$350,000 Buyout, New Millionaire Member: Augusta National to Undergo Massive Changes Ahead of the Masters

There are exactly 30 days until the 88th Masters Tournament starts at Augusta National. But before the men’s first major takes place, the authorities at Augusta have made significant changes in and around the course. For starters, the course has moved the tee box for the second hole 10 yards back and to the left.

Furthermore, after hearing complaints from the Augusta residents over the use of Eisenhower Park for parking during last year’s Masters, the club has now bought an adjacent property to curb that issue. In other news, a new member has entered the Augusta National Golf Club and the fan experience at the Masters has been enhanced.

The Masters Tournament welcomes John Stankey

In the well-coveted membership circle of Augusta National Golf Club, the Chief Executive Officer of AT&T, John T. Stankey, will soon be seen. It was reported by Bloomberg that Stankey will soon be swapping a tailored blazer for the green jacket next month at Augusta. With a net worth of $75 million, according to Glusea, the CEO will be joining the likes of billionaire Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, IBM CEO Virginia Rometty, and 115 more elites at the Augusta National GC.

While the reportedly 300-member club just got bigger, the Augusta National also expanded its hold in Augusta by buying the West Vineland Park occupied by Augusta Park. Augusta National bought the land after the Augusta Land Bank accepted the transfer of land and the Augusta National Club paid $350,000.

The park was sold as surplus land and the Augusta Land Bank had been formed to acquire “tax-delinquent and abandoned properties and return them to productive use,” its website states. The park is situated on the east side of Augusta National and may be used for parking in the future. But this was not the only property advancement made by Augusta National. Over the North Gate, there will be another attraction for the 88th edition of the Masters.

The Masters Tournament debuts new hospitality offering

The fans at home will be enjoying their kit of The Taste of The Masters but those lucky enough to be at the Augusta National can avail of the newest fan experience, which will cost $17,000 for a weekly pass, as the Sports Business Journal reported. During the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Berckman Place, the iconic hospitality venue at the Masters, Chairman Fred Ridley introduced the Map & Flag, derived from the Masters logo.

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This hospitality service will be situated at the north gate and will have 80 TVs broadcasting the Masters, with luxury food and drinks available. Moreover, the venue will also have a sports bar, a merchandise shop, an outside garden, and three different dining options. First is, ‘The Grille’, which will open at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast and, from 11 a.m. until the closing, will serve masterfully crafted sandwiches.

The second will be ‘The Carvery’ serving different types of meat at the same hours as the Grille. Lastly, The Marketplace will have food items like donuts, coffee, and pastries for the morning, including cheese boards, fruits, and seafood, from 11 a.m. The Map & Flag will be starting its course in just a month. Are you excited to watch the 88th Masters Tournament? Tell us in the comments.

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