Many of us remember the old ritual: the clock edging towards 9pm in the 1980s, eyes on the timepiece, willing the minutes to pass. When the hour finally struck and Augusta National appeared on the screen, everything felt right. That anticipation is part of The Masters’ magic.
Coverage has expanded since then, but the tournament still draws golfers and casual viewers alike. For countless fans it marks the start of the season, a welcome sign of spring and a reminder of golf’s enduring traditions. As the event nears its centenary, those customs remain central: the etiquette, the pageantry and the respect for the way the game has always been played.
Augusta’s influence reaches far beyond Georgia. The immaculate presentation sets a benchmark; courses everywhere have lifted standards of turf and conditioning because of what the National showcases. For those who love the sport, better surfaces equal greater enjoyment.
My first trip to Augusta came in 2000, shortly after The Players. Colonel Bruce Critchley led the way and we were guests of member George Whistler, an Atlanta bottling-company owner. We lunched on arrival, played 18, dined in the clubhouse and spent an evening in the Butler Cabin — where champions are crowned — before a second round the next morning. It was an honour and remains one of my clearest memories a quarter of a century on.
The first thing you notice at this golfing Mecca is how ordered everything is. Some call it a set of rules; I prefer to call it tradition. Calm, polite, no running, no phones — a setting that lets everyone absorb the golf.
I often wander down to Amen Corner on the eve of the tournament. In that hush, the place almost breathes its history. You can almost hear the cheers from iconic moments: Larry Mize’s chip at 11, Fred Couples’ ball clinging to the 12th bank, Jordan Spieth’s double splashes in 2016, Nick Faldo’s superb second to 13, Phil Mickelson’s escape from the pines, Rory McIlroy’s approach to 15, Seve Ballesteros’ ill-fated second, Tiger Woods’ chip at 16 and Jack Nicklaus’ putt at 17. Each shot is a thread woven into Augusta’s story.
The beauty of the place always comes with danger; every player knows it. Those final nine holes on Sunday are some of the finest in sport — high-pressure, irresistible and unforgettable.
This year the major season is gathering momentum and there are plenty of genuine contenders. As defending champion, Rory McIlroy will carry the attention that comes with the job. With some of the external pressure eased, I expect his memories and confidence to help him stay in the conversation on Sunday.
Scottie Scheffler has been exceptional at Augusta in recent years, winning twice in the last three renewals. Talk may swirl about his current form, but his consistency and standards remain very high. He’ll be a threat, and he could add a US Open to his résumé at Shinnecock Hills.
Jordan Spieth still finds something special at Augusta. Should he claim the PGA Championship next month, he’d complete the major set — and the National often brings out the best in him.
Cameron Young has matured markedly over the past year, converting near-misses into belief. Xander Schauffele also looks close to the elite form that brought him two majors in 2024. Both are players to watch.
Could we see a British winner? It’s been decades since Sandy Lyle’s famous escape and green‑jig, but Robert MacIntyre has the temperament and game to thrive under pressure. Matthew Fitzpatrick’s revival has been notable: a near miss at TPC Sawgrass followed by a strong Valspar performance and a return to the top 10. His sportsmanship — immediately consoling the winner after a narrow defeat — is the sort of gesture that appeals to traditionalists.
On the English front, Danny Willett’s brilliant final round 10 years ago remains the last time an Englishman took the Green Jacket. Willett and Fitzpatrick both hail from Sheffield, a neat little coincidence for those who like auguries.
As McIlroy prepares to defend, Augusta keeps delivering what makes golf great: etiquette, sportsmanship, compassion, competition and drama. Some recent events elsewhere have seen traditions slip, but the second week in April is usually a reminder of why the game endures.
Sky Sports will once again offer extensive Masters coverage, and we’re pleased Sir Nick Faldo will be part of the team — his experience at Augusta, 30 years on from his third win, adds valuable insight.
I’m as impatient as you are. The clock is ticking and the opening major is almost here. Watch the Masters live from April 9–12 on Sky Sports Golf, or stream without a contract.