The heralded golf tournament, The Masters, one of the four majors, needs to go back to its original name — the Augusta National Invitational. It became the Masters in 1939.
Tiger Woods, other big-time golfers, and corporate sponsorships should demand it, Yet, this is highly doubtful. In the current climate, with all the sweeping changes happening in Diversity & Inclusion efforts, it’s only right and just to revert to the original name. Best of all, in this case, it’s a simple and smooth fix.
“The Masters” never felt good —or even sounded good — when you ask Black golfers to weigh in on the name of the tournament. Also, tradition and history substantiate its rooted in slavery, it shouldn’t be preserved and honored.
Augusta National was built on grounds that were once a slave plantation and was the property of a slave owner. As the African proverb says, “The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.” According to a 2019 New Yorker piece about the course, it’s believed that enslaved Blacks were housed on the property.
And be honest. When you hear anyone say the Masters, you think of slave masters in the South. There’s nothing else, nothing special. You don’t think of someone mastering the game of golf. When has anyone mastered golf?
The only thing worse than the name of the event is the actual venue itself, Augusta National.
The golf course where it’s held annually held long racist and sexist policies. Augusta National admitted no African American members until 1990 and no women members until 2012. The club long required all caddies to be Black and banned Black golfers from the Masters Tournament until Lee Elder participated in 1975.
This discrimination and exclusion of Black people from the sport of golf is a painful reminder of the systemic racism that has persisted for centuries. The history of Augusta National and the Masters Tournament has long glorified the white hunters while ignoring the struggles and achievements of Black golfers. The African proverb “When you follow in the path of your father, you learn to walk like him” comes to mind, as the institution of slavery has left a dark stain on the history of Augusta National.
Even at dictionary.com, one of the definitions you get for “master” is “owner of a slave.”
So… why is it called the Masters? The Masters was the brainchild of legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones and investment dealer Clifford Roberts, who co-founded the Augusta National Golf Club in 1933.
When the tournament began, it was called the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. According to the Golf Channel, “Roberts suggested it be called the Masters, a reference to the ‘masters of golf’ who played in it, but Jones thought the name immodest. Roberts finally got his way in 1939.”
It’s time to acknowledge that the name “Masters” has a problematic history, and it’s time for change. It’s important to acknowledge the past and the harmful associations that the name “Masters” carries, and take steps towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Slavery is a dark reminder of America’s ugly past and the African proverb that says “When you follow in the path of your father, you learn to walk like him.” The institution of slavery has left a dark stain on the history of Augusta National.
