Founded in 1932, Augusta National Golf Club is one of the most famous sports venues in North America. The Masters Tournament — one of the four ‘Grand Slam’ professional tournaments — is held there annually. Located in Augusta, Georgia, the first tournament was held in 1934, and has been held continously since (except the war years, 1943 to 1945).
The club, a private facility, was designed by Bobby Jones, founder of the Masters Tournament, in conjunction with legendary course architect, Alister MacKenzie. A championship 18-hole course and a nine-hole course sprawl over the acreage. The most famous and toughest of the holes are the 11th, 12th, and 13th, known as “Amen Corner.”
Consisting of 365 acres of land, the club property once served as an indigo plantation and as Fruitlands Nurseries in the 19th century, with many imported trees and plants, until Bobby Jones discovered its potential as a golf course in 1930.
The cutting-edge technologies adopted there have enabled the course to evolve. Since the tees and fairways are Bermuda grass, the course is always green. The course also is home to thousands of migratory birds and a variety of trees, flowers and shrubs.
Rae’s Creek, Ike’s Pond, Par 3 Fountain, and Record Fountain are other attractions at the club. The grounds consist of 10 cabins that are available for members and their guests.
Augusta National is a seasonal club, open during the spring and summer months.