AUGUSTA, Ga. — The gentle tune that plays during the ESPN and CBS telecasts of the Masters Tournament has a history, lyrics and, like so many things about the tournament, was tailored specifically for this event.
Dave Loggins wrote the original score for CBS’s coverage of the Masters in 1981.
It was re-released by Leeds Music/Patchwork Music ASCAP in 1996 by Don Cherry. The name of the work is “Augusta.”
The history behind the song
Loggins was inspired by a trip to the Masters, and was friends with a CBS executive. The song was scored and recorded in Nashville, and has been part of television broadcasts ever since.
Loggins told PGA.com that he’s never made much money from the song, and was surprised that, now in its fourth decade as part of the tournament coverage, it lasted more than one tournament.
What are the lyrics?
Well, it’s springtime in the valley on Magnolia Lane… It’s the Augusta National and the master of the game… Who’ll wear that green coat on Sunday afternoon… Who’ll walk that eighteenth fairway singing this tune, Augusta… your dogwoods and pines… They play on my mind like a song, Augusta… it’s you that I love And it’s you that I’ll miss when I’m gone… It’s Watson, Byron Nelson, Demaret, Player and Snead… It’s Amen Corner and it’s Hogan’s perfect swing… It’s Sarazen’s double eagle at the fifteenth in ’35…. And the spirit of Clifford Roberts that keeps it alive Augusta… your dogwoods and pines They play on my mind like a song, Augusta… it’s you that I love And it’s you that I’ll miss when I’m gone… It’s the legions of Arnie’s army and the Golden Bear’s throngs… And the wooden-shafted legend of Bobby Jones.
Loggins changed a line in the lyrics in 2001 in honor of Tiger Woods.
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