Why people at Masters are called patrons, not fans

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At Augusta National, there's one word you won't hear: "Fans."

It doesn't matter if you'd consider the people watching the golf at the Masters Tournament to be fans of the sport. They aren't fans this weekend. They're "patrons."

There are plenty of little quirks at the Masters, but this is one of the most unique.

You're not going to encounter a fans/patrons dispute anywhere else. But there's only one way it works at the Masters.

MORE: Bryson DeChambeau is using a 3D-printed club at the Masters

Why are they Masters patrons, not fans?​

The spectators at the Masters have been known as "patrons" since the tournament began, meant to represent who they are viewed to be.

The tournament's founders were Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones, and they used the word "patron" to suggest that they weren't just watching golf but really experiencing the event.

Attendees at restaurants or operas are often known as patrons. So too those who are at the Masters.

The Masters' founders didn't believe the tournament could go on without those who came to watch, and so in that sense, they were patrons -- supporting the event by their presence.

This definitely isn't a tradition that will change anytime soon.

More Masters news:​

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• Why Phil Mickelson is missing from the Masters
• How Hojgaard golfers are related
• Explaining the history of Amen Corner at the Masters
• Meet the beloved Masters gnome
• More to know about Bryson DeChambeau's driver

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