History of Masters Golf Tournament

The Masters Golf Tournament was initially named, 'Augusta National Invitation'. The story of Augusta National Invitation dates back to the year 1931. Golf legend Bobby Jones wanted to construct his own golf course which he could use after retirement. He started searching for a suitable piece of land with the help of Clifford Roberts, who was an investment specialist and golfer. A huge piece of land in Augusta, Georgia, which used to be an indigo plantation was purchased for the purpose.

The land had to be developed, designed and modeled to suit a golf course. Hence in 1931, Jones hired Alister MacKenzie to model and develop the land. The most interesting twist in MacKenzie's career was that, he actually qualified as a surgeon, from Scotland. The construction was completed in 1933 and was formally opened. Sadly MacKenzie did not live to see the first masters tournament, that was conducted on the most famous golf course that he designed.

In the initial years the masters tournament was named as the 'Augusta National Invitation' after the golf course. The first tournament of the invitation was was held on 22nd March 1934. The first tournament's champion was Horton Smith. In 1939, the name of Augusta National Invitation was changed to Masters Golf Tournament. The maiden tournament of the Master's was played with current holes 10 through 18, which served as the first nine. The later one through nine served as the second nine. This arrangement was reversed and the present day layout was formed. The members of the club debated whether Jones should be permitted to participate in the tournament or not. The decision to let Jones compete, resulted in establishment of many of his legendary hits.

Since 1940, the tournament has been held in first week of April. And has been held very consistently since then. The only time that saw a break in the streak of the tournament was during the Second World War. Livestock was reared on the course to aid the war.

In the course of its history, the Augusta golf course has undergone structural changes, that has changed the method of play. In 2001, the length of the course was 6,925 yards if measured from the famous masters trees. In 2002 the length was increased to 7,270 yards and in 2006 it was again increased to 7,445 yards. Many noted players commented on the modification and expansions of the course. Golfing legend Tiger Woods, passed one of his most famous comments on the change by saying "shorter hitters are going to struggle".

The grass that occupied the golf course has also undergone modifications. Initially the grass was classified as the wide blade Bermuda. After the 1970's, the wide-bladed Bermuda was replaced with the narrow bladed Bermuda. The Bermuda grass unfortunately did not ideally suit the golf course. The Bermuda in par-3 was hence replaced by bent grass. The bent grass ideally suited the course and hence all the grass on the course was replaced with bent grass. The first tournament that was played on the new surface was 1981 tournament.

The Masters tournament has been the battle ground of the most skilled golf players. The tournament has seen many noteworthy and legendary records being established. In 1997, Tiger Woods became the youngest player, to win the tournament, he was only 21 years old. In the 1997 championship he also broke some very significant records. The oldest player to win the championship was Jack Nicklaus, in 1986, as he was 46 years old at the time of his victory. Several other golfing records have been established in the Masters and several others are yet to be broken, and new ones to be established, as the tournament enters yet another era of modernization.