Masters 2026: 90 things to know for the 90th playing of iconic major

• The Masters tournament was founded in 1934 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts at Augusta National Golf Club.
• Augusta National is known for its many long-standing traditions, including the Green Jacket, Champions Dinner, and ceremonial first tee shots.
• Augusta National has faced criticism for past discrimination but admitted its first Black member in 1990 and first female members in 2012.

Amateur golf champion Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts had a vision in the early 1930s.

Jones had purchased a former plant nursery in 1930 for $70,000 and from it emerged Augusta National Golf Club, which he co-designed with Alister MacKenzie.

Then, in 1934, he and Roberts decided to make good use of the land and the first Augusta National Invitation Tournament was played. Horton Smith took home the $1,500 winner's check with a 4-under 284, defeating Craig Wood by one shot.

Five years later, the event's name was changed to the Masters, and one of the most prestigious golf tournaments was born.

"I think that it has earned the right to be called the Masters, because it continues to assemble those who are entitled to call themselves the masters of the game," Jones said in 1938.

Now, with the 90th Masters set to start April 9 — the tournament was cancelled from 1943-45 because of World War II — nothing in sports compares when it comes to traditions and long-standing customs.

The event remains an ode to the Deep South. Built on the site of a former indigo plantation, its centerpiece is an antebellum-style clubhouse with white columns and a wraparound porch. Magnolia trees line Magnolia Lane, the road from the main gate to the clubhouse, and a stately 170-year old oak tree sits between the clubhouse and first tee.

Many traditions have been carried on for generations. Many entrenched and deeply respected, others have been challenged for being outdated and discriminatory until Augusta National started making changes.

One of the most popular traditions started in 1963. The ceremonial first tee shots officially open the Masters each year. When North Palm Beach's Jack Nicklaus, Jupiter Island's Gary Player and Tom Watson send their tee shots down the impeccably manicured first fairway, the 90th edition of the Masters officially will commence.

And to celebrate, we bring you 90 Things to Know About the Masters:

90 facts, figures for 90th playing of Masters

Amateurs: Established by Bobby Jones, 5 to 7 of the top amateurs are in the field each year. No amateur has won. Three — Frank Stranahan (1947), Ken Venturi (1956), Charles Coe (1961) — were runner-ups.

Amen Corner: Holes 11, 12, 13 were coined by Herbert Warren Wind of Sports Illustrated in 1958, referencing a 1930s jazz song, "Shoutin' in that Amen Corner."

Armless chairs: Patrons are allowed to bring in one collapsible, armless chair, which can be placed anywhere on the grounds. Pointed-end or rigid chairs are prohibited.

Arnie's Army: The phrase was introduced in 1959 for support given to Arnold Palmer, the four-time winner, by the large crowds who followed him around Augusta National and all golf courses when he competed.

Augusta National Invitation Tournament: The name of the Masters for the first five years.

Augusta National Women's Amateur: Started in 2019 to grow women's golf, 72 of the top-ranked women amateurs play three days, the final round at Augusta National.

Autographs: When asked to sign a flag with the Masters logo, players who have won a Masters sign inside of the U.S. outline, those who haven't won are supposed to sign anywhere else.

Azaleas: The one plant synonymous with the Masters with more than 30 varieties throughout the course in vibrant pink, white and purple colors.

Bobby Jones: Co-founded Augusta National with Clifford Roberts. He designed the course with Alister MacKenzie and created the Masters in 1934.

Butler Cabin: The most famous of the 10 cabins on the grounds is the site of the annual champions interview and the traditional Green Jacket presentation.

Caddie jumpsuits: Caddies at the Masters have worn white jumpsuits or overalls and green hats since the 1940s. The tradition was started by Clifford Roberts.

Ceremonial tee shots: Started in 1963 with Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod having the honors. There have been 11 to hit this shot, including current starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson.

Champions dinner: Only Masters winners (35 currently are living) are invited to the dinner held every year on the Tuesday before the tournament starts. Menu is selected by the previous year's winner so Rory McIlroy calls the shots this year.

Champions locker room: Located on the second-floor of the clubhouse, it features 28 oak lockers reserved strictly for past Masters winners.

Augusta National only place where pimento sandwich costs $1.50

Cheap food: Augusta National prides itself on keeping the concession prices affordable with many sandwiches still costing just $1.50.

Clubhouse: The centerpiece to the grounds is a stately three-story Southern mansion built in 1854 with white columns, a cupola and a green-and-white color scheme.

Condoleezza Rice: In 2012, the former Secretary of State along with Darla Moore, a South Carolina banker, were the first two female members admitted to Augusta National.

Costly signature: Roberto De Vicenzo tied Bob Goldy for first place in 1968, but playing partner Tommy Aaron listed par instead of birdie, which De Vincenzo made, on No. 17. When De Vicenzo signed the card, he officially lost by one shot. "What a stupid I am," De Vicenzo said in the aftermath of his debacle.

Courtesy phones: Because of the no-cell phone policy at Augusta National, banks of old-school, black landline phones are available throughout the course for patrons to make free calls.

Crow's Nest: A 30-by-40-foot four-bedroom, one-bath space atop the clubhouse reserved for amateur golfers who are playing that week.

Crystals: Players with with significant achievements on the course — hole-in-one, double eagle, eagle, low round of day — are given a crystal item from the club.

Discrimination: Augusta National has a history of racial, gender discrimination, not admitting its first Black member until 1990 and first female members in 2012. Current chairman Fred Ridley has worked hard to address these issues.

Double eagle: Gene Sarazen's 4-wood from 235 yards on the 15th hole in 1935 — a shot many consider the most famous in golf — was the first of four double eagles at the Masters.

Drive, Chip and Putt: The Sunday before Masters week, the National finals for Drive, Chip, and Putt are held at Augusta National for kids ages 7-15.

President Dwight Eisenhower was a member of Augusta National

Dwight Eisenhower: Only U.S. president to be a member of Augusta National. He joined in 1948, before his presidency, and visited Augusta National at least 45 times.

Eisenhower Cabin: The most luxurious of the 10 cabins on the grounds was built for the 34th president and partly designed by the Secret Service. Ike's Pond sits near Eisenhower Cabin.

Eisenhower tree: A loblolly pine tree on 17th fairway named after the man who frequently hit the tree with his tee shots. Removed in 2014 after damage by an ice storm.

Elizabeth Archer: The first female caddie at a Masters. She carried the bag for her father, George Archer, when he won in 1969.

Epic collapse: Greg Norman had a six-shot lead entering the final round in 1996 and shot 78 to lose by five to Nick Faldo, marking the largest blown lead in a final round.

Fine sand: In 2019, a patron was arrested for attempting to scoop sand from the bunkers as a souvenir and paid $20,000 in fines and fees.

Flags: The flags that fly above the scoreboard to the right of the first fairway represent the countries of the players in that year's tournament.

Fore, please. Now driving: Every player is introduced by the announcer saying "Fore, please. (Player's name). Now driving."

Founders Circle: Located at the end of Magnolia Lane, a popular picture spot because of Augusta National’s logo made entirely of pansies.

Fuzzy Zoeller, politically incorrect: After Tiger Woods' first Masters win, Zoeller said about the Champions Dinner: “Tell him not to serve fried chicken … or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.”

Gary McCord and his infamous 'bikini waxed' greens line

Gary McCord: Famously banned from CBS coverage after saying in 1994 that the greens were "bikini waxed" instead of mowed.

Gary Player: The 3-time champion sadly is most recently remembered for his feud with Augusta National for not allowing him to play a round with his three grandsons.

Golden Bell: The name of the signature par-3, 12th hole that requires a tee shot to clear Rae's Creek. Tom Weiskopf had a 13 on the hole in 1980. Tiger Woods had a 10 in 2020.

Gnomes: Introduced in 2016, the 18-inch tall, garden ornaments sold exclusively at the pro shop have become the Masters' most sought-after collectors items.

Grand slam: Rory McIlroy completed the career grand slam — Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, British Open victories — by winning the 2025 Masters.

Green cups: The highly sought-after souvenir cups featuring the tournament logo are used to serve beer and only are available during the Masters.

Green Jacket: Introduced in 1937 for club members to stand out and given to the winners. They represent the green of the bushes and fairways.

Hogan Bridge: The stone footbridge crosses Rae's Creek to the 12th green. Dedicated April 2, 1958, honoring Ben Hogan’s record-setting 1953 win.

Hole names: Every hole is named after a specific tree or shrub, a tradition honoring the property's history as a former nursery.

Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson are honorary starters

Honorary Starters: Three ceremonial first tee shots started in 1963. There have been 11 golfers total, including current starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson.

Hooters: John Daly hosted an unofficial "Masters Week" at the Hooters near Augusta National for nearly 30 years. The restaurant was demolished in November.

Iconic photos: Among the most iconic Masters photos: Jack Nicklaus after birdie at 17 in 1986, Phil Mickelson after winning putt in 2004, Tiger Woods celebrating 2019 win.

Jack Nicklaus: Won the most Green Jackets, six, his last in 1986. That made him the oldest Masters winner at 46 years, 82 days.

Jack Whitaker: Suspended in 1966 from CBS telecast of Masters for referring to gallery at 18th hole as a "mob."

Leaderboards: The 11 manually operated scoreboards on the grounds were inspired by Fenway Park. Each list the 10 lowest scores.

Lee Elder: The first Black professional to compete in the Masters, breaking the color barrier in 1975. Tiger Woods is the only Black golfer to win the Masters.

Lifetime invitation: Winning the Masters earns a player a lifetime invitation to compete. The Masters and PGA Championship are the only two tournaments to give lifetime exemptions.

Loaner Mercedes: All players in the Masters receive a Mercedes-Benz courtesy car for their personal use during tournament week.

Lone palm: The sole surviving palm tree on the course is located near the green on the 4th hole. The rest of the grove died because of harsh winters.

Magnolia Lane: The 330-yard entrance to Augusta National Golf Club is lined with 60 magnolia trees. It was paved in 1947.

Why did Fred Couples wear Florida Marlins logo shirt at Masters?

Marlins and Masters: Fred Couples wore a Florida Marlins logo shirt during the first two rounds in 1992, the year he won. Couples was friends with then-Marlins owner Wayne Huizenga.

Martha Burk: The chair of the National Council of Women's Organizations led the 2003 protest against the all-male Augusta National's exclusion of women. She protested outside the gates of Augusta National during Masters week.

Masters badge: The official physical ticket required for admission. These badges often are passed down as family heirlooms.

Masters lottery: The way to win a badge. More than 2 million are estimated to enter every year with odds of winning less than 1%.

Masters trophy: Awarded to the champion since 1961. Modeled after the Augusta National clubhouse and made from more than 900 individual pieces of silver.

Nelson Bridge: Honors Byron Nelson and is located on the 13th hole. Like the Hogan Bridge, it was dedicated April 2, 1958.

Nicklaus Plaque: Dedicated to Jack Nicklaus and his six Masters wins. Found on a fountain between the 16th and 17th holes.

No cell phones: Cell phones and all mobile devices are prohibited on the grounds. Patrons caught with phones face immediate removal and a lifetime ban.

Non-American winners: 18 non-Americans have accounted for 25 wins, led by Gary Player and Nick Faldo with three each.

No tipping: Bobby Jones started the policy of no tipping allowed at the Masters to make sure all patrons are treated equally.

Oak tree: The roughly 170-year-old tree sits behind the clubhouse and serves as a gathering spot for players and legends.

November Masters: Moved to Nov. 12-15 in 2020 because of COVID, the only time the Masters was held outside of March or April. Dustin Johnson set 72-hole scoring record with a 268.

Palmer Plaque: Located on a fountain behind the 16th tee box. Celebrates Arnold Palmer's four Masters wins.

Par 3 contest: Held since 1960 on the Wednesday before the Masters on 9-hole, par-27 course. No one has ever won Par 3 and Masters in the same year.

Patrons: Fans are called patrons because Augusta National co-founder Clifford Roberts believed it brought a more dignified tone to the tournament.

Personal invitations: Personal invitations are sent via mail by Augusta National to players who qualify for the Masters.

Pimento cheese sandwich: The signature sandwich of the Masters dating to the 1940s.

Rae's Creek: A 10-mile stream named after John Rae, whose Augusta-area company was a leading trade partner with local native Americans. It runs through Augusta National.

Record Fountain: A list of all the Masters champions and records are displayed on a fountain by the 17th green.

Sam Snead: Winner of three Masters but the first to wear the Green Jacket after his victory in 1949.

Sarazen Bridge: Dedicated to Gene Sarazen April 6, 1955. Crosses a small pond on the 15th hole.

Skipping ball at 16: A tradition where players attempt to skip tee shots across the water during practice. Jon Rahm had a hole in one skip-shot in 2020.

Spray paint: Any possible bare spots around the course are spray painted green to ensure it looks good on television.

Thacker house: Home built by Herman and Elizabeth Thacker at 1112 Stanley Drive is the only house on Augusta National’s land. They refuse to sell.

Tiger Woods owns five Green Jackets

Tiger Woods: Winner of five Green Jackets including 1997, making him youngest at 21 years, 104 days; and 2019, marking longest gap (14 years) between wins.

Trophy room: Where the Masters champion has dinner with club members the night of his victory. The room includes iconic artifacts such as Bobby Jones' clubs and Gene Sarazen's 4-wood and ball used for his double eagle.

Urine-gate: Amateur José Luis Ballester from Arizona State urinated in Rae's Creek during the first round in 2025 and received a loud ovation.

White sand: The brilliant white sand in the bunkers is a manufactured byproduct of mining quartz from the Spruce Pine area of North Carolina.

Masters by the numbers

4: The record for the most runner-up finishes shared by Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, and Tom Weiskopf.

12: The biggest winning margin in Masters history — and still the only double-digit victory — set by Tiger Woods in 1997 with a then-record score of 18-under 270.

24: The longest current consecutive cut streak held by Tiger Woods, who broke record in 2024 held by Gary Player and Fred Couples.

34: Holes-in-one in Masters history, the most recent in 2022 by Stewart Cink. The last 24 have been at No. 16.

50: The most consecutive appearances, held by Arnold Palmer and started in 1955. He missed the cut in his last 21.

52: The most appearances, held by Gary Player, spanning 1957 to 2009.

63: The Augusta National course record for a round held by Nick Price (1986) and Greg Norman (1996).

163: The most rounds played, held by Jack Nicklaus. Of those, he had 39 in the 60s, including one 64, and three rounds of 65.