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- The Masters redirects here. For other uses, see Master
The Masters is one of four major championships in men's golf and the first to take place each year. Unlike the other major championships, the Masters is held every year at the same location, Augusta National Golf Club, a private golf club in Augusta, Georgia, USA. The Masters was started by Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones, who designed Augusta National with legendary course architect Alister MacKenzie.
In addition to a cash award, the winner of the tournament is presented with a distinctive green jacket, awarded since 1949, and highly coveted among professional golfers. The green coat is actually the official coat worn by members of Augusta National while on the club grounds; each Masters winner becomes an honorary member of the club. Winners keep their jacket for the first year after their first victory, then return it to the club to wear during tournament week each following year.
In line with the other majors, winning the Masters gives a golfer several privileges which make his career more secure. Masters champions are automatically invited to play in the other three majors (the US Open, British Open and the PGA Championship) for the next five years, and earn a lifetime invitation to the Masters. They also receive membership on the PGA TOUR for the following five seasons and invitations to THE PLAYERS Championship for five years.
Controversy
In 1975 Lee Elder became the first African-American to qualify for the Masters. Then, in 1997, headlines were made around the world when Tiger Woods won the Masters. More recently, the club was targeted by Martha Burk, who organized a failed protest at the 2003 Tournament to pressure the club to accept female members.
The club awards successive one-year television contracts to CBS and USA Network. In 2005 CBS televised the Masters for the 50th consecutive year.
Television
CBS has televised the tournament every year for over 50 years. What is interesting is that it has been a series of one year contracts. As a result, some have accused the tournament of dictating policies such as removing Gary McCord, referring to the gallery as "patrons" rather then spectators or fans, and other strict policies.
Winners
Numbers in brackets after "Playoff" indicate the number of players involved.
Multiple winners
The following men have won the Masters Tournament more than once to 2005 inclusive.
External links
