Editor’s note: This story originally ran in the March 28 issue of Golfweek.
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Skipping it at 16 isn’t the only Masters tradition that Ken Green takes credit for starting. He also claims he had his two kids alternate as his caddie at the 1987 Par 3 Contest. Just as with his caper at the 16th, Green said he also received a written rebuke.
“Now everybody does it,” Green said, “and they make jumpsuits for the kids.”
With a tip of the Masters-logoed cap to Green, here are some of our favorite April-in-Augusta traditions that rank right up there with seeing the azaleas in bloom:
Nicklaus and Gary Player will do the honors early Thursday, April 7, minus Arnold Palmer this year. This tradition began in 1963 with Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod.
Best seat in the house: When the gates open each morning, patrons hustle – running is forbidden – to set chairs (no arms, of course) around their favorite green for future viewing pleasure. Sit, wander off and return later without a worry. Your chair will be in the same place.
Champions Dinner: No reservations required. Dating to 1952, the defending champion selects the menu and picks up the bill.
See you under the tree: For one week, more business is conducted under the giant oak tree between the clubhouse and the first tee than on Wall Street. It’s the place to see and be seen.
Pimento cheese sandwich: Still only $1.50, this little slice of heaven comes wrapped in a Masters green plastic baggie.
The green jacket: Sam Snead was the first winner to don it, in 1949. It’s tradition for the previous champion to help the newest winner slip into his jacket.
Photo with the Masters logo: Patrons line up for hours to have a picture taken with the Masters logo in flowers at Founders Circle in front of the clubhouse.
Butler Cabin: At the end of each Masters, on the lower floor of a white house located just off the main clubhouse, CBS broadcasts the presentation of the green jacket and the award to the low amateur. It’s the place to be on Sunday evening.
Crow’s Nest: Generations of amateur contestants have spent tournament week in the cupola of the Augusta National clubhouse. Cramped quarters, but the view is hard to beat.
Manual scoreboards: You’ll probably never see a JumboTron at Augusta National, and we’re OK with that. Watching the names and numbers be changed the old-fashioned way on the strategically placed white boards is another timeless fixture of the Masters.
