90 Masters Facts Every Golf Fan Should Know for This Year's 90th Tournament

Masters week is here, and to celebrate the tournament's 90th edition, here are 90 facts about the event that might surprise you.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:08pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a golf tournament scene, with the course and players broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant green, gold, and blue hues.A cubist interpretation of the energy and excitement of the Masters golf tournament, with the iconic Augusta National course fractured into a dynamic geometric composition.Augusta Today

The Masters has come a long way from the time when Bobby Jones invited a bunch of his golf-playing friends to the new course he founded in Augusta, Ga. The Augusta National Invitational Tournament started humbly in 1934 with the fear that the club would not survive. The tournament was soon renamed the Masters, took a pause for World War II, then played every year again beginning in 1946. Today, it thrives. This week the tournament now known as the Masters will be played for the 90th time.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious and iconic golf tournaments in the world, with a rich history and tradition dating back nearly a century. As the tournament celebrates its 90th edition, these facts provide valuable insights into the evolution of the event, the records and milestones achieved, and the enduring legacy of the sport's greatest champions.

The details

The article covers a wide range of facts and records related to the Masters tournament, including the introduction of key innovations like ropelines and on-course scoreboards, notable achievements like Gene Sarazen's 'shot heard around the world' in 1935, and the dominance of legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. It also delves into quirky details, such as the prices of concession items and the youngest starter in Masters history.

  • The Masters tournament was first played in 1934 as the Augusta National Invitational Tournament.
  • The tournament was renamed the Masters in 1939.
  • The Masters was paused for three years during World War II, from 1943 to 1945, and resumed in 1946.
  • The 90th edition of the Masters is being played this week in 2026.

The players

Bobby Jones

The founder of Augusta National and the Augusta National Invitational Tournament, which later became the Masters. Jones won 13 major championships during his career, including 7 professional majors and 5 U.S. Amateurs.

Gene Sarazen

Scored an albatross (double eagle) on the 15th hole during the final round of the 1935 Masters, which helped him tie for the lead and eventually win the tournament in a playoff the next day. This 'shot heard around the world' helped put the Masters on the map.

Jack Nicklaus

The all-time leader in Masters wins with 6 titles, and the record holder for most top-5 finishes with 15. Nicklaus is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time, with 18 major championship victories.

Tiger Woods

Has won the Masters 5 times, tying him for the second-most victories with Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. Woods' first major championship win came at the 1997 Masters, where he set the tournament scoring record at the time.

Rory McIlroy

Donated a 7-iron to Augusta National following his 2025 Masters victory, which he used to hit an epic approach shot on the 15th hole on Sunday.

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What they’re saying

“What a stupid I am”

— Roberto De Vicenzo

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The 90th edition of the Masters tournament is a testament to the enduring legacy and evolution of one of golf's most prestigious events. From groundbreaking innovations to iconic moments and record-breaking performances, the Masters has cemented its place as a beloved tradition in the sport, captivating fans around the world.