[Masters] "Analyzing the Masters by Numbers"

by Roh Woolae

Published 05 Apr.2022 11:32(KST)

'1' Host city is Augusta only, '6' Most wins by Nicklaus, '1500' First champ Smith's prize money

This year's Masters will welcome all galleries for the first time in three years, restoring the scenes of the past.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Spectators allowed after 3 years.'

On the night of the 7th (Korean time), the first major of the PGA Tour season, the Masters, kicks off at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA. As the COVID-19 situation eases, familiar scenes return after three years. The gallery, which was only partially allowed last year, is fully back, and the 'Par 3 Contest' event held a day before the opening will also take place. Let's look at the Masters returning to the way golf fans around the world knew it through numbers.

▲ 1 (Golf Course) = Since its establishment in 1934, it has been held at the same location every year. Other majors like the US Open, The Open, and the PGA Championship change venues annually.

▲ 3 (Players) = Korean players participating this year. Im Sung-jae (24), Kim Si-woo (27), and Lee Kyung-hoon (31; all from CJ Logistics) are on the list.

▲ 5 (Wins) = The number of wins by 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA). He wore the 'Green Jacket' in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2019.

▲ 6 (Wins) = Jack Nicklaus's (USA) record for most wins. Starting with his first win in 1963, he won the Masters in 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986.

▲ 7 (Consecutive Birdies) = The number of consecutive birdies recorded by Woods in 2005 and Steve Flesch (USA) in 1999.

▲ 12 (Strokes) = The largest margin of victory in history. Woods won by 12 strokes over second place in 1997. He also set the record as the youngest winner at 21 years, 3 months, and 14 days.

▲ 35 (Yards) = The course length increase. The 11th hole (par 4) is 15 yards longer, and the 15th hole (par 5) is 20 yards longer. This year, Augusta National's total length is 7,510 yards.

▲ 45 (Acres) = The size of Augusta National. 'Golf Saint' Bobby Jones (USA) purchased an Indian farm near Augusta in 1930 to create it. It is famous for its strict member-only operation system.

▲ 52 (Appearances) = The most appearances by champion Gary Player (South Africa) since 1961. He also holds the record for consecutive appearances in the main event (23 times).

▲ 63 (Strokes) = The Masters course record. Nick Price (Zimbabwe) in 1986 and Greg Norman (Australia) in 1996 each set this record once.

▲ 289 (Strokes) = The lowest total strokes to win. Records held by Sam Snead in 1954, Jack Burke Jr. in 1956, and Zach Johnson (all USA) in 2007.

▲ 900 (Pieces) = The number of silver pieces used in the trophy. The winner holds and poses with a limited edition replica that is one-quarter the size of the original. The original trophy is kept in a secret location at the golf course after the Masters ends.

▲ 1,500 (Dollars) = The winner's prize money for the first tournament winner Horton Smith (USA). The total prize money and winner's prize vary and depend on the tournament's revenue each year.