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Augusta National Golf Club
Architect: Bobby Jones / Alister MacKenzie Year: 1930 2604 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30904 Phone: (706) 667-6000 Course Access: Private https://www.masters.com |
Augusta NAtional Golf Club
Augusta National Golf Club, located in Augusta, Georgia, United States, has a rich history that is intertwined with the founding of the Masters Tournament, one of golf's most prestigious events. The club was founded by Bobby Jones, a legendary amateur golfer, and Clifford Roberts, a New York investment banker, in 1933. The course, designed by Jones and renowned golf course architect Alister MacKenzie, officially opened for play in 1933, and the first Masters Tournament (then known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament) was held in 1934.
The early years of Augusta National Golf Club were financially challenging. During the Great Depression and World War II, the club struggled to stay afloat. The original plans for the club, including the development of two 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, and other amenities, had to be scaled back due to financial constraints. The club even turned its grounds into a cattle pasture during World War II to generate income.
Despite these challenges, the Masters Tournament, first held in 1934, began to attract top players and helped to raise the club's profile. In 1935, the club reversed the nines of the course, a change that remains in place today. Over the years, the course has seen numerous modifications to address playability, agronomics, and the evolving demands of professional golf.
One of the most significant moments in Augusta National's history came in the late 1930s when the club faced foreclosure. Five members, including Roberts, stepped in to save the club from being lost forever. This event is considered a pivotal moment in the club's history and underscores the determination of its founders and members to ensure its survival.
Throughout its history, Augusta National has been known for its innovative approach to tournament golf. Under the leadership of Clifford Roberts, the club introduced numerous innovations that have become standard in professional golf, such as gallery ropes, leaderboards, and the concept of the "back nine" on Sunday.
The club's commitment to excellence and its unique role in the history of golf have made Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament iconic symbols of the sport. The Masters, held annually in April, is one of golf's four major championships and is renowned for its traditions, challenging course, and commitment to showcasing the best of the game.
The early years of Augusta National Golf Club were financially challenging. During the Great Depression and World War II, the club struggled to stay afloat. The original plans for the club, including the development of two 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, and other amenities, had to be scaled back due to financial constraints. The club even turned its grounds into a cattle pasture during World War II to generate income.
Despite these challenges, the Masters Tournament, first held in 1934, began to attract top players and helped to raise the club's profile. In 1935, the club reversed the nines of the course, a change that remains in place today. Over the years, the course has seen numerous modifications to address playability, agronomics, and the evolving demands of professional golf.
One of the most significant moments in Augusta National's history came in the late 1930s when the club faced foreclosure. Five members, including Roberts, stepped in to save the club from being lost forever. This event is considered a pivotal moment in the club's history and underscores the determination of its founders and members to ensure its survival.
Throughout its history, Augusta National has been known for its innovative approach to tournament golf. Under the leadership of Clifford Roberts, the club introduced numerous innovations that have become standard in professional golf, such as gallery ropes, leaderboards, and the concept of the "back nine" on Sunday.
The club's commitment to excellence and its unique role in the history of golf have made Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament iconic symbols of the sport. The Masters, held annually in April, is one of golf's four major championships and is renowned for its traditions, challenging course, and commitment to showcasing the best of the game.