Each year, the Masters Tournament stands out as one of the most highly awaited events in the world of golf. Many legends have claimed victory here, including notable players like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer among others.
But even with so many past Masters champions, Augusta National Golf Course is one of the most challenging in the world. From its unique hole locations, green conditions that vary depending on the weather, it's part of an exclusive club that gets to play the course.
We’ll go over the steps required to get access to play at Augusta National, which includes becoming a member of Augusta National Golf Club. Additionally, we will examine the regulations and procedures involved in this process.
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Who is eligible for membership at Augusta National?
Securing membership at Augusta National is reserved for a select group of people. Among those who have received invitations to join are several CEOs, entrepreneurs, and numerous athletes.
Becoming a member also involves an intense vetting process, as well as initial screening stages.
Winning the Masters also does not grant membership, as winners are just given a lifetime invitation to participate in the annual tournament.
In 2012, the club welcomed its inaugural female member,Condoleezza Rice. to Golf.com There are three additional female members, which include American investor Darla Moore, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, and former USGA president Diana Murphy.
MORE: All you should understand regarding the prestigious Masters Green Jacket
What steps are required to join Augusta National?
Joining Augusta National as a member requires an exclusive invite directly from Augusta National. Prospective members cannot apply; instead, the club grants memberships solely through such invites. Below is additional information about this process. via Golf Monthly :
Members have the option to suggest individuals they believe would be suitable as new members. However, this process necessitates not just being on amicable terms with an existing member, but also being someone who the organization considers a worthwhile addition due to their contributions or qualities.
Then, when a rare vacancy arises, the powers that be then decide who to invite based on all the recommendations.
Augusta National membership costs and fees
According to a 2019 Golf.com article The initiation fee is projected to be approximately $40,000, though no official charges have been disclosed. Additionally, it’s thought that yearly dues fall within the low thousands of dollars.
What is the expense of playing at Augusta?
Since Augusta is reserved for members only and not open to the public, it's not possible to pay a fee to play the course. Media members who cover the Masters can play the course for free, but only 20 or 30 are chosen to participate in the event the following Monday.
Individuals who serve as caddies for players participating in The Masters are granted complimentary access to play the course in May. Volunteers working at the tournament have the opportunity to play the course in May during Augusta’s “Appreciation Day.” It is understood that full-time staff members employed at the golf course may get to play one round annually at Augusta National Golf Club.
The most reliable way to get onto the course is by playing with a member, but alternatives do exist. particular guidelines to remember :
The club’s season spans from October to May, featuring a clear hiatus during the Masters event. Each member is permitted to invite multiple guests; however, these visitors must wait until their host arrives before they're granted access to the premises.
On the final day of May, just before the course shuts down, Augusta National's caddies have the opportunity to play from morning till evening without having to pay.
There are believed to be There are four exclusive member events held annually at the venue: The Opening Party in October, the Governors Party in November, the Jamboree in late March, and theClosing Party in May.
Notable members of Augusta National
Even though Augusta’s membership roster remains confidential, being a private club, various reports over the past few years have exposed certain names from their member list.
Here are a few of the more prominent members, according to Golf.com :
- Warren Buffett, who leads Berkshire Hathaway,
- Pete Coors, ex-chairman of Coors Brewing Company
- Bill Gates, co-founder and chair of Microsoft
- Andy Jassy, Amazon CEO
- Hugh L. McColl Jr., ex-CEO of Bank of America
- Condoleezza Rice, who previously served as the U.S. Secretary of State
- Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
- Peyton and Eli Manning
- Jack Nicklaus
- Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner
- Lou Holtz, ex college football coach and ESPN commentator
- Pat Haden, ex-NFL athlete and past USC Athletic Director
Per the Sports Business Journal In 2025, Eli Manning, ex-Chairman of CBS Sports Sean McManus, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, and Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian joined as new members.
Are you able to apply for membership at Augusta National?
No, membership applications are not accepted. Individuals receive invitations from Augusta National to join as members; they cannot apply directly for membership.