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'The Nowasaki Masters Tournament'

The Nowasaki Masters Tournament, or the Nowasaki Masters is a major wiffle ball golf tournament played annually at Nowasaki International Golf Club in Fort Gratiot, Michigan. Beginning in 2002, the Nowasaki Masters Golf Tournament was created to coincide with the Masters Tournament played annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The inaugural event in 2002 consisted of a field of only three competitors, but since the number of participants has grown to nearly 20 of the best wiffle golfers in the state of Michigan.

History The storied history of the Nowasaki Masters Tournament dates back to April of 2002 when Carson Nowakowski, Lewis Nowakowski, and Matthew Massad envisioned a wiffle golf tournament to be played on the grounds of Nowasaki National Golf Club. The Big Three, as they are known on the course have participated in 13 Nowasaki Masters' since then, winning a combined total of 13 times. Matthew Massad has won a record 7 titles, and Lewis Nowakowski has won6. Carson Nowaskowski holds the record with an amazing 13 straight 3rd place finishes. Like many sporting events of its kind around the world, The Nowasaki Masters Tournamnet is filled with unique traditions, and a number of memories that lend to the event's mystique.

'The Course' Nowasaki National Golf Club was founded by John and Martha Nowakowski at their home in Fort Gratiot, Michigan in the summer of 2000. The natural undulations of the land, the meandering brook that borders the property, and the formation of the trees gave the founders a road map to what would become the most storied course in wiffle golf. The course has grown in length over the years, but remains a par 64. The property has changed very little since the courses creation in 2000, and because of this, aspects of the course have become fixtures of the annual tournament. Satan's Ass Satan's Ass is a knickname given to a bunker that comes into play on the 3rd,8th, 12th, and 17th holes. The bunker was originally a horseshoe pit that was dug out to increase the challenge of these holes. Highlighted by its sharp edges and steep face many a competitor has found his chances swallowed up by the Ass, a fan favorite every year. John's Creek John's Creek is water hazard that runs the entire length of the eastern boundary of Nowasaki National Golf Club. It comes into play on the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th and 18th holes. John's Creek has been the final resting place of many a contenders chances. Coming into play as frequently as it does, players under pressure are sure to steer clear in a quest for the title. Shell's Tree Shell's Tree was a Japanese Maple that stood near the Clubhouse at Nowasaki National until 2016. Getting it's name from Austin Shell's tendency to throw wild pitches during baseball season, Shell's Tree played a prominent role in every tournament. Shell's Tree came into play on the famous 7th and 16th holes. Golfers were forced to navigate around the tree, and doing so under pressure led to many great moments, and unforgettable heartbreaks. Shell's Tree was taken down in 2016. Rudy's Swing Rudy's Swing was perhaps the most prominent fixture of Nowasaki National from its inception in the year 200, until its destruction in 2016. Resting near the 4th and 13th green, Rudy's Swing played a crucial part in every tournament ever played at Nowasaki. Most notably in the 7th masters in 2009 when Carson Nowakowski finished the 4th with a large lead and decided he would have a swing. He sat on Rudy's Swing, legs and heart pumping, but found that he had swung himself out of contention. His rest on the swing had seized up his hamstrings and he would fall rapidly from contention. 'Traditions' The Green Jacket The Green Jacket is a teal green sport coat given each year to the champion. Last years champion take the jacket and places it on the new champion. The winner is able to keep the jacket until next years tournament. During the tournament the jacket is hung from the basketball hoop near the 9th and 18th greens. It is widely believed that the jacket faces the eventual champion during the tournament. The Champions Dinner Each year the previous years champion conducts a meal for all tournament competitors on the eve of the tournament. It is a formal occasion and last years champion gets to wear his Green Jacket once more before the tournament begins. Par 3 Contest All competitors are invited to participate in a par 3 contest played at Nowasaki National before the event begins. The course is shortened to play as a par 27.