by Anonymouse

Created on: March 12, 2010   Last Updated: March 24, 2010

Augusta National Golf Club was the brainchild of investment banker Clifford Roberts, along with retired champion, 28-year-old Robert Tyre "Bobby" Jones. The club had a rocky financial start. However, by gaining esteem among golfers, it squeezed by with just enough outside investment. Now Augusta National is the most highly acclaimed PGA Tour course worldwide.

Before Augusta National

Jones and Roberts began their journey by seeking an ideal location in Augusta, Georgia. Mutual friend Thomas Barrett, Jr. suggested they consider Fruitland Nurseries. Its lush 365 acres once served as an indigo plantation. That is, until a wealthy Belgian Baron named Louis Mathieu Edouard Berckmans purchased it in 1857. After his family imported a multitude of exotic plants and trees to the property, it was inherited by his son. He passed on in 1910. Fruitland nurseries was out of business by the time its charter expired in 1918. Jones and Roberts decided to take a look at the gorgeous landscape, complete with natural mounds that could easily replace bunkers. Both men liked what they saw.

The First Years

The Augusta National course was designed by Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones. Construction began in 1931. The club opened to a few lucky members in December of 1932, though the formal opening wouldn't commence until January of 1933. During its first years, the club remained on the brink of bankruptcy, but it survived - and so did the Masters. Horton Smith was the first winner (1934). The first international champion was South African Gary Player (1961).

Making History

Clifford Roberts was an innovator. He was first to use red and green numbers for scoring, first to use leader boards throughout an entire course, and first to provide spectator viewing mounds in golf. Augusta National is a truly historic course. In fact, General Dwight D. Eisenhower was invited to play there in 1948. He decided to join, and Roberts became his political advisor and good friend. Now there's an Augusta Club tree, cabin, and even a pond named after Eisenhower. The cabin was built for him after he was elected president. When he requested a pine tree be removed from the 17th hole, Roberts suddenly adjourned their meeting to avoid rejecting his idea. The Eisenhower Tree still stands today.

Augusta National Today

James Armstrong is now the executive director of Augusta National Golf Club. Clifford Roberts was the official Chairman until his suicide in 1977, when he shot himself on club grounds, in very poor health. He is currently the "Chairman in Memoriam". He watched over one of the most famous, revered, and exclusive golf clubs worldwide. Members can only join by direct invitation. Golfers have to meet strict requirements to play the annual Masters. Those new to the course may be surprised by the holes' names; they coincide with nearby plants and trees, many of which were planted in the days of Fruitland Nursery. Once you've been there, both the beauty and the challenge of Augusta National are impossible to forget.

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