10. NO MOBILE PHONES

Is there anywhere on the planet where you can’t take your mobile phone these days? I only know of one … Augusta National. Phones are strictly forbidden and payphones are available if you need to call someone.

9. CHEAP EATS

A ticket to the Masters is the hottest in the golf world. It comes at a price but once you’re inside the gates at Augusta National, the prices for food and drink are arguably the cheapest to be found at any major sporting event around the world.

The prices have not increased in nearly two decades. In fact, for US$60 you could by all 25 items on the menu.

8. MASTERS TERMINOLOGY

The Augusta National GC Masters committee has a strong influence over the television and some renowned golfing terms are not to be used. Rough is always referred to as the “second cut”, while fans or galleries must always be called “the patrons”

7. AZALEAS

More than 30 varieties of azaleas can be found around the course and are the most identifiable plant patrons come across.

The 13th hole, aptly named Azalea, contains more than a thousand azalea plants.

6. SKIPPING BALLS

One of the more modern traditions at Augusta comes during the practice rounds when players are urged to skip a ball across the lake between the 16th tee and green. Jon Rahm and Vijay Singh have both recorded aces after skipping their ball.

Tiger Woods has won the Masters on five occasions. PHOTO: Getty Images.

5. THE PAR-3

The Wednesday Par-3 Contest has evolved into a very family-friendly event where players are joined by their kids or other family members, dressed in white Augusta National caddie jumpsuits.

4. THE MASTERS THEME SONG

Anyone who has spent any time watching the Masters on TV will be familiar with the soft piano overture that comes and goes during the CBS broadcast. The song, called Augusta, first aired during the 1982 Masters and was written by Dave Loggins – a third cousin of the more famous singer/songwriter, Kenny Loggins.

3. CHAMPIONS DINNER

Wouldn’t you just love to be a fly on the wall of what is one of the most exclusive dinner guest lists in the sporting world? This tradition – started by Ben Hogan in the early 1950s – boasts a room full of past Masters champions and has the reigning champion selecting the menu for the evening.

2. CEREMONIAL START

The chance to witness the game’s legends tee it up on the ground they once dominated is rare. But it happens every year at Augusta, signalling the start of the Masters and a new year of major championships.

The tradition began in 1963 with Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod and has since included Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer. This year, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will be joined by Lee Elder, the first African-American to compete in the Masters.

1. THE GREEN JACKET

First awarded to Sam Snead in 1949, the green jacket IS the Masters. Often copied but never matched, winning the green jacket has become the obsession of some and the envy of others.

But, did you know, a player must return their green jacket to Augusta National one year after winning the Masters and, from that time on, it can only be worn at Augusta National. Not to mention, a multiple Masters winner only gets one green jacket unless of course his size markedly changes.