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Pine trees and Azalea's at Augusta National

The November Masters: Things To Know

May 21, 2020
The Masters
Autumn at Augusta. It’s hard to believe, but the 2020 Masters will be played November 12-15. It has always been contested in April except for 1934 and 1939 when it was played in March. As CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz likes to say, “This will be one for the ages.”

Here are some things to know for the November Masters:

How Augusta National Will Look in Autumn

Instead of brightly blooming azaleas we’ll get to see Augusta National in all its Autumn glory with fairways framed by trees with leaves tinged with gold, orange and yellow. There will be no shortage of ornamental plants, either. Augusta National was carved out of the 365-acre Fruitland Nursery and there are more than 80,000 plants and 350 varieties on the rolling landscape. Keep your eye out for the leaves on the Japanese maples and Redbud trees.

The Playing Conditions in November at Augusta National

It’s going to be a different surface as the fairways will be overseeded. Six-time Masters winner Jack Nicklaus recently explained the November Augusta National conditions to Golf Magazine this way: “…They’re going to have to figure out how to get the overseed in and get it cut short and get it crisp so they can play golf shots. That would be the most difficult thing to have in November. I think they’ll try to dry up the fairways. I think the golf course will play relatively short in November.” He adds, “The Greens will be fine. As a matter of fact, the greens will probably be better in November, because they should be drier. They’ll be able to get the greens firmer.”

The Favorites to Win the 2020 Masters

It’ll be difficult to pick a winner because of the changing playing conditions in November, but the current betting odds have Rory McIlroy as an overwhelming favorite at 8/1 followed by Jon Rahm (12/1), Brooks Koepka (14/1) and Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods all at 16/1.

Why The 2020 Masters is So Important to the Golf World

After months of uncertainty and anxiety brought on by the global pandemic, The Masters, with its traditions and unabashed celebration of golf, will help golfers and the sports world get back to some sense of normalcy. Watching Jack and Gary hit the ceremonial first tee shot, scanning the classic scoreboard for the leaders and the Green Jacket ceremony in Butler Cabin will be welcoming sights to all golfers everywhere. Played in November, the Masters will also carry more historical significance than usual.

The Ultimate Bucket List Event

“I attended the Masters” is always a guaranteed statement to get fellow golfers interested in what you have to say. No other tournament on the planet garners more interest than The Masters. Since it was started in 1934 by the legendary Bobby Jones and banker Clifford Roberts, the tournament has stayed true to their initial vision to provide a spectacular golf experience for both the players and patrons. The list of winners includes some of the most iconic names in golf history like Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. While watching it on television is a visual feast, there’s nothing quite like walking the fairways at Augusta National if you get the chance. The course, which is actually hillier than it appears on television, was built on the site of a former plant nursery and the setting  has a decided pristine Disneyesque ambiance. If you’re interested in attending the Masters for a day or more than one day, consider a Premier Golf Ticket Only Package, which gives you lots of flexibility.

Timeless Masters Traditions

Treasured traditions like the circa 1970s concession prices, the family-oriented par three tournament with the players’ small children wearing mini-size caddie outfits, the drive down Magnolia Lane for the players and the Champions Dinner on Tuesday of Masters Week are cherished by every golf fan. The landmarks like the giant oak near the 18th green, green and white umbrellas outside the back of the clubhouse, Rae’s Creek, Hogan Bridge, Nelson Bridge and Sarazen Bridge are familiar sights that live in the minds of Masters fans who love the tournament.

A Look Back at the 2019 Masters

It’s been more than a year since last year’s Masters and you may have forgotten who won. Does the name Tiger Woods ring a bell? We think it’s worth reliving Tiger’s stirring victory at Augusta National and hope you enjoy the video below.

(Photo and Video Credits: Unsplash David T, Bobby Jones Links, rorymcilroy.com)