CHERISHANN DIAMZON / CONTRIBUTOR

Every April, The Masters returns to Augusta National Golf Club, looking almost exactly the way it always has. The tradition of The Masters has drawn crowds in since its start in 1934, making it one of golf’s most iconic tournaments. Known for it’s famous green jacket, beautiful scenery and strict traditions, The Masters is the only major  golf tournaments played at the same course every year. Unlike other big tournaments that rotate locations, The Masters is always held at Augusta National, so players and fans see the same iconic holes and scenery each spring. The winner of the tournament gets a green jacket — a custom that started in 1949 and has brory mcecome one of golf’s most recognizable honors.

Even the food remains simple. Pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches, peach ice cream and sweet tea are all sold at prices that remain true to tradition. Cell phones aren’t allowed, a rule that helps keep The Masters’ classic atmosphere intact. Even the TV coverage stands out —there’s no nonstop noise or flashy graphics. It is just players, the course and a tournament that lets the pressure build without forcing it. 

This year, Rory McIlroy, a five-time major champion from Northern Ireland, got past England’s Justin Rose, a former U.S. Open winner and Olympic gold medalist. The victory earned McIlory his first green jacket.

With this win, McIlory became the sixth male golfer to complete what’s called a career Grand Slam. This title  means he has won each of golf’s four major tournaments, The Masters, The PGA Championship, The U.S. Open and The Open Championship, at least once in his career. 

The field was  competitive. Scottie Scheffler, last year’s champion and current world No.1, was in the mix. Jon Rahm, who won The Masters in 2023, also made a run. Collin Morikawa, who already owns two major titles, and Justin Thomas, who won The PGA Championship in 2017 and 2022, were both hoping to add another chapter to their careers at Augusta. The tournament is known for drawing the best in golf. 

Every year, past champions gather for the Champions Dinner, where the defending winner picks the menu. There’s a dress code for fans: collared shirts are required and jeans or high heels are not allowed. At USD, sports like football, basketball and soccer usually get more attention. Golf moves slower, and the same is true at The Masters.

Ryan Abuan, a sophomore on the USD golf team, said his favorite Masters tradition is the green jacket ceremony. 

“I feel that the green jacket ceremony is a staple in professional golf,” Abaun said. “The green jacket ceremony has been ran the same way for decades, and gives the winner the true experience of what it feels like to win The Masters.”

At Augusta National, tradition isn’t just a word. It’s how things are done, year after year. 

“We’ll always do what’s necessary to keep the course the way it should be,” Fred Ridley said, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club.   

In a sports world that is constantly chasing something new, The Masters  is one of the few events that still trusts the game to deliver the story.