The Masters Tournament, first played in 1934, is one of golf’s four major championships, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The event was canceled from 1943 to 1945 due to World War II but has been held every year since. Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts founded the tournament, which was originally known as the "Augusta National Invitation Tournament" before being renamed in 1939.
The winner of the Masters Tournament receives the green jacket, an Augusta National tradition since 1949, and a lifetime invitation to future Masters. Jack Nicklaus holds the record for most victories with six (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986), followed by Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer, who each have five titles. Woods holds the record for the largest margin of victory (12 strokes, 1997), while Dustin Johnson set the lowest total score (-20, 268 strokes, 2020).
Tiger Woods at Augusta: Can He Play Anytime?
No, Tiger Woods cannot play at Augusta National Golf Club whenever he wants.
Masters champions receive a lifetime tournament invitation and honorary membership but are not full Augusta National members, according to Golf Monthly. Unlike full members, who can play anytime, Masters champions have restrictions and must be accompanied by a full member to play the course.
In 2023, Gary Player told the Times about the Augusta National membership issue for a champion. He said:
"After all I’ve contributed to the tournament and been an ambassador for them, I can’t go and have a practice round there with my three grandchildren without having to beg a member to play with us, and there’s always some excuse.”
Player won the Masters Tournament in 1961, 1974, and 1978.
Player added:
“It’s terribly, terribly sad. I’ve played my role: I’ve won it three times, I was in the top-10 15 times, I made the most number of cuts in a row ever. Yet here we are struggling to get a round. If it wasn’t for the players, [Augusta] would just be another golf course in Georgia.”
Is Tiger Woods a member of Augusta National?
No, Tiger Woods is not a member of the Augusta National Golf Club but an honorary member.
Also read: What Celebrities Are Members at Augusta National?
FAQs on Can Tiger Woods play Augusta whenever he wants?
A. No, Tiger Woods cannot play at Augusta National whenever he wants. Only full-fledged members of the Augusta National are allowed to play the course, as per Golf Monthly.
A. No, Tiger Woods is not a member of Augusta National. Winning the Masters doesn't grant honorary membership.
A. Augusta National has around 300 members, with new invitations extended only when a current member steps down or passes away.
A. The Augusta National hosts member-only events like the Opening Party, Governors Party, Jamboree, and Closing Party. Further, the Masters Tournament and the Augusta National Women's Amateur too.
