C
Clarity News Hub

Who was first black member of Augusta National?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 06, 2026

Augusta invited and accepted its first African-American member, television executive Ron Townsend, in 1990 after Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club, an all-white golf club in Alabama, refused membership to African-Americans.

When did Augusta National allow Black members?

The club admitted its first black member in 1990, media executive Ron Townsend, and there are an estimated nine Black members at Augusta National today.

Was Tiger Woods the first Black member at Augusta?

1990: Businessman Ron Townsend becomes the first African-American member of Augusta National Golf Club, site of the Masters. 1994: Tiger Woods wins the first of his three straight U.S. Amateur titles.

Is there a Black member at Augusta National?

The Augusta National Golf Club, site of the Masters tournament, has accepted its first black member. Club Chairman Hord Hardin said today that Augusta accepted “seven or eight” new members and a “black gentleman” was among them.

Who was the first Black female member of Augusta National?

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was named as one of the first two women to become members of the Augusta National Golf Club, a private club which has traditionally been all-male. This also makes Rice the first Black woman to join the club.

17 related questions found

Is Tiger Woods a member of Augusta National?

According to Golf Week, there are a few ways to play at the course. And getting invited by a member is one of them. However, despite being a 5-time champion at the Masters, Tiger Woods doesn't have a membership at the Augusta. The other option for Charlie to play at the Augusta would be to become a volunteer.

Is Susan Rice a member of Augusta National?

Rice is a professor at Stanford University and holds myriad interests that, frankly, make her even more impressive. She studied Russian in Moscow, learned to play the piano and still closely tracks the sports world. Once she took up golf, she became a no-brainer addition to Augusta National Golf Club.

When did the Masters stop using Black caddies?

A press release from Augusta National Golf Club in 1982 changed a Masters Tournament tradition forever. Starting with the next year's Masters, less than five months away in 1983, participants would no longer be required to use Augusta National club caddies, who were Black.

Who owns Augusta National?

Augusta National Inc. owns Augusta National. It also owns the Masters tournament that is held there. Augusta National Inc.

How much does it cost to be a member at Augusta golf course?

The Augusta National initiation fee — a onetime fee paid upon joining a golf club — is believed to be between $20,000 and $40,000. The monthly dues paid by members are believed to be less than $300, or less than $4,000 annually.

How many pro Black golfers are there?

Still, there are just four current players on the PGA Tour who are Black — two, Harold Varner III and Cameron Champ, who will play in the Rocket Mortgage Classic — and fewer than 1% of PGA of America club pros are Black.

Why do the caddies wear white jumpsuits at the Masters?

The tradition of caddies wearing white jumpsuits at Augusta National dates back to when the course opened in 1933. Augusta used to employ poor people from the local community and members insisted on providing them with a white suit to make them look smarter.

When did Augusta allow white caddies?

The rule, established with the birth of the Masters, in 1934, remained in place for nearly 50 years. Until November, 1982, when Augusta National chairman Hord Hardin declared by way of press release that the ban on outside caddies had been lifted. Players could now bring their own to the Masters.

How many members does Augusta golf have?

Augusta National, which hosts the Masters Tournament this weekend, goes to extraordinary lengths to cloister its roughly 300 members, a group that includes some of the wealthiest, most powerful businessmen—and, as of 2012, women—in the world. Guests must be accompanied by members at all times.

Was Arnold Palmer a member of Augusta National?

Arnold Palmer, World Golf Hall of Fame member and four-time Masters champion, was also a regular member of the club.

Did Bobby Jones designed Augusta National?

Robert Tyre Jones Jr.

Jones founded and helped design the Augusta National Golf Club, and co-founded the Masters Tournament. The innovations that he introduced at the Masters have been copied by virtually every professional golf tournament in the world.

Is Peyton Manning a member of Augusta National?

Peyton Manning wears many hats, even in the golf world. Course owner. Augusta National member. Tiger Woods' playing partner.

How many black players are at the Masters?

(WRDW/WAGT) - There's still another round to go before someone slips on a green jacket, and already this year's Masters Tournament is one for the history books. For the first time ever, three Black golfers are playing in the Masters: Tiger Woods, Harold Varner III and Cameron Champ. And all three of them made the cut.

How much do caddies get paid at the Masters?

Most Money Made By a Caddie During the Masters

With this in mind, the winning caddy will receive $207,000 for their efforts in addition to the weekly salary they agreed upon with their golfer. As a result, a caddy can make around $210,000 during the Masters.

Who was Fuzzy Zoeller caddy?

Fuzzy Zoeller, caddie Jerry Beard celebrate 40 years since 1979 Masters victory. It happened so long ago, Fuzzy Zoeller and Jeriah “Jerry” Beard aren't certain how it happened. One of them thinks it happened on the Sunday before the 1979 Masters, the other on the Monday.

Are there any female members at Augusta National?

Augusta National Admits First Female Members Condoleezza Rice & Darla Moore. Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters, has been a men-only private club since its inception in 1932.

How old is Lee Elder the golfer?

Lee Elder, who became the first African American golfer to play in the Masters tournament, a signature moment in the breaking of racial barriers on the pro golf tour, died on Sunday in Escondido, Calif. He was 87. The PGA Tour announced the death but provided no other details.