Two weeks in a row . . . a sure sign of the apocalypse
The first major of 2024. The one everyone wants to win. Tournament winners from the past year, top 50 in the world, amateur champions from around the world and the return of the top LIV golfers. Last year Brooks took a two shot lead into Sunday only to falter, shoot 75 and be overtaken by Jon Rahm. Say what you will, two of the four defending major champions now play for LIV. Remember . . . Brooks finished T2 with Phil.
FUN FACT: In 2015, during the par 3 contest, Jack made a hole in one. Playing all those years on the course and at the par 3 contest . . . it was his first hole in one at Augusta.
The first leg of the career grand slam, Jim Barnes, Walter Hagen, Tommy Armour, Lee Trevino and Rory McIlroy all need(ed) the Masters to complete the slam.
The first tournament was held in 1934 and called the “Augusta National Invitation Tournament”. It was billed as an opportunity to play against Bobby Jones who would be ‘coming out of retirement’. That first year the nines were reversed and the winner was Horton Smith, who would win again in 1936. For his ’34 win, Horton received $1500. Bobby finished in a tie for 13th.
The course went to the current configuration in 1935, where the Masters got its first legend. ‘The Shot Heard Around the World” Gene Sarazan stood on the 15th tee, three shots behind Craig Wood. His drive found the fairway, 230 yards from the hole, he hit his four wood over the pond guarding the green and into the hole . . . Double Eagle. Tied in one shot. He played the last three in even par and defeated Mr. Wood by 5 shots in a Monday playoff. Mr. Wood most likely got over the disappointment when he won the 1941 Masters.
The ball is a Wilson K-28
FUN FACT #2: Construction at Augusta was started in late November 1931. It was completed on May 27th 1932. Subtract Sundays and the 30 days where rain prevented work . . . and the entire course was built in 76 days.
