Masters of the Golf Universe

The first round of The Masters is underway in Augusta, Georgia at the historic Augusta National Golf Club. Augusta National has held the event since the tradition began in 1934.

The Masters is the first major golf tournament of the season, and with Tiger Woods in the field as the favorite, fans are buzzing with excitement.

This year, 96 players were invited from 23 countries to compete for the coveted prize, a green jacket.

Hello, I’m Charlotte Bellis with Newsy.com.
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MSNBC has this perspective from a survey by Callaway Golf on the incredible attraction Augusta National has.

“Would you rather play at Augusta National, This is among golfers 18 and older, or would you rather go and a date with Bar Rafielli the swimsuit model. 78% said that they would rather play at Augusta National. There is some kind of draw.” (MSNBC)

Illinois’ The Journal Star describes the beauty of the course and what fuels people’s fascination.

“Everything you’ve been told about the grass and grounds is true. Verdant. Immaculate. Pristine. Perfect. The ladies gush at the flowers and the men bend down to pet the grass. You almost feel guilty for walking on it. Almost.” (Peoria Journal Star)

And masters.com has this perspective from someone who had never been to Augusta.

“This is my first time in the Master[s]. When I got here first time I said like WOW!” (Masters.com)

In the United States the tournament will broadcast on ESPN and CBS. In the UK, the BBC will broadcast the tournament.

Coverage of the tournament has even spread to the web and mobile devices. Now, you can watch portions of the tournament live on masters.com in excellent quality.

According to Nielsen online, the tournament averages over 10 million viewers, and ratings are even higher when Tiger’s in contention.

So will you be watching the Masters this weekend? Who’s your favorite golfer?