The history of the Masters

By Mark Paul, Yahoo! Contributor Network 1 hour, 16 minutes ago This article was produced by a Yahoo! Sports user. Submit a story.

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The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments. Held every April, the Masters is the first major golf tournament of the year. It is played at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Every year, the best golfers in the world play in the four-day tournament. The appeal of the Masters has grown over time as a result of great traditions and a proud history. Here is a look at the history of the Masters.
Origins
The Masters has been held at Augusta National since it first started. Augusta National was built in 1931 and opened in 1933. It was largely the work of Bobby Jones, one of the best golfers in history. In 1934, the golf course held the inaugural Augusta National Invitation tournament. That would be the first event in the history of the tournament. In 1939, the name of the tournament officially became known as the Masters. In just the second tournament in 1935, Gene Sarazen hit one of the most famous shots in history when he holed a double eagle from 235 yards away. The Masters has been played at Augusta National every year except 1943, 1944, and 1945 when it was canceled due to World War II. Augusta National has had several adjustments over time. The course has become more modern, but it maintains a traditional look.

Recent History
The Masters has maintained tradition for the most part. There have been some minor changes though. Starting in 1961, the Masters changed the format for cutting players. The top 44 players make the cut along with anyone who is within 10 shots of the leader after the first two rounds. Prior to 1960, that number was smaller. The Masters has also modified the playoff format. Prior to 1976, the Masters decided a playoff by playing a full round the following Monday. In 1976, they went to a sudden death format. Originally, sudden death holes started on the 10th. Now, they start on the 18th. Those have been the only major changes to the Masters tournament.
The Masters has been shown on CBS since 1956. The tournament always concludes on the second Sunday in April assuming there aren't weather related cancellations. The winner of the Masters receives a green jacket. That jacket can be kept by the champion for a year. After that, it is returned to the club and is only worn when they visit Augusta National.
Notable Moments
The Masters has had many great moments. The tradition of great moments began when Sarazen hit his double eagle in 1935. It has seen Tiger Woods give a dominating victory in 1997. Larry Mize hit a remarkable chip to win a playoff in 1987. Phil Mickelson broke through with his first major championship by hitting a birdie on the final hole in 2004. In one of the great moments, Jack Nicklaus rallied to win his sixth green jacket, becoming the oldest person to ever win the event. With the quality of golf played at the Masters, it is safe to assume that there will be classic moments every year at the event.
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