The Masters at Augusta Georgia April 9-12 2009

The Masters course is known as the most beautiful golf course in the world, and its beauty is best seen in April, just as the Masters kicks off. They think of everything; the color of the drink napkins for patrons perfectly matches the grass - so if you drop your napkin it will not show on TV. The green theme continues with the Green Jacket worn by members and masters winners, a nice touch, as conceived by the original owner, Clifford Roberts. Who needs celebrity pro designers?

The winner of the Masters is presented the green sport coat which is the official attire worn by members of Augusta National while on the club grounds; each Masters winner becomes an honorary member of the club and winners keep their jacket for the first year after their first victory, then return it to the club to wear whenever they visit. The tradition began in 1949, when Sam Snead won his first of three Masters titles. Members cannot remove their jackets from the Augusta National grounds and Masters champions can do so only for one year. Then the jacket must be returned to the club, where it is stored in a cedar closet.

The only exception to this rule is Gary Player, who refused to return his jacket after his 1961 victory, using the rule wording to his advantage stating that he has never worn the jacket. He is not on the list of members.

The green Jacket was made by the Brooks uniform company and the design has never been a real fashion triumph, in any era. However last years winner Immelman has been surprised by the response it has received this year - he had a group of Japanese crying at being in its very presence. Theres nothing like creating an object with mystique and awe to join the history of the tournament. The Royal family could do some good PR by getting out their ceremonial gear a bit more often!Or perhaps that would only work in Japan?

Augusta is the most exclusive and revered golf courses in the world and therefore does not need the design skills of pro golfer to promote it. Membership is by invitation only and the only pro golfers in the list of 300 members are Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and John Harris. This fact is mentioned in the history of the club, along with other illustrious members such as Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Dwight D Eisenhower, though there are plenty you need never have heard of. The credit crunch will not really affect membership; with joining fees and annual fees set realatively low, it is the TV rights to the clubs own tournament which allows such exclusivity; there are no plans to invite female members, though they do allow female caddies. Thats OK then.

The course was designed by one of the owners (Bobby Jones) and the Scottish architect Alistair Mackenzie, along the lines of St Andrews; there were few nasty obstacles and wide fairways originally, but over time, rough, bunkers and trees have been added.It was opened in 1931 and is the home to the Masters, every year. Its always good for business to have your own major championship.

Masters news from the official site;
Gary Player, three times Masters winner announces that this will be his last tournament.
Harrington is the only player at the Masters with a chance of winning a third consecutive major championship