It’s a time when those of us in snow country are itching to get back on the course, pull our clubs out and look at what new creations Titleist, Callaway and others have created that we must have this season.

Here are a few fun facts about one of golf’s most prominent tournament.

The Masters is the first of four major tournaments in professional golf.  It began on March 22, 1934 as the Augusta National Invitational Tournament.  The name was changed in 1939.

The tournament was started by Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones.  Jones designed August National with course architect Alister MacKenzie.

The tradition of awarding the green jacket to the champion was started in 1949.  After one-year, the champion must return the jacket to Augusta where it is stored.  Only the current champion can take his jacket from the clubhouse.

Jack Nicklaus has won the most Masters with six champions.  Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods have each won four. 

Horton Smith was the first champion who received $1,500 from the $5,000 purse.

The tournament was not played during World War II from 1943-1945.  During that time, cattle and turkeys were raised on the grounds to assist the war effort.

A Par 3 Contest was introduced in 1960 and is held the Wednesday of tournament week.  The golfers typically use their children as caddies, making it a fun family event.  No golfer who has won the Par 3 Contest has gone on to wine The Masters.

Guan Tianiang was the youngest player to compete in the Masters at age 14 in 2013. 

Gary Player holds the record for the most appearances, with 52.

Anthony Kim holds the record of 11 birdies in one round in 2009.

Louis Oosthuizen, Bruce Devlin and Jeff Maggart all have hit double-eagles.

Who are you favorites for this year’s event?  With high winds predicted, wedges will be in full use and the championship could belong to anyone!