The tournament began in 1934 and has always been played at Augusta National Golf Club . The course had just been built by Bobby Jones, when Jones and Clifford Roberts decided to host a golf tournament. The Masters was born. The course has been modified over the years, changing the length of various fairways.

The tournament made its debut as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. An investor suggested that the event be called The Masters, but Jones felt that it was an overly pretentious title for the inauspicious event. He would relent in 1938, and the event's name would be officially changed.

In 1935 Gene Sarazen hit "the shot heard 'round the world," scoring a double eagle on the par-5 15th hole at Augusta National. In 1953 the tournament scoring record of 279 that had stood for 14 years, was obliterated when Ben Hogan finished at 274.

Arnold Palmer's Masters legacy began in 1958, as he won his first green jacket.. In 1966 Nicklaus was the first player to ever defend his title successfully at Augusta National.

At 46, Jack Nicklaus became the oldest winner in the tournament's history in 1986. He also became the first, and only, player to win the event six times. In 1997 at the age of 21. Tiger Woods became the youngest Masters champion.

The curse of the par-3 contest is well known. The contest, and its tale, began in 1960, when Sam Snead won the inaugural event. The curse doesn't mean the winner can never win a Masters, simply that he can not win it the same year. No one ever has.