For years, television announcer Jim Nantz has used that tagline to describe the prestigious golf tournament held each year in Augusta, Georgia. It’s appropriate because The Masters is a tournament unlike any other and features traditions unlike any other golf tournament in the world, one of which is referring to fans as patrons.
Full Answer
Why do they call fans ‘patrons’ at the Masters?
It’s appropriate because The Masters is a tournament unlike any other and features traditions unlike any other golf tournament in the world, one of which is referring to fans as patrons. Here’s a look at how that tradition got started as well as some of the other unique traditions you will find each year at The Masters.
Do you call them fans or'patrons'?
“I never called them ‘patrons,’” Jenkins said. “It never occurred to me to use the term. I called them fans. I thought a ‘patrons’ was a sponsor or someone who didn’t know much about golf."
What do you call people who watch golf tournaments at Augusta?
Those watching tournament play on site are called "patrons" at Augusta, not "fans" or "spectators." Also, use "the first nine" and "the second nine" to describe the holes, not "the front nine" or "the back nine" or any other variation. In addition, bring your "badge" to The Masters, not your "ticket."
What do you call people who watch the golf game?
They pay their money, they watch the golf, they are confined to outside the ropes. By all other measures, they are “fans” or “spectators” or members of a “gallery.” In the interest of clarity, why assign an elusive word to describe them just because the club prefers it that way?
What are patrons in golf?
Those watching tournament play on site are called "patrons" at Augusta, not "fans" or "spectators." Also, use "the first nine" and "the second nine" to describe the holes, not "the front nine" or "the back nine" or any other variation. In addition, bring your "badge" to The Masters, not your "ticket."
Why do they call fans patrons?
The use of the word traces to Clifford Roberts, Augusta National's co-founder with Bobby Jones, who sought to distinguish spectators at the Masters because he saw them as more than butts in seats, but consumers of an experience—no different than regular patrons of a restaurant or an opera.
What are fans called in golf?
Every April, golf fans descend on Augusta, Georgia, for the first of the year's four major championships: the Masters Tournament, held at Augusta National Golf Club—although you won't hear anyone at the Masters call the attendees "fans." Here, they're exclusively referred to as "patrons." This little quirk is only one ...
What is a patron at Augusta National?
The patrons, long-time supporters of the Masters Tournament since its inception in 1934, are back in full throat – walking in, eating pimento cheese sandwiches, buying their favorite hats or visiting iconic course locations.
How much does it cost to play a round of golf at Augusta National?
There are roughly 300 members of Augusta National, and being invited by one of them is the quickest way to get a round in at the famous course. Members are allowed to bring a guest on the course for a relatively small fee of $40.
How much does it cost to play Augusta?
Still, the membership fee is thought to be around $40,000, which is not that expensive compared to many other exclusive golf clubs. In addition, you can expect to pay around $4,000 in annual dues.
Why do golf fans shout mashed potato?
Mashed potato came from one golfer wanting his mum to spot him on TV. Andrew Widmar first shouted it at the 2011 Chevron World Challenge after Tiger hit a stinger.
How do you become a patron at Augusta?
The patron badges are typically available on the secondary market through ticket brokers or hospitality groups offering Masters packages. Sellers often put them up for sale daily, but that typically requires a sizeable deposit, and they must return the badge at the end of the day.
Why do people yell Baba Booey in golf?
The shock jock's executive producer is Gary Dell'Abate, and his nickname is “Baba Booey”. Apparently, some Howard Stern fan wanted to be noticed while attending the tournament and shouted out baba booey. Well, it certainly caught the attention of viewers and Stern fans.
Can you wear jeans at the Masters?
The official Masters dress code states that appropriate clothing and shoes should be worn at all times. Jeans are not allowed. Golf shoes with spikes are also not allowed. Only the players behind the ropes can wear them.
Is Tiger Woods a member of Augusta National?
However, despite being a 5-time champion at the Masters, Tiger Woods doesn't have a membership at the Augusta.
Can you wear shorts at the Masters?
So think khaki shorts or pants paired with a collared shirt. A more casual look with a t-shirt is also acceptable. Just keep in mind denim is not recommended for men. Masters fashion for women is definitely more varied.
What is a person who has a patron?
Definition of patron 1a : a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, protector, or supporter a patron of the arts. b : a wealthy or influential supporter of an artist or writer … the unspoken contract between artist and patron …— D. D. R. Owen.
What does a patron support?
A patron supports someone or something. A patron of a business supports the business by being a loyal customer. A patron of the arts helps support starving artists — financially, not with food rations.
Why do they call the Masters attendees patrons?
For decades, because the men who run the Masters refer to attendees as patrons, media outlets have followed suit. Disregard broadcasters CBS and ESPN from this discussion because they are rights holders and essentially at the mercy of Augusta National’s dictates. They use patron because they have to, in the same way the club requires them to use “first and second nine” rather than “front and back.”
Why does Scott Michaux use patron?
Scott Michaux, columnist for the tournament’s hometown paper, the Augusta Chronicle, says he uses patron this week because it feels integral to the Masters’ character. “I don’t use it anywhere else. Just like I'd never use the term ‘car park’ anywhere but the British Open,” Michaux says.
Who was the first person to use the word "select spectators"?
The use of the word traces to Clifford Roberts, Augusta National’s co-founder with Bobby Jones, who sought to distinguish spectators at the Masters because he saw them as more than butts in seats, but consumers of an experience—no different than regular patrons of a restaurant or an opera.
Did Fred Ridley mention patrons?
In his first press conference as Augusta National chairman on Wednesday, Fred Ridley not surprisingly referenced the experience for “patrons,” but even reporters felt compelled to use the word as well. Consider this question: Increasingly (on) the tour this year, players have complained about unruly crowds.
Is Augusta National a crowd?
Again, the rest of the PGA Tour has “crowds,” but at Augusta National, they are “patrons.”
