THE BLUFFER'S GUIDE TO THE US MASTERS

■ The US Masters begins today at the Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, so here is some trivia about one of the four Major golf tournaments.

❑ The US Masters was founded by golfing legend Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts on March 22, 1934.

❑ The tournament was not originally called the Masters because Jones thought it too presumptuous. The original name was the Augusta National Invitation Tournament and it stayed that way for five years until Jones relented and the name was officially changed.

❑ Although he retired in 1930, Jones played in the first US Masters because they were short of a big name to draw the crowds and because the club needed the money. Jones finished in joint 13th place.

❑ The first US Masters was won on March 25, 1934, by Horton Smith of America by one shot over Craig Woods, also an American.

❑ The present-day back and front nines were reversed for the inaugural event.

❑ The first 18-hole play-off took place in 1942.

❑ The first hole in one at the US Masters was hit by Ross Somerville on the 16th hole at the first tournament.

❑ The winner of the US Masters is presented with the Green Jacket. They are allowed to keep the garment for a year and then must return it to Augusta where it is kept for them.

❑ The first Green Jacket was awarded in 1949 to Sam

Snead. The jacket is made from 55% wool and 45% polyester and its official colour is Masters Green.

❑ If a player wins a second US Masters, he does not receive another jacket unless his body shape has altered dramatically.

❑ There have been only three instances when the winner of the US Masters has retained the title the following year. The last time was Tiger Woods in 2002.

❑ Jack Nicklaus, inset, has won the most US Masters (six) and was the oldest winner when he triumphed in 1986, aged 46.

❑ The first foreigner to win the US Masters was Gary Player in 1961. He also holds the record for most appearances, with 52.

❑ In 1962, South African Player did not return his Green Jacket despite being asked repeatedly by the Augusta officials. “I wasn’t aware of the rules and regulations and I naturally assumed the jacket was like a trophy, so I brought it home with me to South Africa,” explained Player.

❑ The following year Player was looking forward to winning his second consecutive Masters title. Player shook hands with a fan with a crushing grip. The handshake resulted in Player having to seek medical attention. Playing the rest of the tournament with a bandage restricted his ability to hold the club properly and Player lost a play-off to Arnold Palmer.