There is no denying The Masters creates a feel and a buzz unlike any other golf tournament. Every year, at the start of April, the golf world descends on the magnificent Augusta National and it never gets old.
But the ceremonial opening tee shot, performed by some of the game’s greatest ever players in Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson, symbolises more than the official start of the Masters. It is the kickstart to the new golf season for so many golfers.
TravisMathew have released a new collection, Our Favourite Time of Year, as golfers start to flock back to their clubs once more in anticipation of a great year ahead.
And the golf brand will be well represented at Augusta National this year as Ashkay Bhatia aims to win his first major championship and become yet another ‘lefty’ to pick up a green jacket.
We have teamed up with TravisMathew to ask some of the NCG team why this time of the year is so beloved by golfers…
‘It’s the start of the major season and what many regard as the start of the golf season’
The first three months of the year are OK. The weather is brighter, the days become longer, but it’s only in April when all of this becomes the rule, instead of the exception. And this ties in perfectly with the Masters, Matt Chivers explained.
Like the Grand National or Wimbledon, we’ve arrived at an event synonymous with glorious weather and natural beauty. Many of us can look back on fond memories from this time of year, sitting up on a Sunday and waiting to see who will win the Green Jacket.
It’s the start of the major season and what many regard as the start of the golf season. This is why I love this time of year. I watch on with jealousy at the top players who walk the lush fairways under the Georgia sun at Augusta National.
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For me, the tournament doesn’t even need to start for the excitement to build. It’s in my mind for days and weeks as the UK weather begins to break and resemble a little of the magic we all see down Magnolia Lane. It’s the start of something, many things, and that is why I love this time of the year.
‘The Masters so often coincides with the start of competition season at my local golf club’
The Masters is without doubt the standout week in the golfing calendar, says Max McVittie. It is the heartbeat of professional golf and resembles the beginning of the golf season for so many of us. The iconic backdrop of Augusta is, without fail, the cue for golfers everywhere to flock down to their local golf courses to kick off the new season.
Here in the UK it’s a week of late nights. However, the inevitable poise and drama that will unfold over the four days more than makes up for the sobering Monday morning which follows.
Being the first major tournament of the year, the whole aura surrounding the event just makes you want to hit the course. From the pristine fairways and blooming azaleas to the rich traditions and ceremonial tee shots, there are a whole load of special somethings that gives me the golf bug.
The Masters also so often coincides with the start of competition season at my local golf club. Playing golf in the sun whilst getting the competitive juices flowing definitely rekindles my passion to play the game that the winter months tend to dampen.
All in all, this time of the year reminds me why I love this game and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
‘Who isn’t inspired to pick up a golf club after watching the Masters?’
I’ve become a garage golfer, reckons Steve Carroll. As the years have rolled by, you can directly measure my enthusiasm for golf depending on where my clubs are. If they’re in the garage, it’s low. If they’re out, game on.
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They’re out, right now. They always are. Not for me the vagaries of winter weather. Not for me the plodding around in the frost and the rain. I don’t know why but it always seems that when the Masters comes around it brings with it hope – and not just a change of weather. Spring is here, the clocks have changed, the evenings are getting longer, the days are getting warmer.
And then there’s the Masters beaming into our TV screens. Who isn’t inspired to pick up a golf club after watching the Masters? If you can’t get motivated to play after this week, why are you even playing the game?
I’m itching to get the clubs out, get on the course, and get 2025 properly under way. That’s why this is always my favourite time of year.
About TravisMathew
With a focus on versatility, TravisMathew creates products that are crafted to make you look and feel your best, no matter the activity. Inspired by Southern California’s laidback yet active lifestyle, each design leaves you confident, comfortable, and capable—fitting in while standing out. Made to Meet the Moment.
Check out their new collection, Our Favourite Time of Year.
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