Augusta National Golf Club
2604 Washington Rd.
Augusta GA 30904-5907
Phone: 706-667-6700
Website: www.augusta.com
Event website: www.masters.com
Masters Packages: www.globaleventforum.com/golf/the-masters
View pictures from past GEF Masters events here
Augusta National’s History
August National was founded in 1933 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts. It hosts The Masters Tournament, which is one of golf’s four major championships and the only major that is played on the same course every year.
Augusta was originally designed by Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones but has undergone a number of changes in recent history. In 1981 the greens were transitioned from Bermuda to Bentgrass to create a faster putting surface. In 2002 and 2006 new tees were introduced to lengthen (or “Tiger Proof”) the course. Augusta now measures 7,445 yards, 520 more than the 6,925 yards it played to in 2001.
Tradition is an important element of The Masters. Each winner receives a green jacket (the official dress of Augusta members while on club grounds) and becomes an honorary member of Augusta National. The jacket is presented by the past year’s champion and the winner is allowed to keep his jacket for one year, after which it returns to the club.
On the (wednes)day before the tournament begins, an informal competition is held on Augusta’s par-3 course. However, winning the par-3 competition is an inauspicious honor as, quite famously, no par-3 victor has ever gone on to win The Masters.
Jack Nicklaus has won the Masters more times (6) than any other golfer. Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer have won four, and Phil Mickelson, Nick Faldo, Sam Snead, Gary Player, and Jimmy Demaret are three-time champions.
Augusta, GA – General Information
Augusta is Georgia’s second largest city and home of “The Godfather of Soul,” James Brown. April temperatures range in the 50’s – 60’s and Augusta boasts a beautiful walkway along the Savannah River called “Riverwalk Augusta.”
Food
Tbonz Gill & Grill: 2856 Washington Rd Augusta, GA 30909. 706-737-8325. Good, old-fashioned steakhouse close to Augusta National. Reservations necessary during Masters weekend.
La Maision On Telfair: 404 Telfair St Augusta, GA 30901. 706-722-4805. The best restaurant in Augusta – wine and menu. Upscale, service, dress, food, and priced as such.
Rae’s Coastal Cafe: 3208 Wimbledon Dr Augusta, GA 30909. 706-738-1313. Possibly Augusta’s best kept secret. Off the beaten path casual dining with great food and professional service.
Augusta’s Nightlife
Anything on Washington Rd from Augusta National to Furys Ferry is packed during Masters weekend, particularly Wild Wing and The Country Club.
Wild Wing: 3035 Washington Rd Augusta, GA 30907. 706-364-9453. Great live music every night (classic rock), younger crowd but all ages welcome.
The Country Club: 2834 Washington Rd Augusta, GA 30909. 706-364-1862. “Dance hall and saloon” – live music and a big dance floor. Within walking distance of many restaurants and the National so it’s not a bad place to begin or end the evening.
Augusta’s Transportation
There is a small airport in Augusta, GA but most Masters attendees fly into Atlanta and drive or shuttle 150 miles to Augusta. Public transportation is limited so having a car or driver in Augusta is useful.
