There are 4 big championship tournaments in professional golf, called the Majors. But out of the 4 Majors, the Masters is by far the most popular of them all, especially in Jupiter, Florida. People make betting pools, watch parties with special food items created just for the Masters, and lots more. But why are there so many major connections to this golf tournament around here?
(Hughes Brown Group)
Main Connections
First, we need to know what these major connections are. In Florida, especially down here in the south, we have lots of highly-rated golf courses, played by members, guests invited by members, professionals, and even famous celebrities like president Donald Trump (whose mansion is in Florida if you didn’t already know). Many of these golf courses also have a connection to a golf pro, like how the Loxahatchee Clubhouse’s golf course was designed by Jack Nicklaus (considered to be one of the best golfers of all time), and how Tiger Woods is a member of the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound. Fun fact: Micheal Jordan is also a member at Medalist and also has his own golf club called Grove 23.
(PGA Tour)
Even if you aren’t a member of a club around here, you might live in a nice neighborhood that has some connections to a famous club. Either through friends, celebrities on social media, or even professional golfers who have some sort of local connections to the place you live. If you love golf and live in Jupiter, you don’t have to look too hard to find someone connected to a serious golf club.
Special Features about the Masters
The Masters is unlike any other tournament in professional golf for a few reasons. First of all, unlike most tournaments, the Masters is always played at Augusta National; Augusta, Georgia; a golf course with rich traditions and iconic holes that are the home of many highlight-reel shots.
(USA Today)
Also,the previous Masters winner gets to choose the foods and drinks served at the annual winners dinner the night before the first day of the tournament. Speaking of food, the tournament is famous for having southern food and treats like pimento cheese sandwiches and Georgia peach ice cream.
And finally, the winner of the current tournament is awarded with the Masters “Green Jacket” by the winner of the previous year. They also receive a trophy, but the green jacket is really the main prize that every golfer dreams about.
Star Players Playing at the Masters
If you can think of any way you’re connected to clubs or pros now, think about if any of these names would catch your attention if you plan on watching this year’s Masters:
Older Stars
These are players that maybe aren’t as good as they were back then, but are still fun to watch. Players like Tiger Woods, Rory Mcilroy, Hideki Matsuyama, Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose, and Fred Couples.
Younger Stars
Players that have been playing for less than about 5 years, but have been rising stars since their first tournament are Ludvig Åberg (last year’s runner-up), and two-time Masters Champion, Scottie Scheffler amongst others.
The real star of the Masters Tournament every year is the golf course itself. It is simply beautiful.
Because of the fact that this is the only Major that is played at the same course every year, it must mean that the course is really nice, right? Well of course it is. In fact, it is ranked the 2nd best golf course in the world (behind Pine Valley in New Jersey), and has many famous holes that most golfers dream about playing on. Hole 12 is a beautiful par 3 known for the bridge that connects the green to the fairway over a lake.
