The Masters is steeped in tradition, and 1992 champion Fred Couples learned that the hard way – as he spent over two decades in debt to Augusta National.
Fred Couples, the 1992 Masters winner and a beloved figure in the sport, has finally settled an unusual debt with Augusta National Golf Club that lasted over two decades. Unbeknownst to him, Couples had been in symbolic “debt” for not adhering to a long-standing Masters tradition. The tradition, which dates back to the first Masters in 1934, involves the champion donating the driver used to win the prestigious tournament to Augusta National’s archives.
Couples, who clinched the green jacket with his unforgettable tee shot on the par-3 12th hole that narrowly avoided Rae’s Creek, was unaware of this custom until recently. “I had no idea,” confessed Couples. “I found out in 2021 when I got an email with some history and noticed my name listed as the only champion who hadn’t donated his club. I couldn’t believe it.”
After discovering this oversight more than 7,665 days post his victory, Couples wasted no time in locating the treasured MacGregor Eye-O-Matic Eye 85 with a persimmon head – the very driver that aided his triumph at the major championship.
“I knew exactly where it was,” he revealed. “It’s always been in a safe spot. That driver means the world to me.”
Couples rectified his oversight by personally presenting his club to Augusta National, upholding a cherished tradition. His gesture not only addressed a decades-old omission but also enhanced the club’s prestigious collection, which includes iconic clubs like Tiger Woods’ 1997 driver and Larry Mize’s 1987 sand wedge.
Though a small incident, it highlights the profound respect for tradition at the Masters, where even golf greats such as Gary Player and Tom Watson have occasionally faltered in following its unspoken rules. Couples’ nearly three-decade delay in fulfilling this obligation makes the moment especially noteworthy.
This endearing story reinforces Augusta National’s role as a guardian of golf’s storied past. For Fred Couples—beloved for his effortless swing and easygoing demeanor—resolving this long-standing matter brings closure to a nearly 30-year-old chapter.
While Augusta National has remained silent on the matter, one thing is clear: Fred Couples’ MacGregor driver has finally taken its rightful place, ensuring the enduring legacy of Masters traditions for future generations.
