Randy Chandler
The Masters Tournament, held annually in Augusta, Georgia, is famous for its association with pimento cheese sandwiches. This prestigious golf tournament, hosted at the Augusta National Golf Club, is known not only for its high-level competition but also for its unique culinary traditions, with the pimento cheese sandwich taking centre stage. This sandwich, a classic Southern dish, has become a beloved symbol of the tournament, eagerly anticipated by attendees each year. The tradition dates back to 1947 when Hodges and Ola Herndon began selling their homemade pimento cheese sandwiches on the course, leaving an indelible mark on the event's culinary history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Sporting Event | The Masters Tournament |
| Type of Sporting Event | Golf Tournament |
| Location | Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia |
| Date | April |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Food | Pimento Cheese Sandwiches |
| Price | $1.50 |
| Ingredients | Cheese, Pimentos, Mayonnaise, Spices |
| Bread | White Bread |
| Recipe Origin | Nick Rangos |
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What You'll Learn
The Masters Golf Tournament
The pimento cheese sandwich has become an iconic symbol of the Masters, just like the coveted green jacket awarded to the tournament winner. This classic Southern delicacy, made from a creamy blend of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos on soft white bread, is beloved by attendees. Its simplicity and affordability set it apart, making it a highly anticipated treat for spectators.
The tradition of serving pimento cheese sandwiches at the Masters dates back to 1947 when young entrepreneurs Hodges and Ola Herndon began selling their homemade sandwiches on the course. The couple used the father's recipe, and their sandwiches soon became a favourite among attendees. The Masters' commitment to affordable concessions, with the pimento cheese sandwich priced at only $1.50, enhances the overall experience for spectators.
Over the years, the Masters has faced challenges in replicating the original pimento cheese recipe due to vendors keeping their recipes secret. Despite these changes, the sandwich remains a staple, with golfers and fans looking forward to indulging in this Southern culinary tradition. The Masters Golf Tournament, through its combination of sporting excellence and unique food offerings, has created a sense of community and excitement that extends beyond the game itself.
In conclusion, The Masters Golf Tournament is inextricably linked to pimento cheese sandwiches, which have become an integral part of the event's identity and a beloved tradition among attendees. The accessibility, simplicity, and flavour of these sandwiches contribute to their enduring popularity, solidifying their place as a symbol of the Masters experience.
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Pimento cheese sandwiches as a symbol of The Masters
The Masters Tournament, held annually at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, is known for its prestigious golf competition. However, it is also famous for its unique traditions, including serving inexpensive but iconic concessions such as the pimento cheese sandwich. This sandwich has become a staple of the event, with attendees looking forward to it as part of the overall experience.
The pimento cheese sandwich is made from a creamy mixture of cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise, spread between two slices of bread. It is a classic Southern dish, and its inclusion as a menu item at The Masters creates a sense of community among attendees as they share in the enjoyment of Southern traditions, coupled with the excitement of the tournament. The sandwich is admired by attendees for its simple ingredients and low price point, with some sources stating that the price has remained unchanged for many years.
The tradition of serving pimento cheese sandwiches at The Masters dates back to 1947, when young entrepreneurs Hodges and Ola Herndon began preparing and selling homemade sandwiches on the course. The couple used the father's recipe, and the sandwiches soon became a favourite among attendees. The Augusta National Golf Club turned to Nick Rangos for concession operations in the 1950s when the crowds grew too large for the Herndons' home-grown operation. Rangos and his team continued serving the fan-favourite pimento cheese sandwich for nearly five decades.
The pimento cheese sandwich is now considered a symbol of The Masters, much like the green jacket awarded to the winner. It has become an iconic part of the event, reinforcing its strong ties to Southern tradition and enhancing its prestigious atmosphere. The accessibility and simplicity of the sandwich, coupled with the exclusivity of The Masters, create a special cultural aspect that sets the tournament apart from other sporting events.
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The history of pimento cheese sandwiches at The Masters
The Masters Tournament, held annually in Augusta, Georgia, at the Augusta National Golf Club, is known for its prestigious golf competition. However, it is also famous for its unique traditions, including serving inexpensive but iconic concessions such as the pimento cheese sandwich. This sandwich has become a staple of the event, with attendees looking forward to it as part of the overall experience.
The history of the pimento cheese sandwich at The Masters dates back to 1947 when young entrepreneurs Hodges and Ola Herndon began preparing homemade sandwiches that would soon become a highlight of the tournament. Using his father's recipe, the couple started making pimento cheese sandwiches in their Augusta kitchen and selling them on the course for twenty-five cents. The Chairman and co-founder were so impressed that they invited the Herndons to provide concessions the following year, and they continued to do so until the early 1950s when the crowds grew too large for their small-scale operation.
At this point, Augusta National turned to Nick Rangos to take over the pimento cheese sandwich concession. Rangos and his team served the popular sandwich on white bread for nearly five decades. However, in 1998, the golf club became concerned about food safety regulations and awarded the contract to a local restaurant chain owner, Ted Godfrey. This change did not sit well with Rangos, who refused to share his private recipe, taking the secret to his grave in 2015.
Godfrey worked hard to recreate the original masterpiece, and while he was able to perfect the cheese combination, the spice blend was never quite the same. Eventually, he managed to reverse engineer a recipe that was well-received by the crowd. However, in 2013, Augusta National brought food service in-house, and Godfrey also chose to withhold his recipe. Despite the changes in concessionaires over the years, the pimento cheese sandwich has remained a beloved tradition at The Masters, with fans looking forward to indulging in this classic Southern delicacy alongside other traditional fare.
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The ingredients of pimento cheese sandwiches
Pimento cheese sandwiches have long been associated with the Masters Golf Tournament, held annually in Augusta, Georgia. The sandwiches are a beloved and iconic symbol of the tournament, with many attendees looking forward to indulging in this unique delicacy.
The pimento cheese sandwich is a simple yet delicious combination of just a few key ingredients. The base of the sandwich is a creamy mixture of cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise, spread between two slices of soft, fluffy white bread. The cheese used is typically a sharp Cheddar, grated or cubed and processed to create a creamy consistency. Some variations include the use of Colby cheese, which has a milder flavour and a creamier texture, eliminating the need for additional cream cheese.
Pimentos, also known as red bell peppers, are an essential component, drained and sometimes pulsed to achieve the desired consistency. A splash of their juice can be added for extra flavour. Mayonnaise is then mixed in, with brands like Duke's and Hellman's being popular choices. It is important not to use too much mayonnaise, as this can affect the spreadability and overall consistency of the filling.
To add a kick of spice, a dash of cayenne pepper can be included, though this may be omitted for those who prefer a milder taste. Other optional ingredients include red pepper flakes, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Louisiana-style hot sauce, and paprika. These additional ingredients can enhance the flavour and create a unique twist on the classic pimento cheese sandwich.
The simplicity of the pimento cheese sandwich, made extraordinary by the combination of its humble ingredients, has contributed to its enduring popularity at the Masters Golf Tournament and beyond.
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Other sporting events that serve pimento cheese sandwiches
The Masters golf tournament is the most well-known sporting event for serving pimento cheese sandwiches. This annual tournament is held in Augusta, Georgia, at the Augusta National Golf Club. The event is famous for its unique culinary offerings, including the beloved pimento cheese sandwiches, which have become a symbol of the tournament.
The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a famous horse racing event held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. It is known for its exciting races, rich traditions, and Southern hospitality. While the exact food offerings at the Derby may vary, pimento cheese sandwiches could be a part of the concessions available for attendees to enjoy.
The World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. It is a highly anticipated event that attracts baseball fans from all over the country. With a focus on providing a variety of food options for fans, some ballparks may include pimento cheese sandwiches on their menus, reflecting the popularity of this sandwich in certain regions.
Baseball, Basketball, and Football Games
According to a Reddit comment, pro baseball, basketball, and hand-football games at stadiums in the UK typically involve budgeting extra money for food and beverages. While the specific sandwiches offered may vary, pimento cheese sandwiches could be among the food options available at these sporting events.
While The Masters is the most closely associated with pimento cheese sandwiches, other sporting events may also include this sandwich on their menus, depending on the location and culinary traditions of the region.
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Frequently asked questions
The Masters Tournament, an annual golf event held at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
Pimento cheese sandwiches are made from a mixture of cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, spread between two slices of bread.
The sandwiches are priced at $1.50, a small increase from $1.25 at the turn of the century and $1 in the late 1980s.
Yes, other sandwiches served at the tournament include egg salad, ham and cheese, and turkey and cheese.
