The Augusta National and the Masters

Shortly after retiring from competitive golf in 1930, Jones had plans to construct what he hoped would be the ultimate golf course. When an undeveloped tract of land became available in Augusta, Georgia, Jones knew immediately he had found the future home of his course. Although Jones had a vision for what Augusta National could become, he enlisted the expertise of one of the game’s greatest golf architects, Dr. Alister Mackenzie. Mackenzie would later call Augusta National his “best opportunity and, I believe, my finest achievement.”

The Masters

The idea of hosting an invitation tournament at Augusta National developed more out of necessity than anything else. In early 1933, Bobby Jones knew he had a championship caliber course on his hands and, along with the members of Augusta National, thought it a superb setting for the U.S. Open Championship. Unfortunately, several factors stood in the way. First, the United States Golf Association (USGA) always held the U.S. Open in June or July, months of almost unbearable heat at Augusta. At first, the members thought of requesting an earlier date in April or May, but were certain the USGA would refuse the idea. Secondly, the town of Augusta had a population of just sixty thousand people, most of whom were mill workers who could not be expected to support an event as significant as the U.S. Open. Finally, and perhaps most difficult of all, Jones had made it clear that he was officially retired from golf and would never play in another open championship. As a result, the idea of hosting a tournament at Jones’ home course without him in the field was ultimately dismissed.

With the idea of Augusta National hosting the U.S. Open now out of the question, Jones’ good friend Clifford Roberts suggested they start their own tournament. Roberts, an investment banker who––along with Jones––had first conceived the very idea of Augusta National, saw an opportunity to develop an invitation tournament hosted by Jones. He suggested the tournament be called “The Masters,” a name Jones immediately dismissed as too presumptuous. Roberts also wanted Jones to play in the tournament, a move he felt critical to generating crowds of people for the event. At first, Jones was hesitant to play the game competitively again––something he hadn’t done in nearly four years. He eventually agreed, and the “Augusta National Invitation” tournament was born.

By the time the first tournament began in 1934, fans from all over the country looked forward to seeing Bobby Jones once again play the game of golf. Cars with license plates from 38 states filled the parking lot, many of them doubling as sleeping accommodations since every hotel room in Augusta was booked. Although he finished the tournament tied for 13th, Jones delighted the crowds at Augusta and started his tournament on a historic journey. Two years later, everyone outside of Augusta National referred to the tournament as The Masters. By 1938, the name had been officially adopted.

Bobby Jones was a constant presence at The Masters up until the last years of his life. When his failing health made visits to the course impossible, he watched the tournament on television from his small white cottage beside one of the greens. Long after his death, Jones’ legacy lives on as The Masters continues to be one of the most celebrated and important events in all of sports.