Quick Facts: Augusta National Golf Club
| Owner | Augusta National Golf Club (private members club) |
| Chairman | Fred Ridley |
| Ownership Type | Private nonprofit (member-owned club) |
| Founded | 1933 (by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts) |
| Location | Augusta, Georgia, USA |
| Membership | Approximately 300 members; by invitation only |
| Signature Event | The Masters Tournament (annual, first full week of April) |
| Publicly Traded | No |
Who Owns Augusta National?
Augusta National Golf Club is a private, member-owned golf club — it has no single individual owner, corporate parent, or institutional investor. The club is a private nonprofit corporation governed by its Chairman and a small leadership body on behalf of its approximately 300 invitation-only members. Fred Ridley has served as Chairman of Augusta National since 2017, succeeding Billy Payne. The club owns and operates the Masters Tournament — one of professional golf’s four major championships — and has done so since 1934 when the first Masters was held. Augusta National is among the most exclusive and private sporting institutions in the world. It does not disclose a list of its members, its financial accounts, or any details of its operational structure.
About Augusta National’s History
Augusta National Golf Club was co-founded in 1933 by amateur golf legend Bobby Jones and investor Clifford Roberts. Jones, who had retired from competitive golf after completing the Grand Slam in 1930, wanted to design and build his ideal golf course. The pair selected a property in Augusta, Georgia — formerly a nursery called Fruitlands — and commissioned Scottish golf architect Alister MacKenzie to design the course. Roberts served as the club’s chairman and business director until his death in 1977 and shaped much of Augusta National’s austere, secretive culture. The Masters was first played in 1934 (then called the Augusta National Invitational) and has been held annually ever since, except during World War II.
Key Ownership Highlights
- Augusta National Golf Club is a private members club with no individual owner, corporate parent, or outside investors. It is owned collectively by its approximately 300 members.
- Fred Ridley has served as Chairman since 2017, leading the club’s governance and overseeing the Masters Tournament.
- The club was co-founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts in 1933; the course was designed by Alister MacKenzie.
- Augusta National owns and operates the Masters Tournament, which it hosts every year during the first full week of April.
- The club is a private nonprofit corporation. It does not disclose membership lists, finances, or governance details — among the most secretive institutions in American sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Augusta National Golf Club?
Augusta National is a private members club with no single individual owner. It is owned collectively by its approximately 300 invitation-only members. Fred Ridley serves as Chairman.
Is Augusta National publicly traded?
No. Augusta National is a private nonprofit club and is not listed on any stock exchange. Its finances and membership are not publicly disclosed.
Who founded Augusta National?
Augusta National was co-founded by amateur golf legend Bobby Jones and investor Clifford Roberts in 1933. The course was designed by Scottish architect Alister MacKenzie.
Who runs the Masters Tournament?
The Masters Tournament is owned and operated by Augusta National Golf Club. The club’s Chairman, Fred Ridley, oversees the tournament. Augusta National staff manage all aspects of the event — ticket sales, broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and on-course operations.
