What You Should Know About the Masters Golf Tournament

The Masters Golf Tournament, typically viewed mainly by golf buffs and their bored spouses could be one of the highest rated television events in 2010, thanks largely to the participation of America's most scandalous golfer, Tiger Woods, who selected this snooty tournament to stage his professional golf comeback after revelations of multiple extra-marital affairs shook up his marriage and shattered his Eagle Scout image.

Tiger Woods' choice of the Masters Golf Tournament for his return to golf was no accident. The Masters Golf Tournament has always had a special cachet for golfophiles who speak about the once a year event in hushed reverential tones, as if it were some kind of Cannes Film Festival for golfers.

If you are like me and have always found viewing golf on TV only slightly more interesting than watching water evaporate, knowing the back story of the Masters Golf Tournament could make this interminable four-day golf-a-thon more watchable. Here are some good facts to toss out in conversation this week while watching Tiger Woods participate in the Masters Golf Tournament.

How to get tickets to the Masters Golf Tournament

Don't even think about it. Your chances of getting tickets to the Masters are only slightly better than being selected as an astronaut on the next space voyage to Mars. The general public is not able to purchase tickets to the Masters Golf Tournament directly from the tournament, making Masters tickets among the most difficult to snare of any sporting event- including the Superbowl-according to ticket broker Brian Talbot. Masters badges can go for as much as $12,000 through a ticket broker or other secondary market, said Talbot.

What's the deal with those green jackets?

Back in 1937, members of the Augusta National Golf Club were asked to wear garish shamrock green jackets so that visiting spectators at the Masters Golf Tournament (then known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament) could identify them as club members if they had any questions, such as "Where is the nearest restroom?" Starting with the Masters Golf Tournament Champion in 1949, Sam Snead, winners were presented with a green jacket from the previous year's champion (think Miss America giving up her crown). In a strange tradition, the winner has to return his jacket to the club the following year after which time he can wear his jacket only when golfing at the Augusta National Golf Club.

Why is the Masters Golf Tournament always held the first full week in April?

Have you even been to Augusta in the summer? It's so humid, even the mosquitoes perspire.

How is the Masters Golf Tournament different from the other three men's major golf tournaments?

The Masters Golf Tournament is the only one of the four men's major golf tournaments that is held at the same golf club every year, the Augusta National Golf Club. August National Golf Club officials considered holding a Mistresses Golf Tournament in the fall but nixed the idea after remembering women are not allowed to join the exclusive club, although they are permitted to work as cocktail waitresses at the club's lounge. (The last sentence is mostly fictional.)

Does the Masters Golf Tournament have a history of racism?

Not according to the Masters Golf Tournament website. The history section of the official Masters website mentions nothing about the awkward fact that until 1990, black people were not allowed to join the ultra-exclusive 300-member club to which one has to be invited (no applications from commoners accepted). The very first black golfer to play in the Masters was Lee Elder who qualified for the tony event in 1975. Elder received so many death threats he had to foil the haters by renting two different places in Augusta and shuttling back and forth between them.

Tiger Woods was both the first African American and Asian American to win the masters, a feat he accomplished in 1997. Juxtaposed with Tiger Woods' historic win was a classic foot-in-the-mouth statement by goofy golfer Frank "Fuzzy" Zoeller related to the custom of the winner of the Masters Golf Tournament choosing the menu for the following year's Masters Champions Dinner. "He's doing quite well, pretty impressive," said Zoeller. "That little boy (emphasis added) is driving well and he's putting well. He's doing everything it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year... or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."

What cocktail should you drink while watching the Masters Golf Tournament?

You may want to drink coffee to stay alert. If you insist on drinking an adult beverage, try an Azalea cocktail since azalea bushes bloom all over Augusta during April when the Masters Golf Tournament occurs. Here's an easy recipe for making Azalea cocktails for your Masters Golf Tournament party (even if it's just you and your cat):

Azalea Cocktail

1 part lime or lemon juice
1 part canned pineapple juice
3 parts gin
Grenadine to color pink

Mix in cocktail shaker with ice and shake.

Reprinted from cdkitchen.com

Sources:
http://www.masters.com/en_US/history/green_jacket.html
http://www.pgaprofessional.com/golf_glossary/b.html
http://www.betus.com/sports-betting/golf/articles/masters-history-has-racial-and-discriminatory-overtones-05-04-2010/
http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,1591517,00.html