The first major of the year, US Masters will be played at Augusta National Golf Course from April 11 to 14.
The US Masters, introduced in 1934 is held annually at the Augusta National Golf Course. Entry to the Masters is by invitation only and the eventual winner is presented with the coveted Green Jacket.
This is the youngest of the world’s four major championships. Unlike the three (the British Open, The US Open and USPGA), it is always played on the same course, the Augusta National in Georgia.
Both the Augusta course and the Masters tournament were the brainchild of Bobby Jones whose influence always dominated the event even after his death. Although he retired as a player in 1930, he took part in the first tournament in 1934 because the Club was short of money and it needed someone to draw the local public.
In a field of 93 players, 17 will participate in this major for the first time. This year’s field consists of 87 professionals and six amateurs, representing a total of 20 countries. Some of the past champions: Bubba Watson (United States-2012), Charl Schwartzel (South Africa- 2011), Phil Mickelson (United States- 2004, 2006, 2010), Ángel Cabrera (Argentina- 2009), Trevor Immelman (South Africa- 2008), Zach Johnson (United States-2007), Tiger Woods (United States – 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005), Mike Weir (Canada- 2003) Vijay Singh (Fiji- 2000) José María Olazábal (Spain- 1994, 1999), Mark O’Meara (United States- 1998) Ben Crenshaw (United States- 1984, 1995) Bernhard Langer (Germany- 1985, 1993) Fred Couples (United States- 1992) Ian Woosnam (Wales- 1991), Sandy Lyle (Scotland- 1988) Larry Mize (United States- 1987) Craig Stadler (United States- 1982) and Tom Watson (United States- 1977, 1981) are participating this time.
Some of the past champions, Tommy Aaron (1973), Severiano Ballesteros (1980 and 1983), Jack Burke Jr. (1956), Billy Casper (1970), Charles Coody (1971), Nick Faldo (three times between 1989 and 1996), Doug Ford (1957), Bob Goalby (1968), Jack Nicklaus (six times between 1963 and 1986), Arnold Palmer (four times between 1958 and 1954) are not playing this time.
MOST TITLES: The most titles were won by Jack Nicklaus. The American won first title in 1963. Between then and 1986, he won six times.
YOUNGEST CHAMPION: The youngest champion was Tiger Woods of United Stats. He was 21 years and 104 days when won the first title in 1997.
OLDEST CHAMPION: The oldest champion was American Jack Nicklaus. He won the sixth time in 1986, at 46 years and two months and 84 days old. The oldest first time champion was American Mark O’Meara. He was 41 years and 120 days old when won the only title in 1998.
BIGGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: American Tiger Woods’ 12 strokes win in 1997 is the wildest margin of victory. He took the title with 270 strokes.
MOST VICTORIES:
Title Player Year
6 Jack Nicklaus (United States) 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986
4 Arnold Palmer (United States) 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964
4 Tiger Woods (United States) 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005
3 Jimmy Demaret (United States) 1940, 1947, 1950
3 Sam Snead (United States) 1949, 1952, 1954
3 Gary Player (South Africa) 1961, 1974, 1978
3 Nick Faldo (Great Britain) 1989, 1990, 1996
3 Phil Mickelson (Unted States) 2004, 2006, 2010
TOP FINISHERS:
Players Top 5 Top 10 Top 25
Jack Nicklaus (United States) 15 22 29
Phil Mickelson (United States) 10 15 16
Tiger Woods (United States) 10 12 15
Ben Hogan (United States) 9 17 21
Tom Kite (United States) 9 – –
Arnold Palmer (United States) 9 10 16
Sam Snead (United States) 9 15 26
Tom Watson (United States) 9 15 –
Gary Player (South Africa) 8 15 22
MOST STARTS:
Player Span Starts
Gary Player (Unites States) 1957-2009 52
Arnold Palmer (United States) 1955-2004 50
Doug Ford (United States 1952-2001 49
Raymond Floyd (United States) 1965-2009 46
Billy Casper (United States) 1957-2005 45
Jack Nicklaus (United States) 1959-2005 45
Sam Snead (United States) 1937-1983 44
Tommy Aaron (United States) 1959-2005 42
Ben Crenshaw (United States) 1972-2012 41
Charles Coody (United States) 1963-2006 40
