There has always been an attraction for golfers towards the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, and while few get the opportunity to play the famous course many never get the opportunity to even walk those grounds, or smell the freshly fallen pine needles. But our interest never falters, and every April we turn on our TV's to watch the greenest golf course play host the greatest tournament of it's kind. To commemorate such a great place I have collected some interesting and fun facts about Augusta National that you can share with your friends.

1) The Course Architect Never Saw His Masterpiece Completed      

Alister MacKenzie, who was the course architect, never saw his famous course finished. He sadly died January 6th, 1934, a mere 2 months before the Inaugural Masters Tournament. Despite this, his dream and vision for the course is embedded in Augusta with its iconic layout and design for all to see.

2) Players Had to Use Augusta's Caddies Until 1983      

For almost 50 years, all players at the Masters were required to use Augusta National's own caddies, rather than their own personal ones. This rule was instated and remained in place until 1983. Before the rule change, all of the Augusta caddies were local Black men who had extensive knowledge of the course, which had been passed down through generations. One of the most famous was Willie "Pee Wee" Peterson, who helped winner Jack Nicklaus to five of his six Masters wins. Today, in Augusta, they still honor the legacy of these original caddies.

3) Cell Phones Are Strictly Banned at Augusta     

No cell phones are allowed at Augusta. This is a strict rule, not only for patrons attending the course, but also for players and media in certain areas. The ban creates an atmosphere where fans actually watch the action live and prevents anyone from interrupting play.

4) The Masters Has Remarkably Affordable Food      

Unlike typical sporting events with expensive concessions, the Masters is famous for its incredibly cheap food prices. The iconic pimento cheese sandwich costs only $1.50, a price that hasn't changed since 2003. Other sandwiches, such as barbecue and chicken, are just $3, while a domestic beer is $6. This tradition of affordable pricing makes the exclusive tournament accessible to all patrons who are lucky enough to get tickets.  

5) There Are Almost No Commercials During the Final Round     

Unlike every other major sporting event, The Masters broadcast by CBS airs with minimal commercial breaks, only four minutes per hour, about a quarter of typical sports broadcasts. Just three sponsors (IBM, AT&T, and Mercedes-Benz) are allowed to advertise, and they pay only enough to cover CBS's production costs. The sponsors agree to these terms for the prestige of being associated with the tournament.

6) Players Cannot Practice on the Course Outside of Masters Week     

Unbelievable, but true: world-class players are only allowed to practice or play on the course during specific, approved times, which are usually in the days leading up to or during the tournament. Augusta does not host events or open its gates to public play as it is an invitation-only, private club. Professional players have said that each Masters feels like their first time playing at Augusta, as they rarely get to set foot on the course.

7) Amateur Competitors Can Stay in "The Crow's Nest"     

Amateur golfers competing in the Masters are invited to stay in "The Crow's Nest," a special 30-by-40-foot dormitory-style room located atop the Augusta National clubhouse. The room can accommodate up to five players and features partitions creating separate sleeping areas, a sitting area with a TV, and a shared bathroom. Golfing legends, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson, all stayed in the Crow's Nest as amateurs before turning professional.

8) The Tournament Wasn't Always Called "The Masters"      

The Masters wasn't always known as "The Masters." When it was first held in 1934, the tournament was called the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. The co-founder, Bobby Jones, stated that he disliked the name "The Masters," calling it too self-congratulatory. However, the media and the golf community soon adopted the name, and by 1939, it became the official title for every subsequent event. Even so, some of the club's older members and traditionalists still refer to it by its original name today.

BONUS FACT: Augusta National's Video Game History

The first video game to feature Augusta National was Harukanaru Augusta (New 3D Golf Simulation: Harukanaru Augusta), released in 1989 for the PC-98 computer in Japan by T&E Soft. The game launched a successful series spanning nine years, with versions released on multiple platforms, including the FM Towns, Super Famicom, Sega Genesis, and eventually the Nintendo 64. It wasn't until decades later that EA Sports' Tiger Woods PGA Tour games brought Augusta National to Western video game audiences.

Harukanaru Augusta was the first 8-bit video game to feature Augusta National.

FAQs

Who constructed Augusta National, and did he live to see it completed?

Augusta National was constructed by course architect Alister MacKenzie. Sadly, he never got to see the completed course. He passed away on January 6, 1934, two months before the inaugural Masters Tournament was held. Despite this, his vision remains at the core of Augusta's traditional design and golfing legend.

Why weren't players permitted to bring their own caddies to the Masters?

For nearly 50 years, Masters players and champions were required to use Augusta National's own caddies. That was the practice until 1983, when the rule was finally waived. The club did it to help maintain consistency and preserve local caddie traditions, which had deep historical roots at the course and in its operation.

Are cell phones allowed at the Masters in Augusta?

No, cell phones are banned outright at Augusta National during the Masters. The rule applies to everyone alike, including patrons, players, and even the media in specific venues. The policy keeps things in check, preserves tradition, and prevents distractions or disruptions on the course. It's one of the reasons the tournament enjoys such a peaceful and respectful atmosphere.

Are players allowed to practice at Augusta outside of Masters week?

Surprisingly, no. No master player is allowed to practice at Augusta National except during specific events, usually just before or during the Masters. Since Augusta is a private, by-invitation club which does not have frequent events, most professionals feel like it's their first time every time they return.