What is the Butler Cabin at Augusta National?
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You’ll know it better from the inside – but what is the Butler Cabin and who uses it?
Most professional golfers dream of stepping foot inside the Butler Cabin at Augusta National. That’s because, every April, that is where the newly crowned Masters champion slips into the Green Jacket for the first time.
It is one of 12 cabins on the property, but it is undoubtedly the most well-known. Swiftly after play concludes on Sunday evening, the tournament champion, defending champion and low amateur speak to Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley and CBS legend Jim Nantz from the basement of the Butler Cabin, which has provided plenty of memorable moments over the years.
The champion struggling to get one or both arms successfully into their new jacket is almost a given at this point, but there have also been countless awkward interviews and botched handshakes broadcast around the world from this little building situated next to the 10th tee.
Why is it called the Butler Cabin?
Built in 1964, it is called the Butler Cabin after Thomas Butler. Butler was a member of the club and regular playing partner of President Dwight Eisenhower, after whom another cabin is named.
Who is allowed into the Butler Cabin?
At the conclusion of the Masters, only the winner, defending champion, Silver Cup winner, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley and CBS’s lead golf commentator Jim Nantz are typically part of proceedings.
Ridley presides over the ceremony before handing over to Nantz, who speaks to the three players in turn. The defending champion then helps the new champion into the green jacket, a task that sounds straightforward enough but one that often proves tricky.
The official presentation takes place on the 18th green in full view of the patrons shortly after.
It is a tradition that has gifted us some iconic moments. Phil Mickelson helped Tiger Woods into the green jacket in 2005 before it was roles reversed between the fierce rivals a year later.
The handshake that never was between Bubba Watson and then chairman Billy Payne still lingers like a bad dream, while who could forget the tormented figure of Jordan Spieth in the background after blowing a five-shot lead and having to help Danny Willett into the green jacket in 2016.
For most of the year, however, the cabin can be used by members and guests as accommodation.
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It plays a big role in the Masters every year - but what is the Butler Cabin and who uses it?
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