A Quick Nine: Masters Traditions

They say it is "a tradition unlike any other." But let's be frank, it's not just a tradition, it's many traditions. The Masters has so many iconic events, spots and personalities that you could watch or even attend a half dozen "toonah-mints" and not partake in all of them. So which ones get your golf adrenaline flowing the most? We asked our more than 150 thousand Facebook friends to give us some help. As always, they did a tremendous job. So without further ado, here are the top nine Masters traditions according to YOU.

9.) Limited Commercial Interruptions/TV coverage - This one is a great joy for the millions and millions of people who will be watching from home. The Masters has fewer commercial breaks than any other professional golf event, sports event, perhaps any show. It is by design and the good folks at Augusta National intend to keep it that way. Most organizations and sports championships depend on sponsor ads for revenue to run their events. The Masters - not as much.

Glenn Smeal -- Watching 57 minutes per hour of golf on CBS
Sherek Salokar -- Limited commercial interuptions
Justin Shaffer -- I think my favorite thing is the first time I hear the Masters intro music on tv. That's when I know it is truly starting.

8. The beauty of Augusta National - Not only is Augusta National Golf Club one of the most famous golf courses in the world, it's easily one of the most beautiful. Without a major body of water, it is still renowned for it's scenic vistas, it's expanse of perfectly manicured green grass, it's majestic trees and the colorful dogwoods and azaelas. Everyone who watches on t.v or especially, gets to visit the hallowed grounds, leaves with the same sense of awe and amazement.

Todd Tizzod -- The finest,most beautiful Golf Course in the world.Augusta National should allow walking tours in the off months.I would travel from California just to walk the course...!
Chris D'Alessandro -- the overall course, it is a beaut track!!!

7. Ceremonial Opening Tee Shot - Anytime you can see golf's legends - Jack, Arnie, Gary - it's a special time. When they are together to signify the start of the season's first major, it's a very special time. It's not just symbolic, it's historic.

Shane Lake The cereimonial tee shots and the Green Jacket cerimony. the perfect start and end to a classic tourny
Leta G. Brewer Watching the "old guys" tee off to start the tournament.
Joe Gable -- Favorite Tradition, Former greats being first to TEE OFF, Amen Corner and the winner accepting the Green Jacket from previous winner - those are traditions that are not matched by any other sport!

6. Masters Menu - Augusta National's food menu is almost as famous as the golf course itself. At the top of the list is the iconic pimento cheese sandwish (I'm not a chef, not sure how it's made) or the equally tasty Egg Salad Sandwich. Your offerings include "Classic Cola", "Sports Drink" and "Domestic Beer." In other words, no labels, no brands, just good food at a great price. (Sandwiches typically run at $1.50, soft drinks are the same. A family of four can often eat for $20.)

Keith Whitley -- Hand made pimento cheese sandwiches
Michael Greenberg -- Pimento Cheese Sandwiches !
Brooke Edwards -- Egg salad sandwich and sitting on Amen corner
David Adams -- sandwiches, I think I ate 11 one year

5. Magnolia Lane/Founders Circle -- Very few people have ever traveled this 300 yard road, but it may be the most famous "road" in golf. This entrance to Augusta National is reserved for members and players and is renowned for its stately Magnolia trees that line both sides of the drive. It is said to bring chills and goosebumps to those who drive up its hallowed path. During the Masters practice rounds, golf fans line up for hours for a chance to get a picture taken at the iconic flower bed (shaped as the U.S.) with the yellow Masters flag planted at the Augusta, Georgia location.

Ben Litt -- Magnolia Lane

4. Par 3 Tournament - It's just a little nine-hole course, you may only need two or three clubs to play it (two wedges and a putter for many) but it has become both a crowd and player favorite. The images of children caddying for their fathers, players and fans interacting, golf's legends playing alongside the young stars and always some great shots and aces. But be careful not to win, no par 3 champion has gone on to win the Masters that week.

Matthew Reynolds -- Par 3 Highlights.
Jeffrey Rupchak par 3 contest
Spencer Bedard -- The par 3 course.
Lisa McHaney Corbett -- Wednesday's Par 3

3. Champions Dinner - Suggested by and first hosted by none other than Ben Hogan, this Tuesday tradition is one of the most anticipated meals in the sports world. Only past champions and a few members of Augusta National are in attendance and the menu is always chosen by the previous year's champion. Everything from Thai food (Vijay Singh) to chesseburgers (Tiger Woods) have been a staple in the past.

Bruce Effisimo -- Champions Dinner. First dinner 1952 hosted by Ben Hogan.
Justin Russell Gotta be the Champions Dinner...
Chuck Runkle Champion's Dinner where last year's winner selects the menu

2. Skipping balls on 16 -- An event that has very little to do with the actual tournament but has quickly become one of the most anticapated parts of Masters Week. During practice rounds, golfers hit their tee shots to the par 3 16th and then - with a great deal of encouragement from the patrons - walk up to the waters edge and attempt to "skip shots" across the water onto the green. Loud cheers erupt for those that make it to dry land, groans and even a few playful jeers go to those who find a watery grave for their ball. Twice, including this year (Martin Kaymer), a golfer has actually made a hole in one -- but don't expect them to try this in competition.

Alan Larson Skipping balls across the pond @ 16!
Justice Valdivia Skipping golf balls over the pond on 16.. How about that hole in one by Kaymer?!

1. The Green Jacket -- Every year, the champion is ceremoniously fitted with the emblem of Augusta National membership, the Green Jacket. In fact, it happens twice, once for t.v. cameras in Butler Cabin and another for photographers and the crowds outside. But that "passing of the mantle" is both symbolic and powerful, not only to the golfer but to the golf world. It is indeed, a tradition unlike any other.

Joe Gable - Favorite Tradition, Former greats being first to TEE OFF, Amen Corner and the winner accepting the Green Jacket from previous winner - those are traditions that are not matched by any other sport!
Kim Touhey -- Presenting the green jacket on Sunday.
Tyler Hanson  -- The Green Jacket. It symbolizes one of the crowning achievements in professional golf.