Augusta National Golf Club
The Augusta National Golf Club is to The Masters, one of the four masters' tournament on the US PGA Tour, every year. Situated in Augusta, Georgia, it is one of the most famous and exclusive golf clubs in the world.
History of the course
Bobby Jones leased a 365-acre property called Fruitlands Nursery in Augusta for a sum of $70,000. The land was used as a nursery for many trees and plants from different countries and as a result the course is full of a wide variety of flowers giving it an exquisite look. All the holes in the course are named after a flower. The driveway leading to the clubhouse is lined by 61 magnolia trees giving it a serene atmosphere. Turtle, fish, raccoon, red-tailed hawk, several species of birds and snakes can also be found at the course.
Renowned golf architect Dr Alister Mackenzie, who also had designed the Cypress Country Club and Pine Valley Golf Club, designed the course. The Augusta National Golf Club was opened with a limited number of players in December, 1932 but was formally opened one month later in January, 1933. The course underwent modifications many times over the years with the likes of Perry Maxwell, Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus contributing towards the changes. Another noted designer, Tom Fazio, made several changes to the course after the 2001 Masters. He lengthened the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, 10 th , 11 th , 13 th , 14 th and 18 th holes by moving the tee boxes back. The club also has a nine-hole course designed by Fazio.
The course is a favorite among the golfers who have leveled it as the best course in the world. It is so popular around the world that a lot of golf courses in Japan are modeled upon it.
Course Trivia
- The Augusta National Golf Club plays host to one of the four master tournaments, The Masters, which takes place every year on the US PGA Tour.
- Hole No. 11, 12 and 13 are known as the Amen Corner . The term was coined by sportswriter Herbert Warren Wind from an old jazz song Shouting at Amen Corner .
- Dwight D Eisenhower, former president of the United States was a member of the club.
- Membership to the club is by invitation only with fees ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 per year. Outsiders can enjoy a round of golf at this prestigious course on being invited by a member. Women are still allowed to be a member of this club.
