US Masters A-Z: S for Sarazen Bridge
We take an in-depth look at some of the more interesting facts relating to one of golf's most historic tournaments
S - SARAZEN BRIDGE The Sarazen Bridge on the 15th hole is one of the more recognised landmarks at Augusta. It was built in 1955 to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of Gene Sarazen's famous double eagle at the second ever Masters tournament. As a result of Sarazen's 'Shot Heard Round the World', he was able to tie leader Craig Wood, forcing a play-off. Sarazen would win the play-off and a legendary moment was born.
T - TICKETS Tickets for the Masters are always in high demand. Like any other major sporting event, finding tickets can be an arduous task. As of now, the waiting list for tickets has been closed, and those on the list may not even live long enough to ever make it to the front of the line. One may have better luck trying to get practice tickets, but even those are not sold at the gates and can cost over $200 per ticket. U - UNITED STATES The United States has had much success at Augusta over the years. An American has won the Masters title 55 times in the 73-year history of the tournament. In recent years, non-US players have made a great impact on the tournament as well, including last year's play-off champion, Argentinian Angel Cabrera. Now, with Tiger Woods returning and other Americans like Phil Mickelson in the field, will the Americans reclaim the title or will a player from outside the States take the Green Jacket for a third consecutive year? V - VON ELM In the 1951 Masters, George Von Elm finished in a tie for 50th place. Von Elm received the sum of $100 in prize money for his efforts over the four days. In contrast, Andres Romero of Argentina finished in a tie for 49th place in 2009 and won $19,200 as a result - a stark difference that may raise the eyebrows of those golfers from the later generations.
W - WEISKOPF Statistics aren't always glorious and Tom Weiskopf's infamous highest-score-for-one-hole record proves the rule. In 1980, he tied Tommy Nakajimi for the highest one-hole score in Master's history. On the 12th hole, Weiskopf managed to rack up a 13, some ten shots over the par. This 155-yard par-3, named 'Golden Bell', is the shortest hole on the course, but the wind factors associated may have played a role in Weiskopf's ultimate downfall. Weiskopf finished second in the tournament on four occasions, in 1969, 1972, 1974 and 1975.
X - X-PROTOYPE IRONS The Callaway X-Prototype irons are currently used by Ernie Els. The South African is on a recent hot streak after two consecutive tournament victories, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Now, he looks to continue his run of success by trying to win his first Green Jacket. Others in the 2010 Masters field using the X-Prototype irons are two-time champion Phil Mickelson and Australian Stuart Appleby.
Y - YELLOW JASMINE The eighth hole, known as 'Yellow Jasmine', is one of the most memorable holes at the Augusta National. This 570-yard par-5 is the longest on the scorecard and has been the scene for some mixed results throughout the history of the tournament. Designed for accuracy over power, Yellow Jasmine saw the second double eagle in Masters history, recorded by Ben Devlin in 1967. Frank Walsh didn't have quite the same luck there, shooting a 12 in 1935.
Z - ZOOM Tiger Woods is making his return to golf at this year's Masters and he will be returning in the Nike Air Zoom TW 2010 golf shoes. After months away from the sport, he has a long road ahead of him to capture his fifth Green Jacket. The golf shoes allow for more balance and a smoother transfer of weight. Others who wear some variation of the Nike Zoom golf shoes are 2008 Masters Champion Trevor Immelman and current British Open champion Stewart Cink.
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