Apart from the evolution of the game, if there is anything that has changed at the Masters, it is the Augusta National course. Scottie Scheffler, the 2024 Masters winner, noticed the changes before the 2025 edition and shared his thoughts. He said, “Well, there were a significant amount of trees lost on the golf course, but overall, I think when you’re hitting into the trees, you’re still going to be in a good amount of trouble.” 

In the past 2 decades, the club has done rigorous development, be it modifying the course or acquiring new lands for extension. As per the 2019, the Journal reported that over $20 million was spent to grow the footprint by three-quarters. But, away from all the development, the club failed to convince one couple.

The 92-year-old “strong-willed” Elizabeth Thacker lives less than a mile away from the historic venue of the Masters. She has lived in the house for more than 60 years and has raised her family there. Her home, according to property records, was built in 1956 and has three bedrooms on 0.67 acres. Elizabeth Thacker lived in the home with her husband, Herman Thacker, who died in 2019 at the age of 86. The pair has raised their kids and even a grandson who is pro-golfer, Scott Brown.

With so many emotional memories of the family, the pair has been refusing the offer made by the club for an extension. The normal-looking home for its unordinary location has been the center of attention for the club. In 2024, the property was valued at $338,026, which was way above Augusta’s median listing price of $215,000. Even during an interview with NJ.com, Herman Thacker in 2017 said, “money ain’t everything.”

Though Elizabeth Thacker only lives there now. With great memories to cherish, the 92-year-old is not going to be a part of Augusta National’s extension. Over the years, Augusta National has made multiple offers to the Thacker family. In fact, the offers were higher than the estimated value. However, they refused it. Even her daughter shared with Fox Business that she said, “Yes, we still own it, and yes, Mom still lives there.”

Well, it isn’t Thacker’s property, but since 1999, the owner of the tournament has worked to extend the property and spent more than $200 million. Even in 2025, many changes were evident for the players and patrons. But despite those changes, even the professional golfer and grandson of Thacker have been in support of the move of not selling.

Scott Brown on grandparents’ decision of not selling to Augusta National

Brown, who used to live on a second nearby property, was sold by the family to Augusta National for $1.2 million. However, regarding his grandparents’ decisions, he has been assertive. Speaking to the Telegraph, he shared his thoughts and memories of the home. Brown said, “The best thing my grandparents ever did is hold out because some of the original offers were pretty laughable compared with what the final few houses went for.” Brown shared how the offer started with a few hundred thousand and ended up going to millions.

Even shared further, Brown shared how the family used to enjoy watching Masters till he became a professional. “Every year they had tickets for the Masters, and one of our traditions was going over there on Sunday, sitting on 16 and watching every group come through. We did that for 18 years until I turned pro.” His grandfather, Herman Thacker, was the one who helped Brown with his inclination toward the game. However, now with the choice of game and family home, it is the home that stays above.

Despite the huge investment and regular development for the course, the Thacker’s home hasn’t agreed to be a part of it. Will that ever be? Until now, the significant change that has been observed is the lengthening of the par-13th hole two years back. Well, with the prioritizing of family moments, it doesn’t look like it’s happening anytime soon. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments below.