Some viewers may remember waiting for the Masters to begin in the 1980s.
The clock is ticking toward 9 p.m., and people stare at it as the minutes tick by. It seemed like an eternity from 8:45pm to 9pm, but when the end of the hour came, a heavenly view of Augusta National Park entered our living room, and all was well in our world.
As time passed, the world now received enhanced and extensive coverage of this highly anticipated sporting spectacle. The Masters is a magnet that attracts golfers and viewers from all over the world, and even non-golfers. Every spring, it lifts our spirits and for many it marks the beginning of golf season.
Augusta National is packed with regulars every year.
As it approaches its 100th anniversary, its history is filled with many images that we remember fondly. That tradition remains strong and is something that Bobby Jones and the founding members are proud of, championing manners and grace as well as embracing the style and etiquette in which golf has been played for centuries.
Golf courses around the world benefit from Augusta National. The exemplary presentation of the course encouraged others to improve their own courses, golfers enjoyed a higher standard playing surface and increased enjoyment of the sport.
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Rich Beam provides unique insight into the Masters as he guides you through the grounds of Augusta National through the eyes of a patron
“Golf Mecca” – What makes Augusta so special?
It was my first time visiting Augusta since The Players in 2000. “Colonel” Bruce Critchley took me there. We were guests of member George Whistler, who owns a water bottling company in Atlanta.
Upon arrival, we had lunch, played 18 games, then had dinner in the clubhouse, then returned to Butler Cabin, where champions have been crowned over the years. A second 18 followed in the morning before departure. It was an honor and a privilege, and a quarter of a century later, that visit is still fresh in my memory.
The first thing that strikes you about this golf mecca is how orderly everything is. Some people say there are rules, but I prefer the word tradition. Everything is calm – quiet, no running, no phone calls. It’s a combination that everyone can watch and enjoy playing golf.
Augusta is proud of its patrons, many of whom return year after year for sporting events that have become an important part of their lives.
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Jon Rahm blindly ranks the most iconic moments in Masters history
For the past few years, I’ve strolled down to Amen Corner the night before a tournament. Everything is very quiet in this golfing garden of Eden. When I gaze at that majestic figure, I can’t help but cheer in my heart.
Larry Mize chipped in at 11. Fred Couples’ ball stayed in the bank at 12, but Jordan Spieth’s two splashes came close in 2016. Sir Nick Faldo’s stunning second 13 and Phil Mickelson’s dramatic escape from the tall Georgia Pine.
When all seemed lost, Rory McIlroy approached for 15 points, but Seve Ballesteros did not forget to find water for the second time. There was a chip from Tiger Woods on the 16th and a putt from Jack Nicklaus on the 17th. Each shot, and many more, will be etched into Augusta’s history, and all of these moments will be remembered.
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Rory McIlroy hit the green in two with one of the best shots of his life on Augusta’s par-5 15th hole en route to Grand Slam success.
The grace and beauty of this great creation is there for all to see, but it comes with risks, and all players are well aware of that. Sunday’s second nine is truly one of the great days on the sports calendar. How lucky we were to see it.
Get excited for the major season
You all have your favorites, and as always there are plenty of true contenders at the Masters. Will McIlroy be able to defend well with the weight of expectations lifted from his shoulders?
McIlroy will have a busy week being the defending champion, but I feel the great emotional memories will keep him focused. For the first time in 15 years, the expectations will be Rory’s and not everyone else’s, so I’m hopeful he’ll finally join the conversation.
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A look at the final round of the Masters that ended McIlroy’s 11-year bid to win his fifth major title
Can Scotty Scheffler continue his excellence here? The highly talented and consistent American, who has won twice in the past three years at Augusta National, could join McIlroy and the Grand Slammers at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills on his 30th birthday.
There’s talk that Scheffler hasn’t been at his best this year, but he’s set the bar extremely high over the past few years. Like McIlroy, he will be in contention.
McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are among the two pre-tournament favorites to win the Masters.
Another player may achieve golf’s holy grail during this year’s major season. A victory for Jordan Spieth at next month’s PGA Championship will complete the set. Augusta National inspired him and brought out the best in him, and the road through the azaleas is a well-traveled and well-known path.
Cameron Young has a player who has come of age in the last nine months. After several close calls, he is now a talented person who has faith and confidence in himself. It’s also worth noting that Xander Schauffele is approaching his impressive 2024 performance, when he won two majors.
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Highlights from the final day of The Players. Cameron Young shot a 4-under 68 to win at TPC Sawgrass.
British winner of the Masters?
It’s been almost 40 years since the Scottish winner, but the image of Sandy Lyle’s famous final green jig after escaping from a fairway bunker seems like it was just a few years ago. In Robert McIntyre, the Scotsman has a strong contender who combines youthful nerve, tremendous talent and poise to excel under pressure on the grandest of stages.
A year ago, Matthew Fitzpatrick was languishing outside the world’s top 80. After a near miss at TPC Sawgrass last month, his response was strong and he returned to the top 10 with his third PGA Tour win at the Valspar Championship.
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Full highlights from the final round of the Valspar Championship, which Matt Fitzpatrick won by one stroke.
I thought Fitzpatrick’s win in Florida was heartwarming. Just seven days ago, his putt missed the hole on the 72nd hole and The Players title slipped from his hands. He immediately congratulated Young’s family behind the green. These are values that will forever be part of golf for true fans and traditionalists.
Fitzpatrick’s win next week will be popular and this side of the pond will naturally want to see one of our own grace the green jacket. The last time a Brit won was 10 years ago, when Danny Willett had a best 13 pars and five birdies in the final round to win by three.
Both Willett and Fitzpatrick are from Sheffield, if you believe the Amen omens.
Countdown to McIlroy’s title defense
Augusta continues to embrace and present its core values, not only at the Masters but in the sport as a whole.
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Highlights from the final round of the Masters, where McIlroy beat Justin Rose in the playoffs to complete a career Grand Slam.
Elsewhere, in various recent events, some golf traditions have been lost. The second week of April will be a reminder of all that golf has to offer: etiquette, sportsmanship, consideration, pressure, competition and, of course, no shortage of drama.
The full Sky Sports squad will be joined by Sir Nick Faldo, 30 years after winning his third and final Masters. His experience and insight about Augusta will once again add even more to the extensive broadcast.
Like you, I can’t wait for the Masters to start. In fact, I’m already staring at the clock!
Who will win the Masters? Watch the opening round of this year’s Major live exclusively on Sky Sports Golf from 9th to 12th April. Get and stream Sky Sports without a contract.
