Looking for material for the articles, it is practically inevitable to come across facts and curiosities of all kinds. If the subject of the research is a Major, the number increases exponentially. And if we talk about the Masters Tournament, there is something for all tastes.
Has the Masters Tournament always been held in April? The answer is yes. The Masters traditionally takes place on the first weekend of April. There have, so far, been only three exceptions. The first edition, held at the end of March.
The 1939 edition, which began on March 31st and ended on April 2nd (due to bad weather, the first round was played on a Friday and the last 36 holes on Sunday). The last exception, that of 2020, which was held in November due to the pandemic.
But Dustin Johnson wasn’t bothered by the change. First, sand isn’t sand. The Augusta bunkers are filled with granular quartz, known as ‘Spruce Pine sand’ It is a by-product of processing in the feldspar mines of the Spruce Pine Mining District, North Carolina.
And, linked to granular quartz, there is an anecdote that is at least singular. In 2012 Clayton Baker witnessed Bubba Watson win. As well as an avid golfer, Baker was also a collector, collecting parts (rocks, rather than grass) from the various sporting venues he visited.
In Augusta he decided to go under the ropes and collect the granular quartz from a bunker with a plastic cup. Outcome: Clayton Baker was arrested by Augusta Security, jailed, and tried. The judge cleared him, but the granular quartz glass cost him about $20,000 in legal fees.
The traditional white overalls of the Caddies carry a number that identifies the player. But what is the criterion for assigning this number? Very simple. Represents the order of entry into the tournament. The only exception is number one, which is automatically assigned to the Defending Champion.
In all major tournaments, equipment manufacturers’ trucks are placed at strategic points, usually close to the driving range, for convenience. But not in Augsburg. Fitters must park their vehicles outside the property, across Washington Road.
And it’s not over. The passes available are limited, so not all staff members have access to Augusta National. During the same week, another Green Jacket is awarded. Obviously, locations and spectators are different. The contest is the Hooters Miss Green Jacket Contest.
For those who don’t know it, Hooters is a chain of diners, which from the United States has spread all over the world, which relies heavily on the beautiful presence of the girls who work there. But there is another peculiarity about Hooters that I want to point out to you.
Traditionally, if you go to Hooters for a beer during Masters week, you’re in for a treat. In addition to refreshment, you will be able to leave the room with a memorabilia autographed by John Daly who, not being invited to the Masters, spends the week there.
