Each year, former Masters winners invite a guest to Augusta National for an exclusive round of golf. A cherished tradition ahead of the sport’s most prestigious event.
One week before the world’s best golfers converge on Augusta National Golf Club, a uniquely prestigious tradition unfolds on the course. The Masters Tournament maintains a custom that brings together past champions in an exclusive gathering: on the Sunday preceding Masters week, former winners return to Augusta to play the course alongside a guest of their choosing.
A Tradition Steeped in Prestige
This annual gathering represents one of golf’s most hallowed customs. The tournament calendar ensures that this ceremonial round takes place in the days leading up to the opening of the PGA Tour’s first major championship of the year. For past champions, it serves as both a nostalgic return and a chance to reconnect with the place where they achieved one of golf’s greatest accomplishments.
The format is deliberately exclusive. Each former winner selects a companion—whether a fellow professional, a family member, or a notable figure from the golf world—to experience Augusta National with them. This intimate gathering, held away from the intensity of competition, underscores the club’s philosophy of tradition and respect. The Sunday before the tournament officially begins allows these champions to walk the course they have conquered, while the guest gains rare insight into what makes Augusta National so special.
Part of Masters Week Heritage
This tradition exemplifies what makes The Masters distinct among major championships. From the green jackets to the azaleas, from the patrons to the ceremonial moments, every detail reflects decades of accumulated tradition. The exclusive round for past champions reinforces the tournament’s philosophy: golf played at the highest level, conducted with dignity and respect for history.
As the Masters Tournament approaches in just over a week, this Sunday tradition will once again bring together the select group of golfers who have won at Augusta National. It stands as a quiet reminder that beyond the competition, scoreboards, and media attention, The Masters is fundamentally about honoring those who have played the game with excellence and integrity.
This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue