Masters grows from humble beginnings to iconic status

Golf patrons pose for pictures in front of the Masters score board during the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at the Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia April 5, 2015. REUTERS/Phil Noble

(Reuters) - The Masters may be one of the iconic events on the global sporting calendar, but it has not always been held in such high esteem.

Unique among the four men's majors, the Masters is held on the same course every year, and is the hardest of the majors to gain entry to -- for players and spectators alike.