33-time Masters Patron Reflects on Tournament’s Historical Moments.
Author: Bill Colvin | April 27, 2023
Masters Tournament (Shutterstock)
CLEVELAND, OHIO | After a marathon finish, the world saw Jon Rahm put on the green jacket for the first time at the 87th Masters Tournament.
The Masters is known for existing in a timeless plane according to Joel Beall. “Tradition is synonymous with the tournament itself. But as much as Augusta National honors the past, the club has always been mindful of the future.”
The Masters was the first 72-hole tournament to be spread over 4 days. The first tournament to use leaderboards, the first to implement under and over scoring, the first to have grandstands, and gallery ropes. The first tournament to be broadcast on radio, the first on color TV, the first in 3D, and the first to allow fans to see every shot on every hole.
I went to my first Masters in 1989. I went to my 33rd Masters this year. It made me think about some of the more vivid recollections during this span. There are so many; some historic, many scintillating, and none regrettable. That in and of itself is remarkable.
Over my 33 years attending, here are three Masters moments I choose to share.
1. Tradition Meets Forward-thinking
The first is how on the one hand the Augusta National members (organizers of the tournament) have continued to keep the patrons (Tip: Do not call them fans, or most importantly, refer to them as a mob) and their experience top of mind while at the same time keeping up with the demands of the sport to be competitive with other major championships.
In 1989, a patron could buy every item on The Masters Concession Stand menu for $36.00. In 2023, a patron could buy every item for $66.00. A very reasonable price in general, but compared to other sports, unheard of.
In comparison, this year a beer at Citi Field for the New York Mets cost me $12.00.
Parking for The Masters is plentiful and free. Merchandise with the famous and iconic logo are the same price and sometimes less expensive than going to any pro shop!
Masters Tournament Concessions Prices (Photo by GOLFWRX)
The winner’s share of the purse in 1989 was $200,000 out of a total of $1,000,000 reported GOLF. In 2023, the total purse was $18,000,000 with The Masters Champion taking home $3,240,000.
2. The Famous Letter
The next two are milestone events and both a little messy. 20 years ago, Martha Burke wrote a letter to the Chairman of Augusta National, Hootie Johnson, about the member gender make-up of Augusta National. According to Doug Ferguson, a noted golf writer for The Associated Press, “So began the biggest controversy in Masters history”.
Week of the event protests, indictment of corporate sponsors, commercial free viewing, ultimately female members, and the now host site for one of the most exciting amateur women’s events (Augusta National Women’s Amateur/ANWA) followed.
3. Expanding Horizons (and the 13th Hole)
The other milestone event referenced above came to fruition this year. As we know the game of golf has changed, including the equipment and the athleticism of these professionals, which is a big part of this. The most recent talk is about limiting the distance of the golf balls that professionals use during tournaments.
Augusta National was well ahead in recognizing this and over the years has made changes (many subtle and most unannounced) to its golf course. Many say, efforts accelerated by Tiger Woods.
In the years leading up to 2017, Augusta National held negotiations with its neighbor, Augusta Country Club to buy a parcel of land that was part of their 9th hole. One urban legend suggests the two sides at one point were close to a deal, but the negotiators for Augusta Country Club also wanted each member to get two weekly Masters Badges which was a deal breaker!
A 2017 article by Bob Harig reported Augusta National paid $27,000,000 for this land with an eye to have the flexibility to lengthen the Par 5 13th hole, as well as complete a road around the property to keep service vehicles and carts off the golf course and away from the enjoyment of patrons.
Going to the Masters is a throwback to times long ago when the pace of life didn’t get in the way of enjoying a sport. I love to quote Jim Nantz here,
“A tradition like no other”.
Sources:
BERHOW, Josh. “Masters purse: The evolution of Masters winners’ payouts through the years.” GOLF, April 12, 2020
https://golf.com/news/tournaments/masters-purse-masters-winners-payouts-alltime/
FERGUSON, Doug. “MASTERS ’23: 20 years after protests, women still look ahead.” The Associated Press, April 3, 2023
apnews.com/article/masters-martha-burk-women-golf-suzy-whaley-46d4f8bf7784d15072ae679bd96f21f4
HARIG, Bob. “Augusta National purchase may mean expanded 13th hole.” ESPN, August 8, 2017
https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/20284263/augusta-national-buys-land-amen-corner