Masters icon was in debt to Augusta National for 7,000 days and had ‘no idea’

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.