The US Masters Championship wasn't always known as such. In its first few years, it was known as The Augusta National Invitational Tournament, changing its name to its current one in 1939. Devised by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, the first championship was played in March 1934. The land was formally Fruitland Nurseries and had the most wonderful array of shrubs and trees, which the holes are named after, making the course instantly recognisable. 1940 saw The Masters move to the first full week in April, where it has stayed ever since.

Bobby Jones was a keen amateur golfer and retired from competitive play after dominating the scene for ten years, even though he still made appearances at the tournament. He thought calling it 'The Masters' was too presumptuous, until he was persuaded into the name change in 1939.

The US Masters Golf Championships, known for its lack of commercialisation, is unique and much loved by players, spectators and gamblers alike.

The golfers must be invited to play either through the committee or by meeting a series of qualifying criteria. The course is as well known for its azalea scenery, as it is for the 11th, 12th and 13th holes named "Amen Corner", as success here would often determine the winner of the title.

The tradition of the Green Jackets started for a very simple reason. They were first worn at the club, so that spectators could pick out club members easily, to get help or ask questions. This sparked the practice of presenting one to the US Masters tournament winner each year.

Here are some key events in the history of the U.S. Masters Championships:

1934: The first winner of the US Masters Championship was Horton Smith, who was to win again in 1936.

1935 To allow play to start earlier due to problems with frost the back and front nines were reversed. Gene Sarazen won and became remembered for 'the shot heard around the world' when he made an albatross on the par 5 15th hole.

1939 The Augusta National Tournament had its name changed to The Masters. The first player to win under its new official name was Ralph Guldahl who won with a 279 score to become the 6th champion.

1943-44 The US Masters got suspended due to the Second World War. The Augusta Grounds were used to raise turkey and cattle during this time.

1946 The US Masters took up where it left off and Herman Keiser became the first post-war winner.

1949: The tradition of the Green Jacket began for winners of the US Masters Championship

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Sporting events: The Masters Tournament?
We want to hear your view. Write now!