1997 Masters Tournament 1997 Masters Tournament The 1997 Masters Tournament was the 61st Masters Tournament, held April 10–13 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Tiger Woods won his first major championship, twelve strokes ahead of runner-up Tom Kite. Through 2018, the margin of victory and four-day score of 270 (−18) are tournament records. Woods also became both the youngest (21) and the first non-white player to win at Woods struggled on his first nine holes of the first round, turning at 4-over-par 40. Making four birdies and an eagle gave him a 6-under-par 30 the back nine for a 70, three
Masters Tournament amateur winners, unless they turn pro within the five-year period), and earn a lifetime invitation to the Masters. They also receive membership on the PGA Tour for the following five seasons and invitations to The Players Championship for five years. Because the tournament was established by an amateur champion, Bobby Jones, the Masters has a tradition of honoring amateur golf. It invites winners of the most prestigious amateur tournaments in the world. Also, the current U.S. Amateur champion always plays in the same group as the defending Masters champion for the first two days of the tournament. Amateurs in the