The First Chapter of Augusta National: Horton Smith and the 1934 Masters Win

It was the first tournament ever held at Augusta National. There was no Green Jacket, no massive crowd, and no global spotlight. It was not even called The Masters yet.

Bobby Jones, who founded the event with Clifford Roberts, felt the name sounded too grand. It was officially the Augusta National Invitation Tournament, though players and fans already called it “The Masters.” The name became official in 1939.

Jones also played that week, his first appearance since the 1930 Grand Slam, finishing tied for 13th. Smith, meanwhile, stayed steady. Tied after the first round, he took the lead and held it without late drama.

He returned in 1936 and won again, becoming the first two-time champion. Years later, Jack Nicklaus would set the record with six titles.

But in 1934, none of that history existed yet.

Horton Smith’s Winning Hole No Longer Exists on the Same Side of the Course

Most fans do not realize that the winning putt in 1934 did not come on what is now the 17th hole.

Back then, it was the 17th. Today, that same piece of land is played as the 8th.

The course itself did not move, but the layout changed. Augusta National later switched its front and back nines, which shifted the hole numbering entirely.

It sounds confusing at first, but the reality is simple. The exact spot where Smith secured the first win is still there, just under a different number and on a different side of the course than most expect.

Did you know the hole where Horton Smith won the first-ever Masters no longer exists on the same side of the course? Drop your thoughts below.