AUGUSTA, GA—It’s been said the toughest ticket in sports is securing access to any of the four rounds during The Masters golf event. There’s an even tougher ticket—which can’t be purchased—and can only be earned by one’s golf prowess.
Since 1952, the Augusta National Golf Club has set aside Tuesday evening as the time when all past green jacket recipients gather for the annual Champions Dinner. As the name states, the only way to join the club is win the event.
Two-time Masters winner Ben Hogan came up with the idea and on April 4, 1952 9 past winners came together along with club founder Bobby Jones and Masters Chairman Clifford Roberts gathered that evening.
Sam Snead, left, shakes hands with Ben Hogan after Snead won the Masters in Augusta, Ga., April 12, 1954. AP Photo
