The Masters golf tournament is arguably the most popular professional golf event. Bobby Jones held the first tournament on March 22, 1934. It's the only major golf tournament played on the same course. The champion receives the coveted green jacket.  With the win, the champion is allowed to take the jacket from the course until the next tournament.  Then the jacket must remain on the August National property along with all the other members. The following are some highlights:

• Gary Player became the first non-American to win in 1961.
• Jack Nicklus was the first champion to defend his title 1966-67
• Lee Elder became the first African-American to qualify in 1975
• Jack Niclaus was the oldest player to win at age 46 in 1986
• Tiger Woods broke the four day scoring total with a -18 (270) in 1997 
• Greg Norman and Nick Price have the lowest score for 18 holes with 63  
• Jack Nicklaus has the most victories with 6
•  Arnold Palmer and Gary Player have the record for most appearances with 50.
• Trever Immelman is the defending champion
• Purse is $7,000,000.

The Masters golf tournament is my favorite sporting event. Every hole, you see the beauty of and feel the historical admiration of the game.  It appears each golfer agrees in camera interviews that there is an appreciation and respect for the history of the Masters. Even some of the veteran golfers, that are not as active on the tour, participate.  We find ourselves pulling for them, hoping they will have one last chance at a win. Jack Nicklaus was still a favorite among fans to receive another moment of glory. As golfers begin the back nine on the final day, you even feel the adrenaline rush. Then once you think you have it all figured out to whom might be the pronounced winner, a miracle shot happens. For instance, when everyone seemed to believe Greg Norman would finally win in 1987, Larry Mize holed a 45 foot chip shot to birdie the hole in a sudden death playoff.  Golf fans are hooked and feel the urge to check newspapers, online and television updates throughout the four days of competition. Diehard fans will put their life on hold to watch the television coverage until the last round.   No matter what the results are, its still will be another year of excitement and memories.