Clifford Roberts denied President Dwight Eisenhower’s request to mow down the loblolly pine at Augusta National. Very few could outright reject a former POTUS, but the Augusta National president did just that. But there is one small household where even Augusta officials have to return empty-handed. It’s an open secret that the Georgia club has massive expansion plans. They periodically buy properties around the area through various affiliated entities. 

But there is indeed one small 1900-square-foot household out of Augusta’s reach. The officials have tried to persuade the owners. Even though most of their neighbors have sold off their property, receiving millions in return, for the Thacker family, money can’t buy everything.

The unbelievable story of the Thacker family

The old couple who resides at 1112 Stanley Dr. refused to accede to Augusta’s proposal. It’s a modest 1,900 sq. ft. home with three bedrooms that Herman Thacker and Elizabeth Thacker called home for six decades. The property is valued at $350,100 at Zillow. The house, built in 1959, sits on around two-thirds acre. But it’s the one where the Thacker family raised their children and grandchildren, one of whom, now plays golf himself.

Interestingly, the Thacker family did agree to Augusta’s proposal for their other properties. They sold off a smaller house for $1.2 million a couple of years ago. But the one just outside Gate 6A is too entwined with memories for them to sell. Back in 2016, Elizabeth told NJ.com, “We really don’t want to go.” “Money isn’t everything,” added her husband from beside.

Herman Thacker died in 2019. But his wife, Elizabeth Thacker, refused to sell it as well. Jim DeRosa, the content producer for Fox News, confirmed that Elizabeth, 86, still resides there. It’s truly a holdout as Augusta keeps buying the properties around the course with hopes of expansion. Wall Street Journal earlier reported that Augusta National has $200 million earmarked for that purpose. 

A peek inside Augusta National’s grand plans

Last month, Augusta National acquired the nearby West Vineland Park for $350,000. Situated within a few minute’s driving distance from the famous course, it was the latest addition to Augusta’s growing portfolio of accusations. The authorities also purchased a 15-acre National Hills Shopping Center for $26 million in April 2020. A month prior to that, Augusta National also bought five former home tracts for $2.2 million. 

However, keeping in line with his privacy about the membership, Augusta National, declined to comment on their business operations. It was widely believed that Augusta officials wanted to find a permanent solution to parking lot problems. Last year, many patrons were unable to park in the designated area in National Hills. However, there appears to be more to it. Apparently, there are also plans to build another nine-hole course adjacent to the Augusta National Golf Club. But that won’t likely include the Thacker house.