cite news |last=Bonk |first=Thomas |date=April 7, 1998 |title=It's Food That's Fit for This Golf King |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-07-sp-36823-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920182723/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-07-sp-36823-story.html |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |access-date=April 13, 2020 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}} Fuzzy Zoeller, the 1979 champion, created a media storm when he suggested that Woods refrain from serving collard greens and fried chicken, dishes commonly associated with African-American culture.{{Cite web |last=Both |first=Andrew |date=4 April 2016 |title=Feature: Zoeller's ex-caddie recalls how Woods broke the ice |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/feature-zoellers-ex-caddie-recalls-how-woods-broke-the-ice-idUSKCN0X11X3/ |website=Reuters}}

Pimento cheese sandwiches have a long history at the Masters.{{cite news |year=2003 |title=Perfecting pimento: gourmet gives us our own recipe |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HFI/is_4_54/ai_100839557 |work=Golf Digest}}{{cite web |title=Augusta Georgia: Features:Pimiento cheese is soul food of the South 04/14/02 |url=http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/041402/fea_223-8719.000.shtml |access-date=1 July 2017}} They have been served as a concession since the 1940s.{{Cite web |title=The Rich, Creamy, Piquant History of the Masters' Pimento Cheese Sandwich |url=https://www.insidehook.com/food/the-rich-creamy-and-slightly-spicy-history-of-the-masters-pimento-cheese-sandwich |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=InsideHook |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Pat |date=2024-03-18 |title=Under Armour Drops Pimento Cheese-Inspired Masters Collection |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/sneakers/news/under-armour-prepares-for-the-masters-with-patron-collection |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en}} Minor controversy ensued in 2013 when the club switched food suppliers for the Masters and the new supplier was unable to duplicate the recipe used by the previous supplier, resulting in a sandwich with a markedly different taste.{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Wright |date=April 11, 2013 |title=A sandwich stumper at the Masters |url=https://www.espn.com/golf/masters13/story/_/id/9159515/golf-sandwich-stumper-masters |access-date=April 13, 2013 |newspaper=ESPN.com}} Southern Living and Golf Digest called the sandwich "iconic" of the tournament.{{Cite web |last=Overdeep |first=Meghan |date=5 March 2024 |title=Augusta National's "Taste of the Masters" Hosting Kits Are Back |url=https://www.southernliving.com/taste-of-the-masters-package-7111223 |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Southern Living |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Hennessey |first=Stephen |date=10 April 2022 |title=Masters 2022: I ate and graded every item on the Augusta National concession menu (again) |url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/masters-2022-concessions-food-augusta-national |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Golf Digest |language=en}} Sports Illustrated called the sandwich "legendary" and "more than a food option – it’s a representation of the sport's history and its traditions".

Until 1983, all players in the Masters were required to use the services of an Augusta National Club caddie,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WFcaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yiQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6177%2C1789683 |newspaper=Times-News |location=Hendersonville, North Carolina |title=Tour caddies at Augusta? |date=November 12, 1982 |page=14 |access-date=September 21, 2016 |archive-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226022146/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WFcaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yiQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6177%2C1789683 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3LUSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6774%2C1068214 |newspaper=Spokane Chronicle |location=Washington |last=Wade |first=Harless |title=Tradition bagged at Masters |date=April 6, 1983 |page=C1 |access-date=September 21, 2016 |archive-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226025823/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3LUSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6774%2C1068214 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xMksAAAAIBAJ&sjid=chMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6823%2C3348928 |newspaper=Sunday Star-News |location=Wilmington, North Carolina |last=Anderson |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Anderson (sportswriter) |title=New Masters caddies collide |date=April 10, 1983 |page=6D |access-date=September 21, 2016 |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225223339/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xMksAAAAIBAJ&sjid=chMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6823%2C3348928 |url-status=live}} who by club tradition was always an African-American man. Club co-founder Clifford Roberts is reputed to have said, "As long as I'm alive, golfers will be white, and caddies will be black."{{cite magazine |first=Rick |last=Reilly |author-link=Rick Reilly |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1997/04/21/225867/strokes-of-genius-overpowering-a-storied-course-and-a-stellar-field-tiger-woods-heralded-a-new-era-in-golf-with-an-awesome-12-shot-victory-in-the-masters |title=Strokes of Genius |date=April 21, 1997 |access-date=February 9, 2016 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=April 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414190724/http://www.si.com/vault/1997/04/21/225867/strokes-of-genius-overpowering-a-storied-course-and-a-stellar-field-tiger-woods-heralded-a-new-era-in-golf-with-an-awesome-12-shot-victory-in-the-masters |url-status=live}} Since 1983—six years after Roberts's death in 1977—players have been allowed the option of bringing their own caddie to the tournament.

The Masters requires caddies to wear a uniform consisting of a white jumpsuit, a green Masters cap, and white tennis shoes. The surname, and sometimes first initial, of each player is found on the back of his caddie's uniform. The defending champion always receives caddie number "1": other golfers get their caddie numbers from the order in which they register for the tournament. The other majors and some PGA Tour events formerly had a similar policy concerning caddies well into the 1970s;{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S89OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-gEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5232%2C3604711 |newspaper=Toledo Blade |agency=Associated Press |location=Ohio |title=Chi Chi prefers own caddy |last=Loomis |first=Tom |date=April 6, 1973 |page=30 |access-date=September 21, 2016 |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225224708/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S89OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-gEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5232%2C3604711 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_LxdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=I14NAAAAIBAJ&pg=4374%2C4318866 |newspaper=Victoria Advocate |location=Texas |agency=Associated Press |title=Westchester winner may bypass events |date=August 26, 1974 |page=1B |access-date=September 21, 2016 |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225222814/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_LxdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=I14NAAAAIBAJ&pg=4374%2C4318866 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IMotAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cpoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2069%2C2946352 |newspaper=Reading Eagle |location=Pennsylvania |title=Touring golf pros prefer their own caddies |agency=Associated Press |date=May 5, 1974 |page=76 |access-date=September 21, 2016 |archive-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226034845/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IMotAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cpoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2069%2C2946352 |url-status=live}} the U.S. Open first allowed players to use their own caddies in 1976.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ag9PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QgIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5481%2C3359763 |newspaper=Toledo Blade |location=Ohio |title=Open golfers to pick own caddies in 1976 |agency=Associated Press |date=November 15, 1975 |page=17 |access-date=September 21, 2016 |archive-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226044102/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ag9PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QgIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5481%2C3359763 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3gUvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QTMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4168%2C2139110 |newspaper=Rome News-Tribune |location=Georgia |agency=Associated Press |title=Break for some |date=January 18, 1976 |page=3B |access-date=September 21, 2016 |archive-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226044434/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3gUvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QTMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4168%2C2139110 |url-status=live}}

{{quote box|width=24%|align=right|quote="I just don't think [cell phones are] appropriate. The noise is an irritation to not only the players, the dialing, the conversation; it's a distraction. And that's the way we have chosen to deal with it."|source=– Former Augusta National chairman Billy Payne about Masters Tournament and immersion{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/why-masters-golf-tournament-bans-cell-phones |title=The Masters golf tournament bans cell phones and that rule is not going to change anytime soon |last=Gaines |first=Cork |date=April 7, 2023 |website=Business Insider |access-date=May 19, 2025}}}}

Patrons who have obtained a ticket to access Augusta National must comply with a strict policy regarding the use of technological devices during the tournament. The organization clearly states that "the use of any device for phone calls, emails, text messaging, or to record and/or transmit voice, video or data is strictly prohibited," and that cameras are "strictly prohibited on Tournament days" but "are permitted for still photography and personal use only" on practice days, at the start of the competition week. Noise and music-producing devices (radios, TVs, speakers), flags, posters, and, unsurprisingly, weapons are also forbidden. Breaking these rules may lead to ejection from the venue and permanent loss of tickets.{{cite web |url=https://www.masters.com/en_US/prohibited_items.html |title=Prohibited Items |website=Masters |publisher=Augusta National |access-date=May 19, 2025}} Payphones are available throughout the course for spectators needing to make a call. These policies were established to reduce distractions and encourage patrons to carpe diem, ensuring smooth play and calm on the course while upholding the tournament’s etiquette, atmosphere, and tradition.{{cite news |url=https://www.givemesport.com/mobile-phones-banned-the-masters-golf |title=Mobile Phones are Banned at The Masters - Here's Why |last=Dawson |first=Alan |date=April 11, 2024 |website=GiveMeSport |access-date=May 19, 2025}}

The Masters is the first major championship of the year. Since 1948, its final round has been scheduled for the second Sunday of April, with several exceptions. It ended on the first Sunday four times (1952, 1957, 1958, 1959) and the 1979 and 1984 tournaments ended on April 15, the month's third Sunday. The first edition in 1934 was held in late March and the next ten were in early April, with only the 1942 event scheduled to end on the second Sunday. The 2020 event, postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic, was held from November 12 to 15, thus being the last major of the year.

Similar to the other majors, the tournament consists of four rounds at 18 holes each, Thursday through Sunday (when there are no delays). The Masters has a relatively small field of contenders when compared with other golf tournaments, so the competitors play in groups of three for the first two rounds (36 holes) and the field is not split to start on the 1st and 10th tees unless weather shortens the available playing time. The tournament is unique in that it is the only major tournament conducted by a private club rather than a national golf organization like the PGA.

Originally, the Masters was the only tournament to use two-man pairings during the first two rounds. It was also the only event to re-pair based on the leaderboard before Friday's round, as most tournaments only do this on the weekend. This practice ended in the early 2000s when the Masters switched to the more standard three-man groups and the groups are now kept intact on Friday, with players sharing the same playing partners in both of the first two rounds.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}}

After 36 holes of play, a cut-off score is calculated to reduce the size of the field for the weekend rounds. In 2020, to "make the cut", players must be in the top 50 places (ties counting).{{cite web |url=https://www.golfchannel.com/news/2020-masters-10-shot-rule-removed-36-hole-cut-criteria |title=Masters changes 36-hole cut rules, 10-shot rule removed |first=Rex |last=Hoggard |work=Golf Channel |date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110000043/https://www.golfchannel.com/news/2020-masters-10-shot-rule-removed-36-hole-cut-criteria |url-status=live}} Before 1957, there was no 36-hole cut and all of the invitees played four rounds, if desired. From 1957 to 1961, the top 40 scores (including ties) made the cut. From 1962 to 2012, it was the top 44 (and ties) or within 10 strokes of the lead. From 2013 to 2019, it was the top 50 (and ties) or within 10 strokes of the lead.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/golf/masters13/story/_/id/9156060/fall-tour-event-winners-get-masters-spot |title=Masters tweaks qualifications |first=Bob |last=Harig |work=ESPN |date=April 10, 2013 |access-date=April 16, 2013 |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413173041/http://espn.go.com/golf/masters13/story/_/id/9156060/fall-tour-event-winners-get-masters-spot |url-status=live}}

Following the cut, an additional 36 holes are played over the final two days. Should the fourth round fail to produce a winner, all players tied for the lead enter a sudden-death playoff. Play begins on the 18th hole, followed by the adjacent 10th, repeating until one player remains. Adopted in 1976, the sudden-death playoff was originally formatted to start on the first hole,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d0k0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=L2cEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5698%2C2476902 |newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |location=Florida |agency=Associated Press |title=Masters goes to sudden death |date=February 6, 1976 |page=2E |access-date=April 11, 2016 |archive-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226183855/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d0k0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=L2cEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5698%2C2476902 |url-status=live}} but was not needed for the first three years. It was changed for 1979 to the inward (final) nine holes, starting at the tenth tee, where the television coverage began.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Qe5dAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eV8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1209%2C2015187 |newspaper=Observer-Reporter |location=Washington, Pennsylvania |agency=Associated Press |title=In sudden death, Masters playoff shifts to no. 10 |date=April 11, 1979 |page=D2 |access-date=April 11, 2016 |archive-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226182756/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Qe5dAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eV8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1209%2C2015187 |url-status=live}} First employed that same year, the Masters' first sudden-death playoff, won by Fuzzy Zoeller, ended on the 11th green. The current arrangement, beginning at the 18th tee, was amended for 2004 and first used the following year. Through 2017, the eleven sudden-death playoffs have yet to advance past the second extra hole. Earlier playoffs were 18 holes on the following day, except for the first in 1935, which was 36 holes (Gene Sarazen defeated Craig Wood); the last 18-hole playoff was in 1970 when Billy Casper defeated Gene Littler, and none of the full-round playoffs went to additional holes.

The golf course was formerly a plant nursery and each hole is named after the tree or shrub with which it has become associated.
The 11th, 12th, and 13th holes have been referred to as Amen Corner.{{cite web |last=Heyen|first=Billy|title=What is Amen Corner at the Masters? Augusta's iconic 11th, 12th and 13th holes bring the drama|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/golf/news/amen-corner-masters-augusta-national/joy0sd77c36i1vcu71pozsajm|date= April 10, 2025|work=The Sporting News|access-date= April 14, 2025}}

The course layout in 2024:

File:OpenStreetMap image of Augusta National Golf Club.png

Lengths of the course for the Masters at the start of each decade:

As with many other courses, Augusta National's championship setup was lengthened in recent years. In 2001, the course measured {{convert|6925|yd}} and was extended to {{convert|7270|yd|0}} for 2002, and again in 2006 to {{convert|7445|yd}}; {{convert|520|yd|0}} longer than the 2001 course.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/low/golf/1479540.stm |title=Changes afoot at Augusta |work=BBC Sport |access-date=January 30, 2008 |date=August 7, 2001 |archive-date=December 27, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021227122744/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/low/golf/1479540.stm |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/masters/2005-06-28-augusta-changes_x.htm |newspaper=USA Today |title=Augusta National plans to add length |last=Spousta |first=Tom |access-date=January 30, 2008 |date=June 29, 2005 |archive-date=May 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510070543/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/masters/2005-06-28-augusta-changes_x.htm |url-status=live}} The changes attracted many critics, including the most successful players in Masters history, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Tiger Woods. Woods claimed that the "shorter hitters are going to struggle". Augusta National chairman Hootie Johnson was unperturbed, stating, "We are comfortable with what we are doing with the golf course." After a practice round, Gary Player defended the changes, saying, "There have been a lot of criticisms, but I think unjustly so, now I've played it.... The guys are basically having to hit the same second shots that Jack Nicklaus had to hit (in his prime)".{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/4876844.stm |title=Row over Augusta changes goes on |work=BBC Sport |access-date=January 21, 2008 |date=April 5, 2006 |archive-date=April 12, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060412102446/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/4876844.stm |url-status=live}}

The first hole was shortened by {{convert|10|yd|0}} for the 2009 Masters Tournament. For the 2019 Masters Tournament, the fifth hole was lengthened by {{convert|40|yd}} from 455 yards to 495 yards, with two new gaping bunkers on the left side of the fairway.{{cite news |url=http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/25892523/augusta-national-lengthens-fifth-hole-ahead-2019-masters |work=ESPN |title=Augusta National lengthens fifth hole ahead of 2019 Masters |first=Bob |last=Harig |date=January 31, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013143/http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/25892523/augusta-national-lengthens-fifth-hole-ahead-2019-masters |url-status=live}} The length of the course is {{convert|7475|yd}}.

Originally, the grass on the putting greens was wide-bladed Bermuda. The greens lost speed, especially during the late 1970s, after the introduction of a healthier strain of narrow-bladed Bermuda, which thrived and grew thicker. In 1978, the greens on the par 3 course were reconstructed with bentgrass, a narrow-bladed species that could be mowed shorter, eliminating grain. After this test run, the greens on the main course were replaced with bentgrass in time for the 1981 Masters. The bentgrass resulted in significantly faster putting surfaces, which has required a reduction in some of the contours of the greens over time.{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/augusta/news/2001/03/28/greens_bentgrass/ |title=Desire for faster greens led to use of Bentgrass |work=CNNSI.com & The Augusta Chronicle |last=Westin |first=David |date=March 28, 2001 |access-date=January 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425205409/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/augusta/news/2001/03/28/greens_bentgrass/ |archive-date=April 25, 2009}}

Just before the 1975 tournament, the common beige sand in the bunkers was replaced with the now-signature white feldspar. It is a quartz derivative of the mining of feldspar and is shipped in from North Carolina.{{cite news |url=http://www.sportsline.com/golf/tournaments/masters/course/changes |work=CBS Sports |title=Golf Course Guide |access-date=January 26, 2008 |archive-date=September 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915034541/http://www.sportsline.com/golf/tournaments/masters/course/changes |url-status=live}}

The Masters has the smallest field of the major championships, with 85–100 players. Unlike other majors, there are no alternates or qualifying tournaments. It is an invitational event, with invitations largely issued on an automatic basis to players who meet published criteria. The top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking are all invited.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.org/en_US/scores/bios/tournament_2008.html |title=2008 Tournament Invitees |publisher=masters.org |access-date=April 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408072208/http://www.masters.org/en_US/scores/bios/tournament_2008.html |archive-date=April 8, 2008 |url-status=dead}}

Past champions are always eligible, but since 2002 the Augusta National Golf Club has discouraged them from continuing to participate at an advanced age. Some will later become honorary starters.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/3025637/The-Masters-Augusta-bows-to-change-with-a-pompous-flourish.html |title=The Masters: Augusta bows to change with a pompous flourish |access-date=March 25, 2012 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Martin |last=Johnson |date=April 9, 2002 |archive-date=April 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406085028/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/3025637/The-Masters-Augusta-bows-to-change-with-a-pompous-flourish.html |url-status=live}}

:See footnote.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.com/en_US/players/masters_2010_invitees_list.html |title=2010 Masters Tournament Invitees |access-date=November 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007205925/http://www.masters.com/en_US/players/masters_2010_invitees_list.html |archive-date=October 7, 2009}}

:Note: Categories 7–12 are honored only if the participants maintain their amateur status prior to the tournament.

1. Masters Tournament Champions (lifetime)
2. U.S. Open champions (five years)
3. The Open champions (five years)
4. PGA champions (five years)
5. Winners of the Players Championship (three years)
6. Current Olympic Gold Medalist (one year)
7. Current U.S. Amateur champion and runner-up
8. Current British Amateur champion
9. Current Asia-Pacific Amateur champion
10. Current Latin America Amateur champion
11. Current U.S. Mid-Amateur champion
12. Current NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship individual champion
13. The first 12 players, including ties, in the previous year's Masters Tournament
14. The first 4 players, including ties, in the previous year's U.S. Open
15. The first 4 players, including ties, in the previous year's Open Championship
16. The first 4 players, including ties, in the previous year's PGA Championship
17. Winners of PGA Tour events that award at least a full-point allocation for the FedEx Cup, from one Masters Tournament to the next
18. Those qualifying and eligible for the previous year's season-ending Tour Championship (top 30 in FedEx Cup prior to tournament)
19. The 50 leaders on the final Official World Golf Ranking for the previous calendar year
20. The 50 leaders on the Official World Golf Ranking published during the week prior to the current Masters Tournament

Most of the top current players will meet the criteria of multiple categories for invitation. The Masters Committee, at its discretion, can also invite any golfer not otherwise qualified, although in practice these invitations are mostly reserved for international players.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.com/en_US/players/tournament_2009.html |title=2009 Tournament Invitees |access-date=April 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404124237/http://www.masters.com/en_US/players/tournament_2009.html |archive-date=April 4, 2009 |url-status=dead}}

Changes for the 2014 tournament include invitations now being awarded to the autumn events in the PGA Tour, which now begin the wraparound season, tightening of qualifications (top 12 plus ties from the Masters, top 4 from the U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship), and the top 30 on the PGA Tour now referencing the season-ending points before the Tour Championship, not the former annual money list. The 2015 Masters added the winner of the newly established Latin America Amateur Championship, which effectively replaced the exemption for the U.S. Amateur Public Links, which ended after the 2014 tournament. (The final Public Links champion played in the 2015 Masters.){{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/10330659/masters-reward-winner-new-latin-america-amateur-championship-spot-field |title=Masters, Latin America team up |first=Bob |last=Harig |work=ESPN |date=January 22, 2014 |access-date=January 25, 2014 |archive-date=January 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125003139/http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/10330659/masters-reward-winner-new-latin-america-amateur-championship-spot-field |url-status=live}}

Prior to the start of the 2023 Masters Tournament, several changes to the criteria were announced to come into effect from 2024. An additional criterion was added for amateur golfers, for the reigning individual champion of the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship,{{cite magazine |title=Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley announces Masters, ANWA invitations for future NCAA champions |url=https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/04/05/augusta-national-fred-ridley-masters-anwa-exemptions-ncaa-college-golf/ |magazine=Golfweek |first=Adam |last=Woodard |date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2023}} and PGA Tour criteria were modified to account for scheduling changes (previously only regular season and playoff events were included) and to clarify that players must remain eligible for the Tour Championship.{{cite web |last1=Lavner |first1=Ryan |title=Augusta National announces changes to qualifying criteria for 2024 Masters |url=https://www.golfchannel.com/news/2023-masters-augusta-national-announces-changes-qualifying-criteria-2024-masters |website=Golf Channel |access-date=April 6, 2023 |date=April 5, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Myers |first1=Alex |title=Augusta National announces NCAA D-I champ now gets a Masters invite |url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/masters-2023-augusta-national-announces-new-way-to-qualify-for-the-masters |website=Golf Digest |access-date=April 6, 2023 |date=April 5, 2023}}

The first winner of the Masters Tournament was Horton Smith in 1934, and he repeated in 1936. The player with the most Masters victories is Jack Nicklaus, who won six times between 1963 and 1986. Tiger Woods has five wins, followed by Arnold Palmer with four, and Jimmy Demaret, Gary Player, Sam Snead, Nick Faldo, and Phil Mickelson have three titles to their name. Player was the tournament's first overseas winner with his first victory in 1961. Two-time champions include Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Tom Watson, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Ben Crenshaw, José María Olazábal, Bubba Watson and Scottie Scheffler.{{cite web |url=http://golfmajorchampionships.com/tournaments?tournament=Masters |title=Masters: Host Courses and Winners |access-date=November 28, 2008 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106202856/http://golfmajorchampionships.com/tournaments?tournament=Masters |url-status=live}}

{{Main|List of Masters Tournament champions}}

• {{legend|#98FA98|Record for score, to par, and margin of victory}}
• In the "Runner(s)-up" column, the names are sorted alphabetically, based on the last name of that year's runner(s)-up.
• The sudden-death format was adopted in 1976, first used in 1979, and revised in 2004.{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/04/07/golf.usmasters/ |work=CNN |title=Masters playoff format is changed |date=April 7, 2004 |access-date=April 9, 2013 |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213063703/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/04/07/golf.usmasters/ |url-status=live}}
• None of the 11 sudden-death playoffs has advanced past the second hole; four were decided at the first hole, seven at the second.
• Playoffs prior to 1976 were full 18-hole rounds, except for 1935, which was 36 holes.
• None of the six full-round playoffs were tied at the end of the round; the closest margin was one stroke in 1942 and 1954.
• The 1962 playoff included three players: Arnold Palmer (68), Gary Player (71), and Dow Finsterwald (77).
• The 1966 playoff included three players: Jack Nicklaus (70), Tommy Jacobs (72), and Gay Brewer (78).

In 1952, the Masters began presenting an award, known as the Silver Cup, to the lowest-scoring amateur to make the cut. In 1954 they began presenting an amateur silver medal to the low amateur runner-up. There have been seven players to win low amateur and then go on to win the Masters as a professional. These players are Cary Middlecoff, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Sergio García, and Hideki Matsuyama.

• {{legend|#98FA98|Records for to par and place}}

Jack Nicklaus has won the most Masters (six) and was {{age in years and days|1940|1|21|1986|4|13}} old when he won in 1986, making him the oldest winner of the Masters. Nicklaus is the record holder for the most top tens, with 22, and the most cuts made, with 37.{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/historical/topfinishers.html |title=Top Finishers |publisher=www.masters.org |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312075437/http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/historical/topfinishers.html |url-status=live}} The youngest winner of the Masters is Tiger Woods, who was {{age in years and days|1975|12|30|1997|4|13}} old when he won in 1997. In that year, Woods also broke the records for the widest winning margin (12 strokes), and the lowest winning score, with 270 (−18). Jordan Spieth tied his score record in 2015. Dustin Johnson broke the record in 2020 with a 268 (-20).{{cite web |url=http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/historical/scoringStats.html |title=Scoring Statistics |publisher=www.masters.org |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=April 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408210406/https://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/historical/scoringStats.html |url-status=live}}

In 2013, Guan Tianlang became the youngest player to compete in the Masters, at age {{age in years and days|1998|10|25|2013|4|11}} on the opening day of the tournament;{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/8592149/guan-tianlang-14-headed-masters-asia-pacific-amateur-championship-win |title=Guan Tianlang, 14, headed to Masters |first=Bob |last=Harig |work=ESPN |date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=November 4, 2012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094944/http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/8592149/guan-tianlang-14-headed-masters-asia-pacific-amateur-championship-win |url-status=live}} the following day, he became the youngest to make the cut at the Masters or any men's major championship.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/golf/masters13/story/_/id/9164772/2013-masters-tianlang-guan-shoots-75-penalty-slow-play |title=Tianlang Guan youngest to make cut |work=ESPN |date=April 12, 2013 |access-date=April 12, 2013 |archive-date=May 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522033842/http://espn.go.com/golf/masters13/story/_/id/9164772/2013-masters-tianlang-guan-shoots-75-penalty-slow-play |url-status=live}}

In 2020, Australian Cameron Smith became the first golfer in Masters history to shoot all four rounds in the 60s (67, 68, 69, 69). Finishing at 15 under par, en route to a tie for second-place finish with Sungjae Im.

Gary Player holds the record for most appearances, with 52. Tiger Woods holds the record for consecutive cuts made with 24 between 1997 and 2024; he did not compete in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2021.{{cite web |title=Tiger Woods sets all-time record for consecutive made cuts at Masters 2024 |url=https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2024/04/12/tiger-woods-score-2024-masters-record-made-cuts/}} In 2023, Fred Couples became the oldest player to make the cut, doing so at age {{age in years and days|1959|10|3|2023|04|07}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.masters.com/en_US/news/articles/2023-04-08/couples_makes_historic_cut_as_some_major_names_miss.html |title=Couples Makes Historic Cut as Some Major Names Miss |first=Paul |last=Rogers |publisher=Augusta National Golf Club |date=April 8, 2023 |access-date=April 8, 2023}}

Nick Price and Greg Norman share the course record of 63, with their rounds coming in 1986 and 1996 respectively.

The highest winning score of 289 (+1) has occurred three times: Sam Snead in 1954, Jack Burke Jr. in 1956, and Zach Johnson in 2007. Anthony Kim holds the record for most birdies in a round with 11 in 2009 during his second round.

There have been only four double eagles carded in the history of the Masters; the latest was by a contender in the fourth round in 2012. In the penultimate pairing with eventual champion Bubba Watson, Louis Oosthuizen's {{convert|260|yd|0|adj=on}} downhill 4 iron from the fairway made the left side of the green at the par-5 second hole, called Pink Dogwood, rolled downhill, and in.{{cite news |first=Doug |last=Roberson |title=Oosthuizen gives away souvenir after rare double-eagle |url=http://blogs.ajc.com/all-things-masters/2012/04/08/oosthuizens-rare-double-eagle-moves-him-to-10-under-at-masters/ |newspaper=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=April 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410200826/http://blogs.ajc.com/all-things-masters/2012/04/08/oosthuizens-rare-double-eagle-moves-him-to-10-under-at-masters/ |archive-date=April 10, 2012}} The other two rare occurrences of this feat after Sarazen's double eagle on the fabled course's Fire Thorn hole in 1935: Bruce Devlin made double eagle from {{convert|248|yd}} out with a 4-wood at the eighth hole (Yellow Jasmine) in the first round in 1967, while Jeff Maggert hit a 3-iron {{convert|222|yd}} at the 13th hole (Azalea) in the fourth round in 1994.{{cite web |title=Masters Tournament |url=http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/masters-tournament.html |publisher=PGA Tour |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=October 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010115915/http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/masters-tournament.html |url-status=live}}

Three players share the record for most runner-up finishes with four – Ben Hogan (1942, 1946, 1954, 1955), Tom Weiskopf (1969, 1972, 1974, 1975), and Jack Nicklaus (1964, 1971, 1977, 1981). Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the only golfers to have won the Masters in three separate decades.

The highest official score in a round was 95 by Charles Kunkle in 1956 and the highest unofficial score was 106 by Billy Casper in 2005 (he refused to hand in his scorecard to avoid holding the record).{{cite magazine |url=https://www.golfmonthly.com/news/who-holds-the-record-for-the-worst-single-round-score-ever-seen-at-the-masters-and-why-its-not-billy-casper |title=Who Holds The Record For The Highest Single-Round Score Ever Seen At The Masters? (And Why It's Not Billy Casper) |magazine=Golf Monthly |first=Jonny |last=Leighfield |date=April 6, 2024}}

{{See also|List of Masters Tournament broadcasters}}

CBS has televised the Masters in the United States every year since 1956,{{cite news |last=Sandomir |first=Richard |title=CBS and the Masters Keep Business Simple |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/07/sports/tv-sports-cbs-and-the-masters-keep-business-simple.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 7, 1998 |access-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200147/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/07/sports/tv-sports-cbs-and-the-masters-keep-business-simple.html |url-status=live}} when it used six cameras and covered only the final four holes. Tournament coverage of the first eight holes did not begin until 1993 because of resistance from the tournament organizers, but by 2006, more than 50 cameras were used. Chairman Jack Stephens felt that the back nine was always more "compelling", increased coverage would increase the need for sponsorship spending, and that broadcasting the front nine of the course on television would cut down on attendance and television viewership for the tournament.{{cite news |title=Augusta's front nine cloaked in secrecy |newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner |agency=Associated Press |date=April 10, 1997 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19970410&id=k-c0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=wg4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4285,4797787 |access-date=April 6, 2013 |first=Denne H. |last=Freeman |archive-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226135152/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19970410&id=k-c0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=wg4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4285,4797787 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/04/masters-tv-what-time-coverage-espn-cbs/ |title=Why isn't the Masters on TV all day? |first=Chris |last=Chase |newspaper=USA Today |date=April 10, 2014 |access-date=April 10, 2014 |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413055523/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/04/masters-tv-what-time-coverage-espn-cbs/ |url-status=live}} USA Network added first- and second-round coverage in 1982.{{cite news |title=ESPN Replaces USA as Early-Round Home of the Masters |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/11/sports/golf/11sandomir.html |newspaper=The New York Times |last=Sandomir |first=Richard |date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112448/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/11/sports/golf/11sandomir.html |url-status=live}} In 2008, ESPN replaced USA as broadcaster of early-round coverage. These broadcasts use the CBS Sports production staff and commentators, but with ESPN personality Scott Van Pelt (succeeding Mike Tirico, who replaced Bill Macatee's similar role under USA Network) as studio host, as well as Curtis Strange as studio analyst.{{cite news |title=ESPN will show first two rounds of 2008 Masters tournament |work=ESPN |date=October 10, 2007 |url=https://www.espn.com/golf/news/story?id=3056747 |access-date=March 23, 2008 |archive-date=January 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118235658/http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=3056747 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.augusta.com/masters/story/news/2018-04-04/2018-masters-broadcast-will-use-shot-tracer-technology |title=2018 Masters broadcast will use shot tracer technology |work=Augusta Chronicle |access-date=April 6, 2018 |archive-date=April 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182650/http://www.augusta.com/masters/story/news/2018-04-04/2018-masters-broadcast-will-use-shot-tracer-technology |url-status=live}} CBS carries two 15-minute highlight programs in late night covering the first and second rounds, which airs after their affiliates' late night local newscasts.

In 2005, CBS broadcast the tournament with high-definition fixed and handheld wired cameras, as well as standard-definition wireless handheld cameras. In 2006, a webstream called "Amen Corner Live" began providing coverage of all players passing through holes 11, 12, and 13 through all four rounds.{{cite web |url=http://www.pgatour.com/story/9347190/ |title=Get ready for Amen Corner live |access-date=December 23, 2008 |date=March 30, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013005444/http://www.pgatour.com/story/9347190/ |archive-date=October 13, 2012}} This was the first full tournament multi-hole webcast from a major championship. In 2007, CBS added "Masters Extra," an extra hour of full-field bonus coverage daily on the internet, preceding the television broadcasts. In 2008, CBS added full coverage of holes 15 and 16 live on the web. In 2011, "Masters Extra" was dropped after officials gave ESPN an extra hour each day on Thursday and Friday. In 2016, the Amen Corner feed was broadcast in 4K ultra high definition exclusively on DirecTV—as one of the first live U.S. sports telecasts in the format.{{cite web |title=DirecTV's first live 4K show is the Masters golf tournament |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/03/09/directv-first-live-4k-show/ |website=Engadget |access-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312041537/http://www.engadget.com/2016/03/09/directv-first-live-4k-show/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=The Masters in 4K: DirecTV, CBS Sports Tee Up First Live 4K UHD Broadcast in U.S. |url=http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/03/09/directv-tees-up-first-live-4k-production-at-the-masters/ |website=Sports Video Group |access-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312021034/http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/03/09/directv-tees-up-first-live-4k-production-at-the-masters/ |url-status=live}} A second channel of 4K coverage covering holes 15 and 16 was added in 2017,{{cite web |title=DirecTV doubles its live 4K broadcasts for this year's Masters |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/04/05/directv-pga-masters-4k-uhd/ |website=Engadget |access-date=April 15, 2017 |archive-date=April 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416125523/https://www.engadget.com/2017/04/05/directv-pga-masters-4k-uhd/ |url-status=live}} and this coverage was produced with high-dynamic-range (HDR) color in 2018.{{Cite news |url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/03/23/att-directv-will-deliver-the-masters-in-4k-hdr-for-the-first-time/ |title=AT&T/DirecTV Will Deliver The Masters in 4K HDR for the First Time |last=Dachman |first=Jason Dachman |work=Sports Video Group |access-date=March 30, 2018 |archive-date=March 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330211415/https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/03/23/att-directv-will-deliver-the-masters-in-4k-hdr-for-the-first-time/ |url-status=live}}

While Augusta National Golf Club has consistently chosen CBS as its U.S. broadcast partner, it has done so in successive one-year contracts.{{cite magazine |last=Paumgarten |first=Nick |title=Inside the Cultish Dreamworld of Augusta National |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/06/24/inside-the-cultish-dreamworld-of-augusta-national |magazine=The New Yorker |access-date=June 16, 2019 |date=June 14, 2019 |archive-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615234010/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/06/24/inside-the-cultish-dreamworld-of-augusta-national |url-status=live}} Former CBS Sports president Neal Pilson stated that their relationship had gotten to the point where the contracts could be negotiated in just hours. Due to the lack of long-term contractual security, as well as the club's limited dependence on broadcast rights fees (owing to its affluent membership), it is widely held that CBS allows Augusta National greater control over the content of the broadcast, or at least performs some form of self-censorship, in order to maintain future rights. The club, however, has insisted it does not make any demands with respect to the content of the broadcast."{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/why-coverage-of-us-masters-is-so-polite/2007/04/04/1175366249870.html |title=Why coverage of US Masters is so polite |last=Hinds |first=Richard |newspaper=The Age |date=April 5, 2007 |access-date=January 21, 2008 |location=Melbourne |archive-date=November 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103113919/http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/why-coverage-of-us-masters-is-so-polite/2007/04/04/1175366249870.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/martzke/2003-04-13-martzke_x.htm |title=CBS managed to get Masters right despite silence on protests |last=Martzke |first=Rudy |newspaper=USA Today |date=April 13, 2003 |access-date=January 21, 2008 |archive-date=February 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208105424/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/martzke/2003-04-13-martzke_x.htm |url-status=live}} Despite this, announcers who have been deemed not to have acted with the decorum expected by the club have been removed, notably Jack Whitaker and Gary McCord, and there also tends to be a lack of discussion of any controversy involving Augusta National, such as the 2003 Martha Burk protests.

The coverage itself carries a more formal style than other golf telecasts; announcers refer to the gallery as patrons rather than as spectators or fans. Gallery itself is also used.{{cite web |url=http://www.worldgolf.com/column/masters-most-prestigious-sporting-event-in-america-6559.htm |title=Is the Masters really the most prestigious sporting event in America? |last=McDonald |first=Tim |work=WorldGolf |publisher=Golf Channel |access-date=December 23, 2008 |archive-date=May 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526192829/http://www.worldgolf.com/column/masters-most-prestigious-sporting-event-in-america-6559.htm |url-status=live}} The club also disallows promotions for other network programs, or other forms of sponsored features. Significant restrictions have been placed on the tournament's broadcast hours compared to other major championships. Only in the 21st century did the tournament allow CBS to air 18-hole coverage of the leaders, a standard at the other three majors. Since 1981, CBS has used "Augusta" by Dave Loggins as the event telecast's distinctive theme music. Loggins originally came up with the song during his first trip to the Augusta course in 1981.{{cite web |url=http://deadspin.com/5899882/how-the-masters-theme-song-came-to-be-an-interview-with-the-third-cousin-of-kenny-loggins |title=How The Masters Theme Song Came To Be |publisher=Deadspin |date=April 7, 2012 |access-date=March 9, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407080856/http://deadspin.com/5899882/how-the-masters-theme-song-came-to-be-an-interview-with-the-third-cousin-of-kenny-loggins |url-status=live}}

The club mandates minimal commercial interruption, currently limited to four minutes per hour (as opposed to the usual 12 or more); this is subsidized by selling exclusive sponsorship packages to three or four companies – as of 2025, these "Champion Partners" are AT&T, Bank of America, IBM, and Mercedes-Benz. AT&T (then SBC) and IBM have sponsored the tournament since 2005, joined at first by ExxonMobil, which in 2014 was replaced as a global sponsor by Mercedes-Benz,{{cite press release |url=http://www.masters.com/mobile/hi/news/articles/2013-04-29/201304291367269793460.html |title=Mercedes, UPS Form New Partnerships with Masters Tournament |publisher=Augusta National Golf Club |date=April 29, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312213403/http://www.masters.com/mobile/hi/news/articles/2013-04-29/201304291367269793460.html |archive-date=March 12, 2014}} and joined by Bank of America in 2025.{{cite press release |url=https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/content/newsroom/press-releases/2024/09/the-masters-tournament-welcomes-bank-of-america-as-champion-part.html |title=The Masters Tournament Welcomes Bank of America as Champion Partner |publisher=Bank of America |date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=April 13, 2025}} In 2002, in the wake of calls to boycott tournament sponsors over the Martha Burk controversy, club chairman Hootie Johnson suspended all television sponsorship of the 2003 tournament. He argued that it was "unfair" to have the Masters' sponsors become involved with the controversy by means of association with the tournament, as their sponsorship is of the Masters and not Augusta National itself. CBS agreed to split production costs for the tournament with the club to make up for the lack of sponsorship. After the arrangement continued into 2004, the tournament reinstated sponsorships for 2005, with the new partners of ExxonMobil, IBM, and SBC.{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-aug-28-sp-masters28-story.html |title=Masters Is Back to Commercials |last=Stewart |first=Larry |date=August 28, 2004 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 8, 2018 |issn=0458-3035 |archive-date=April 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413115252/http://articles.latimes.com/2004/aug/28/sports/sp-masters28 |url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/2003/04/08/8104128/the-battle-of-augusta-hootie-vs-martha-a-chronology-of-developments-in-golfs-most-famous-feud-between-martha-burk-the-chairwoman-of-the-national-council-of-womens-organizations-ncwo-and-hootie-johnson-the-chairman-of-augusta-na |title=The Battle of Augusta Hootie vs. Martha: A Chronology of Developments in Golf's Most Famous Feud, Between Martha Burk, the Chairwoman of the National Council Of Women's Organizations (NCWO), and Hootie Johnson, the Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club |last=Yen |first=Yi-Wyn |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=April 8, 2003 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409043254/https://www.si.com/vault/2003/04/08/8104128/the-battle-of-augusta-hootie-vs-martha-a-chronology-of-developments-in-golfs-most-famous-feud-between-martha-burk-the-chairwoman-of-the-national-council-of-womens-organizations-ncwo-and-hootie-johnson-the-chairman-of-augusta-na |url-status=live}}

The club also sells separate sponsorship packages, which do not provide rights to air commercials on the U.S. telecasts, to three "Tournament Partners"; as of 2025, those companies are Delta Air Lines, Rolex, and UPS (the last of which replaced Mercedes-Benz upon that company's elevation to "Champion Partner" status).

Westwood One (previously Dial Global and CBS Radio) has provided live radio play-by-play coverage in the United States since 1956. This coverage can also be heard on the official Masters website. The network provides short two- or three-minute updates throughout the tournament, as well as longer three- and four-hour segments towards the end of the day.{{cite web |url=http://www.westwoodone.com/PROGRAMMING/Sports/Golf/The-Masters |title=The Masters |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026100958/https://www.westwoodone.com/programming/sports/golf/the-masters/ |url-status=live}}

The first UK live coverage of the event was in 1984 when Channel 4 aired coverage of the closing moments of the 3rd and 4th rounds. Channel 4 repeated this level of coverage in 1985. The rights then transferred to the BBC which also initially only provided coverage of the 3rd and 4th rounds. With the 2007 launch of BBC HD, UK viewers were able to watch the championship in that format. BBC Sport held the exclusive TV and radio rights through to 2010.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/7041714.stm |title=BBC Sport keeps Masters contract |work=BBC Sport |access-date=January 31, 2008 |date=October 12, 2007 |archive-date=October 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024233106/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/7041714.stm |url-status=live}} The BBC's coverage airs without commercials because it is financed by a licence fee. From the 2011 Masters, Sky Sports began broadcasting all four days, as well as the par 3 contest in HD and, for the first time, in 3D. The BBC continued to air live coverage of the weekend rounds in parallel with Sky until 2019, when it was announced that Sky will hold exclusive rights to live coverage of all four rounds beginning 2020. The BBC will only hold rights to delayed highlights. With its loss of live rights to the Open Championship to Sky in 2016, it marks the first time since 1955 that the BBC no longer holds any rights to live professional golf.{{Cite web |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcasting/sky-sports-shuts-bbc-out-of-live-golf-with-masters-deal/5144895.article |title=Sky Sports shuts BBC out of live golf with Masters deal |last=Dams |first=Tim |website=Broadcast |language=en |access-date=November 25, 2019 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803191759/https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcasting/sky-sports-shuts-bbc-out-of-live-golf-with-masters-deal/5144895.article |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://insidersport.com/2019/11/20/sky-sports-lands-exclusive-live-uk-masters-rights-from-2020/ |title=Sky Sports lands exclusive live UK Masters rights from 2020 |last=Streeter |first=Joe |date=November 20, 2019 |website=Insider Sport |language=en-US |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123004502/https://insidersport.com/2019/11/20/sky-sports-lands-exclusive-live-uk-masters-rights-from-2020/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/sky-seizes-share-of-the-masters-from-bbc-2085608.html |location=London |newspaper=The Independent |first=James |last=Corrigan |title=Sky seizes share of the Masters from BBC |date=September 22, 2010 |access-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-date=May 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521124757/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/sky-seizes-share-of-the-masters-from-bbc-2085608.html |url-status=live}} although the Corporation continues to provide live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.

In Ireland, Setanta Ireland previously showed all four rounds, and now since 2017 Eir Sport broadcast all four rounds live having previously broadcast the opening two rounds with RTÉ broadcasting the weekend coverage.{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/we-are-fully-committed-to-providing-a-public-service--without-public-funding-1241227.html |title=We are fully committed to providing a public service – without public funding |date=August 12, 2007 |newspaper=Irish Independent |access-date=December 23, 2008 |archive-date=February 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222174017/http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/we-are-fully-committed-to-providing-a-public-service--without-public-funding-1241227.html |url-status=live}} After Eir Sport's closure in 2021, Sky Sports will broadcast the event exclusively in Ireland for the first time, like in the UK.{{Cite web |title=The Masters: Sky Sports announces multi-year extension of broadcast agreement with Augusta National |url=https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/24512/12584553/the-masters-sky-sports-announces-multi-year-extension-of-broadcast-agreement-with-augusta-national |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}

In Canada, broadcast rights to the Masters are held by Bell Media, with coverage divided between TSN (cable), which carries live simulcasts and primetime encores of CBS and ESPN coverage for all four rounds, CTV (broadcast), which simulcasts CBS's coverage of the weekend rounds, and RDS, which carries French-language coverage. Prior to 2013, Canadian broadcast rights were held by a marketing company, Graham Sanborn Media,{{cite news |url=http://sports.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080410.wspttruth10/GSStory/GlobeSportsGolf/home |title=As usual, Woods is the star of Masters coverage |first=William |last=Houston |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=April 10, 2008 |access-date=April 10, 2009 |location=Toronto |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414182215/http://sports.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080410.wspttruth10/GSStory/GlobeSportsGolf/home |archive-date=April 14, 2009}} which in turn bought time on the Global Television Network, TSN, and RDS (except for 2012 when French-language coverage aired on TVA and TVA Sports) to air the broadcasts, also selling all of the advertising for the Canadian broadcasts. This was an unusual arrangement in Canadian sports broadcasting, as in most cases broadcasters acquire their rights directly from the event organizers or through partnerships with international rightsholders, such as ESPN International (ESPN owns a minority stake in TSN). In 2013, Global and TSN began selling advertising directly, and co-produced supplemental programs covering the tournament (while still carrying U.S. coverage for the tournament itself).{{cite web |url=http://mediaincanada.com/2013/04/10/tsn-and-global-partner-to-sell-the-masters/ |title=TSN and Global partner to sell The Masters |work=Media in Canada |first=Val |last=Maloney |date=April 10, 2013 |access-date=April 10, 2013 |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607090421/http://mediaincanada.com/2013/04/10/tsn-and-global-partner-to-sell-the-masters/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://bellmediapr.ca/tsn/releases/release.asp?id=16323&yyyy=2013 |title=TSN and Global Partner to Give Canadians Complete Coverage of The Masters |author=The Sports Network and Global Television Network |date=April 5, 2013 |access-date=April 10, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408012203/http://bellmediapr.ca/tsn/releases/release.asp?id=16323&yyyy=2013 |url-status=live}}

On December 15, 2015, TSN parent company Bell Media announced that it had acquired exclusive Canadian rights to the tournament beginning 2016 under a multi-year deal. Broadcast television coverage moved to co-owned broadcast network CTV, while TSN uses its expanded five-channel service to carry supplemental feeds (including the Amen Corner feed and early coverage of each round) that were previously exclusive to digital platforms.{{cite web |title=Television wars continue as CTV takes Masters deal away from Global |url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/tv-wars-continue-as-ctv-takes-masters-deal-away-from-global-170942767.html |website=Yahoo! Sports Canada |access-date=December 23, 2015 |archive-date=December 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223142623/https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/tv-wars-continue-as-ctv-takes-masters-deal-away-from-global-170942767.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=CTV, TSN, and RDS announce exclusive, multi-year deal with The Masters |url=https://www.tsn.ca/ctv-tsn-and-rds-announce-exclusive-multi-year-deal-with-the-masters-1.409529 |website=TSN.ca |publisher=Bell Media |access-date=December 23, 2015 |archive-date=December 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223152243/http://www.tsn.ca/ctv-tsn-and-rds-announce-exclusive-multi-year-deal-with-the-masters-1.409529 |url-status=live}}

In France, the Masters is broadcast live on Canal+ and Canal+ Sport.

In 53 countries, including much of Latin America, broadcast rights for the entire tournament are held by the ESPN International networks.{{cite press release |last=Hall |first=Andy |url=http://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2017/03/espn-masters-tournament-2/ |title=ESPN at the Masters Tournament |work=ESPN |date=March 31, 2017 |access-date=May 30, 2017 |archive-date=April 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402182627/http://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2017/03/espn-masters-tournament-2/ |url-status=live}}

Although tickets (more commonly referred to as "badges") for the Masters are not expensive at face value, they are very difficult to come by. Masters tickets are considered the second-hardest to obtain in sports, trailing only the Super Bowl.{{Cite web |last=Gaines |first=Cork |title=Masters tickets are cheap for a major sporting event, but only the Super Bowl is harder to get into |url=https://www.insider.com/masters-golf-tournament-tickets-cost-lottery-2022-4 |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=Insider}} Even the practice rounds can be difficult to gain entrance into. Practice rounds and daily tournament tickets are sold in advance, through a selection process, only after receipt of an online application. All tickets are sold in advance and there are no tickets sold at the gates.{{Cite web |title=Masters Tournament Ticket Information |url=https://tickets.masters.com/en_US/ticketsInfo |access-date=March 14, 2023 |website=Masters Tournament}} Additionally, Georgia state law prohibits tickets from being bought, sold or handed off within a 2,700 foot boundary around the Augusta National Golf Club.{{Cite web |title=2021 Georgia Code :: Title 43 - Professions and Businesses :: Chapter 4B - Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission :: Article 3 - Ticket Brokers :: § 43-4B-28. Resale by Ticket Brokers; Disclosure Requirements; Sale and Resale Restrictions; Refunds |url=https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2021/title-43/chapter-4b/article-3/section-43-4b-28/ |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=Justia Law}}{{Cite web |last=Gallas |first=John |title=Want to go to the Masters Tournament? Here is what golf fans need to know |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/sports/pga/2022/03/23/masters-2022-tickets-what-know-attending-tournament/7130117001/ |newspaper=The Augusta Chronicle |date=March 23, 2022 |access-date=2023-03-15}}

Open applications for practice rounds and individual daily tournament tickets have to be made nearly a year in advance and the successful applicants are chosen by random selection. Series badges for the actual tournament, that is a badge valid for all four tournament rounds, are made available and sold only to individuals of a patrons list, which is closed. A waiting list for the patrons list was opened in 1972 and closed in 1978. It was reopened in 2000 and subsequently closed once again.{{Cite web |title=Masters badges are prized possessions |url=http://www.augusta.com/masters/story/news/masters-badges-are-prized-possessions |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=www.augusta.com |date=April 7, 2014 |first=John |last=Boyette}}{{Cite magazine |title=The Masters used to beg for patrons. Here's how and when that changed. |magazine=Golf |first=Scott |last=Michaux |date=April 1, 2021 |url=https://golf.com/news/features/masters-used-to-beg-for-patrons/ |access-date=2023-03-15}} Individuals who are on the patron list are given the recurring opportunity to purchase series badges each year for life. According to Augusta National, after the death of a badge holder, the series badge account is transferable only to a surviving spouse and cannot be transferred to other family members.{{Cite news |date=1989-04-06 |title=Tickets to Masters Change Hands Only After a Death |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-06-sp-1456-story.html |access-date=2023-03-15 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}{{Cite web |last=Gaines |first=Cork |title=Masters tickets are cheap for a major sporting event, but only the Super Bowl is harder to get into |url=https://www.insider.com/masters-golf-tournament-tickets-cost-lottery-2022-4 |website=Insider |date=April 6, 2022 |access-date=2023-03-15}}

In 2008, as part of their Junior Pass Program, the Masters also began allowing children (between the ages of 8 and 16) to enter on tournament days for free if they are accompanied by the patron who is the original applicant of his or her series badge. The Junior Pass Program does not apply to individual daily tournament tickets, only to series badge patrons.{{Cite web |title=Junior Pass Program explained |url=http://www.augusta.com/masters/story/blog/junior-pass-program-explained |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=www.augusta.com |date=March 7, 2012 |first=John |last=Boyette}}

The difficulty in acquiring Masters badges has made the tournament one of the largest events on the secondary resale ticket market.{{Cite journal |jstor=43609580 |last1=Deloca |first1=Paul J. |title=Reviewed work: The Masters: Golf Money and Power in Augusta, Georgia, Curt Sampson |journal=Journal of Sport History |volume=27 |issue=2 |pages=333–335 |year=2000}} Since a majority of the badges for the Masters are made available to the same group of patrons each year, these perennial ticket holders sometimes decide to sell their badges through large ticket marketplaces and/or third party ticket brokers. Although they do so at their own detriment as this action is strictly prohibited in the ticket purchase agreement and ticket policy.{{Cite web |title=Masters Golf Tournament And Ticket Policies |url=https://tickets.masters.com/en_US/ticketsPolicies |access-date=March 15, 2023 |website=Masters Tournament}}

{{notelist}}

• {{cite web |title=For nearly 50 years, only Black men caddied The Masters. One day, they all but vanished |date=April 5, 2023 |website=CNN |first=Jack |last=Bantock |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/05/golf/black-caddies-masters-augusta-national-spt-spc-intl}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Portal|Georgia (U.S. state)}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|www.masters.com}}
• [http://www.augusta.com Augusta.com] – coverage by The Augusta Chronicle
• {{YouTube|playlist=PL5bbCtDMySv8-jCobs9gDY33ZckGzGDdl|title=Final Round broadcasts}}, posted by [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSZxaHGo1OEs06vQumIooug The Masters official channel]

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