Golf

Masters History: Last 25 Champions & Augusta Traditions

The Masters

Every April, the golfing world turns its eyes to Augusta, Georgia, for the Masters Tournament. More than just the first major championship of the year, the Masters is an event steeped in history, tradition, and the pursuit of golfing immortality, symbolized by the coveted Green Jacket. Held exclusively at the Augusta National Golf Club, the tournament offers a unique blend of beauty, challenge, and drama. Let’s journey through its storied past, focusing on the champions who have conquered Augusta over the last quarter-century.

The Genesis of the Green Jacket

The Masters was born from the vision of legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts. After Jones’ retirement following his historic Grand Slam in 1930, he sought to build a golf course that would embody his ideals of the game. He collaborated with course architect Alister MacKenzie, and Augusta National Golf Club opened in 1933.

The first tournament, initially called the Augusta National Invitation Tournament, was held in 1934 and won by Horton Smith. It was officially renamed the Masters Tournament in 1939. From the beginning, Jones and Roberts aimed to create a unique experience for players and patrons alike, establishing traditions that endure today:

  • The Green Jacket: Awarded to the champion since 1949 (though previous winners were retroactively given jackets). The winner keeps the jacket for a year, after which it remains at the club.
  • The Champions Dinner: Started by Ben Hogan in 1952, past champions gather on Tuesday of tournament week for a dinner hosted by the defending champion, who selects the menu.
  • Amen Corner: The famous stretch of holes 11, 12, and 13, named by writer Herbert Warren Wind in 1958, often proves pivotal in deciding the champion.
  • Limited Commercial Interruption: A hallmark of the broadcast, preserving the viewing experience.

Echoes Through the Pines: The Last 25 Years at Augusta

The turn of the millennium marked a continuation of dominance by established stars and the emergence of new champions etching their names into Masters lore. The last 25 years have witnessed incredible performances, historic breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments against the backdrop of Augusta’s demanding layout. This era saw Tiger Woods cement his legacy, Phil Mickelson finally break through, international players make history, and a new generation rise to the challenge.

Masters Champions (2000-2024)

Here is a list of the golfers who have donned the Green Jacket over the last 25 tournaments:

  • 2000: Vijay Singh
  • 2001: Tiger Woods (Completed the “Tiger Slam”)
  • 2002: Tiger Woods (Third player to win back-to-back)
  • 2003: Mike Weir (First Canadian winner, first left-hander)
  • 2004: Phil Mickelson (First major win)
  • 2005: Tiger Woods (Fourth Masters win, playoff victory)
  • 2006: Phil Mickelson (Second Masters win)
  • 2007: Zach Johnson (Tied highest winning score, +1)
  • 2008: Trevor Immelman
  • 2009: Ángel Cabrera (Second Argentinian winner, playoff victory)
  • 2010: Phil Mickelson (Third Masters win)
  • 2011: Charl Schwartzel (Birdied final four holes)
  • 2012: Bubba Watson (First Masters win, incredible hook shot in playoff)
  • 2013: Adam Scott (First Australian winner, playoff victory)
  • 2014: Bubba Watson (Second Masters win)
  • 2015: Jordan Spieth (Wire-to-wire victory, tied scoring record)
  • 2016: Danny Willett (Capitalized on Spieth’s back-nine collapse)
  • 2017: Sergio García (First major win, playoff victory on his 74th major start)
  • 2018: Patrick Reed
  • 2019: Tiger Woods (Fifth Masters win, remarkable comeback victory)
  • 2020: Dustin Johnson (Set scoring record of -20, tournament held in November)
  • 2021: Hideki Matsuyama (First Japanese male player to win a major)
  • 2022: Scottie Scheffler (First major win)
  • 2023: Jon Rahm (Fourth Spaniard to win)
  • 2024: Scottie Scheffler (Second Masters win in three years)

Defining Moments (2000-2024)

While every Masters win is special, some moments from this era stand out:

  • Tiger’s Reign: Woods’ victories in 2001 (completing the non-calendar Grand Slam) and 2002 showcased his dominance. His emotional comeback win in 2019, after years of injuries and setbacks, is considered one of golf’s greatest moments.
  • Phil Finds His Major: Mickelson, long considered the best player without a major, finally broke through with a dramatic birdie putt on the 18th in 2004, adding two more jackets later.
  • International Breakthroughs: Weir (Canada), Cabrera (Argentina), Scott (Australia), García (Spain), and Matsuyama (Japan) brought the Green Jacket home to their countries, highlighting the global nature of the game.
  • The New Guard: Spieth’s record-tying performance in 2015 announced his arrival, while Dustin Johnson’s dominant -20 score in the unique November Masters of 2020 set a new standard. Scottie Scheffler’s rapid ascent, marked by two wins in three years (2022, 2024), signals the arrival of golf’s current dominant force.

An Enduring Legacy

The Masters continues to captivate because it respects its history while simultaneously creating it anew each April. The champions listed above represent a remarkable chapter in the tournament’s story, each overcoming the unique pressures and challenges of Augusta National to earn their place in golfing history. As the azaleas bloom each spring, the world watches, eager to see who will be the next to don the Green Jacket and join this illustrious list.