AUGUSTA, Ga. — Patrons to the 2024 Masters will notice a new monument as they walk into Augusta National. Except the monument is far from new.
Those entering the venerable property this week through the North Gate entrance will notice a sand-and-patina brick fountain between the walkway and tournament practice facility that boasts plaques commentating tournament results and records. If it looks familiar to patrons who have attended the Masters in years past, well, it should: It is the same fountain that used to sit to the left of the 17th green.
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The move was done to allow the monument to serve as a water refilling station for those entering and leaving the property, with patrons allowed to fill up their own reusable containers in a nod to reduce the use of plastic water bottle. The fountain was originally commissioned in 1959 to honor the Masters’ 25th anniversary.
Augusta National boasts several ceremonial water fountains on the course. Along with the tournament record marker, both Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer have fountain plaques, with Palmer’s at the 16th hole and Nicklaus’ between the 16th and 17th. There is also a fountain near the par-3 course, dedicated to the prelude Wednesday event featuring current and past Masters competitors. There are also ceremonial plaques for the Hogan (12th), Nelson (13th) and Sarazen (15th) bridges.
Not far the tournament fountain’s previous location is a new permanent stone structure. The building has concessions, restrooms and a small merchandise area. There were temporary concessions, merchandise and telephone stations in this area in the past, although they were removed following tournament week. A previous permanent restroom area was knocked down and upgraded.
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This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
