In a sports world where all but a few of the legendary sports venues of the 20th Century have been either bulldozed or tarnished beyond recognition, August National endures as a sporting shrine that allows fans and players alike to share an experience that spans generations.

That’s why part of the appeal of The Masters is the physical beauty of Augusta National itself — the perfect symmetry of the architecture and the landscaping that creates a world where time seems to have no influence.

That timeless feeling is confirmed when you look the history of The Masters. Every year, looking back at what happened on the significant anniversary dates is a great way to enjoy the legacy of the tournament and to possibly predict what might happen in the present. Looking back through the decades gives a sense of continuity and wonder.

Throughout the years, there have been moments of greatness and moments of great anguish. Let’s look at a few.

2003: Could it really be only 10 years since Martha Burk took up residence outside the gates of Augusta National to protest the all-male membership? It seems like just yesterday that the debate leapt over the wall of the golf community and landed squarely on the national stage.

While Burk succeeded in bringing attention to the issue, she failed miserably in getting the dons of Augusta National to capitulate. Even the prospect of losing television sponsor revenue did not make Hootie and the Boys blink. Ultimately, the viewing public was rewarded with commercial-free viewing of the tournament and a look at some of the holes that had not previously been televised. And on the course, Canadian Mike Weir became the first left-hander to earn a green jacket.

1983: The Masters that year was won by Seve Ballesteros, who was possibly the most influential golfer of his generation. It was Seve’s overwhelming combination of talent and charisma that made a continent look up and say, “I want to be that guy.”

Ballesteros was at the top of a stellar leaderboard that featured Hall of Famers in the top seven positions. Also noteworthy is that weather forced the tournament to finish on Monday, the first time that had happened since 1973.

1973: Other than the weather, the 1973 Masters is notable for winner Tommy Aaron’s win. Aaron got his first and only major victory that year, but he had a role in one of the tournament’s most famous moments.

In 1968, Aaron was the player who kept the wrong scorecard that Roberto DiVincenzo signed, thereby disqualifying him from the playoff and a chance at victory. In a crazy time warp coincidence, Aaron’s playing partner Johnny Miller recorded an incorrect scorecard for him in the final round; had Aaron signed it he would have had to forfeit his victory.

1963: As the 1963 classic began, JFK was president, but Arnold Palmer was the King. Palmer was enjoying one of the great runs in golf history, but a chubby kid with a blond flattop was making his presence felt. Combining booming drives with precise irons and clutch putting that belied his tender age, Jack Nicklaus garnered his first of a record six Masters titles. Only the 27th Masters, the event had only 84 players in the field and 50 of them made the cut. Nicklaus won at 2-under par, one shot ahead of Tony Leman and two clear of the great Sam Snead. 1963 was the final year that inaugural winner and two-time champion Horton Smith played the event; he passed away just six months later at the age of 55 from Hodgkin’s Disease.

This year’s event promises to be as memorable s any in past years. Tiger is back at No. 1, and the betting line is Tiger vs. the field. Lefty is carrying a “Frankenwood” driver/3-wood that will be the hottest club in retail if he wins.

Rory is looking for redemption and his first green jacket, just like Nicklaus was 50 years ago. And if Bubba Watson, the most emotional champion since Seve, manages to repeat, they’d better have handkerchiefs in the pocket of that green jacket. But no matter what happens, it’s kind of comforting to know that future generations will be looking back the 2013 Masters and enjoying it just as much as we are now.