The 2009 Master Tournament begins next week. It’s time to brush up on our Masters trivia. For instance, just how much do you know about the distinctive Masters green jacket? Below are just a few facts about the green jacket:

1. The green jacket originated in 1937 as a way for visitors to be able to identify members who could give them information and directions. This first jacket was made of wool and not a big hit with the club membership.

2. The jacket was first awarded to the tournament winner in 1949, to Sam Snead.

3. The winner takes the jacket home with him for one year, returning it to the club when he returns the following year. The jacket is then stored at the club and the winner may wear it when he is at the club.

4. Unless his size changes dramatically, a multiple winner will keep the same jacket.

5. It is the tournament custom that the previous year’s winner assists the new winner in donning his jacket.

(photo credit: Newscom)

Post from: Green Posse

For golfers, spring begins with the Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Course in Augusta Georgia. The course is already getting ready for the 2009 tournament, to be held April 6-12. To get you in the spirit of the Masters, here are a few facts about the event:

The first event was held in 1934, with Horton Smith winning the tournament.

The Masters was originally called the Augusta National Invitational Tournament.

Horton won $1500; last year’s winner, Zach Johnson took home $1.3 million.

No tournament was held during WWII (1943-1945). Chickens and turkeys were raised on the grounds to support the war effort.

Jack Nicklaus has the most Masters victories (six); Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods both have four.

Jack Nicklaus was the oldest player to win the Masters (his sixth win in 1986); Tiger Woods was the youngest (in 1997).^{(photo © flickr user: pocketwiley/cc license)}

Post from: Green Posse

All around the b5media Sports Channel today, bloggers are talking about the worst moments in sports. There are certainly a lot of “worst” moments in golf, but one in particular stands out to me–Greg Norman’s loss to Nick Faldo at the 1996 Masters Tournament.

For those unfamiliar with this debacle, Norman was leading the tournament by six strokes starting the final round. In fact, he’d carded a course record 63 on the first round.

However Sunday was not to be his day. Before the round was over, Norman scored five bogeys, two double bogeys, and hit his tee shot into the water at the 12th hole. When the dust cleared, he shot a 78, ending the day five strokes behind Faldo. Norman never contended for a major title again.

Do you have a favorite “worst” moment in golf? Leave a comment below and share it with us.

^{(photo © Newscom)}

Post from: Green Posse

Image details: The Masters – Final Round served by picapp.com

He overcame surgery just months ago and challenging playing conditions on Sunday to win the 2008 Masters Tournament at Augusta and the right to wear the green jacket. Twenty-eight year-old Trevor Immelman from South Africa finished the fourth round with a 3 over par, but that was still good enough to win the tournament by three strokes over Tiger Woods, who will have to put his hopes for a grand slam on hold for at least a year.

This is the first major win for Immelman and only his second tour win. It was impressive to watch him hold his concentration when his fellow leaders going into Sunday’s round, Steve Flesch and Brandt Snedeker, started to fall apart on the back nine, ending the day with rounds of +5 and +6 respectively. Something tells me that we’ll be hearing more from Mr. Immelman.

Post from: Green Posse

Post from: Green Posse

* South African, Trevor Immelman leads the tournament at -8. He overcame surgery for a benign stomach tumor, a parasite, and a 20-pound weight loss to get in shape for the Masters.

* The #2 player in golf (and two-time Masters winner), Phil Mickelson is poised for a run at winning the tournament. He’s 3 strokes behind Immelman at -5.

* Tiger Woods is -1 after 36 holes, 7 strokes behind Immelman.

* Among those failing to make the cut are Ernie Els and veteran Fred Couples.

Here are a few highlights of Tiger during Friday’s round:

Post from: Green Posse

Post from: Green Posse

AT&T is featuring live video coverage from the challenging “Amen Corner” at the Masters Tournament via their “Blue Room.” Make sure that you don’t miss any of the action.

^{(photo © gomattolson/cc license)}

Post from: Green Posse

Post from: Green Posse

^{(photos © John Trainer/cc license)}

Post from: Green Posse