The Masters Past Winners
Augusta has a relatively short roll of champions, and its history is unusually useful because the event returns to the same course every year. This guide covers the broad pattern of past winners and the notable South African record at the Masters, as context rather than a tip on any future result.
The South African record
South Africa has a proud Masters history. Gary Player won three green jackets, in 1961, 1974 and 1978, and was the first overseas champion at Augusta. Trevor Immelman won in 2008, and Charl Schwartzel won in 2011, birdieing the final four holes to take the title. That depth of past success is one reason backing a fancied South African each-way is a popular local play, though past results never guarantee a future one. See the odds and markets guide for how each-way works.
What history tells you
Because the Masters is held at Augusta every year, the list of champions tends to feature players with strong course records and the all-round game the layout demands. That makes history a fair pointer to the kind of player who contends, without naming any winner as certain. For more on reading the event, see Masters predictions, and compare the other majors at The Open, the US Open and the PGA Championship.
Frequently asked questions
Which South Africans have won the Masters?
Gary Player won three times, in 1961, 1974 and 1978, and was the first overseas champion. Trevor Immelman won in 2008 and Charl Schwartzel won in 2011. That record is why a South African each-way bet is a popular local play.
Does past Masters form predict future winners?
Course history is a genuine pointer because the event is played at Augusta every year, but it is not a guarantee. Treat past results as context, not a sure thing, and bet only with a licensed sportsbook.