Masters History Lesson: Seven Facts You Should Know
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Your Masters History Lesson: Seven facts you should know about Augusta National
Rae’s Creek
Named after John Rae, whose house kept residents safe during Indian attacks in the 18th century, Rae’s Creek flows at the back of the 11th green, around the front of the 12th green and along the 13th fairway.
Masters Club
Better known as the Champions dinner, the Masters club was founded in 1952 by Ben Hogan. Each year, the defending champion selects a menu and hosts a dinner on Tuesday night. They also receive an inscribed gold locket in the form of the club emblem as certificate of membership.
Par 3 Contest
It has yielded 94 holes in one, including nine in 2016, with Padraig Harrington holding the record for the most wins (3). However, no champion has ever gone on to win the Masters the same year.
Masters Trophy
Handmade in England, the trophy depicts the clubhouse and consists of over 900 separate pieces of silver. A sterling replica is handed to the winner, along with the gold medal. The real thing remains at Augusta.
Three famous bridges
There are a trio of bridges at Augusta, each named after former champions (Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan). The Sarazen Bridge was the first to be dedicated in 1955 – two decades after Sarazen’s famous double eagle and playoff victory – and crosses the water guarding the 15th green. The Hogan Bridge and Nelson Bridge followed three years later, and can be found on the 12th and 13th holes respectively.
Magnolia Lane
Home to the most famous drive in golf. Stretching 330 yards, the entrance to the club can be found just off Washington Road and is lined by dozens of magnolia trees, which originated in the late 1850s.
What happens when a play-off is needed
If there is a tie after 72 holes, a sudden-death playoff will begin on the 18th. Thereafter, holes 18 and 10 will be played alternately until a champion is decided.
