Who owns Augusta National?

rbhan12 · March 9, 2015

Hey guys,

This stems from the "vanity, 1-owner golf course" thread. My quick (and perhaps insufficient) Google search didn't turn up much.

What's the ownership structure of Augusta National? Members buy equity in the club? Maybe some private billion-zillion-aire in the middle of a forest?

Chilidog · March 9, 2015

The Members.

Pert1862 · March 9, 2015

All members have a stake in it.

BrianL99 · March 9, 2015

I don't believe Augusta National is an "equity membership" club.

If I recall correctly, there are now (2) Corporations involved in Augusta National. 1 for the Tournament and 1 for the golf course.

I believe the golf course is owned by the corporation, but the general "membership" doesn't hold any ownership rights nor voting rights.

There was a recent book that laid out the entire structure, but I forget some of the details. I'm sure someone here will remember all the facts.

rbhan12 · March 9, 2015

I understand Chilidog has played ANGC twice now through work, so I'm curious what book you're referring to Brian.

BrianL99 · March 10, 2015

[quote name='rbhan12' timestamp='1425958469' post='11112635']
I understand Chilidog has played ANGC twice now through work, so I'm curious what book you're referring to Brian.
[/quote]

I don't remember which book laid out the structure, but I'll take a look on my iPad, I should have it there. It was probably one of Samson's books about Augusta.

BrianL99 · March 10, 2015

[quote name='rbhan12' timestamp='1425958469' post='11112635']
I understand Chilidog has played ANGC twice now through work, so I'm curious what book you're referring to Brian.
[/quote]

The more I think about it, I think it was Steve Eubanks book. I don't have it on my iPad, I'll look for the hard copy.

SheriffBooth · March 10, 2015

Augusta National, Inc. is a Georgia for-profit established in 1935 (Billy Payne as current CEO), according to Georgia Secretary of State, and according to the Richmond County tax office that entity is the owner of the real estate on which the golf course is situated.

Interestingly, the tax value of Augusta National is $85,000,000.

Sooner7x · March 10, 2015

Almost all higher end clubs are member owned.

I would imagine ANGC is owned by a smaller group of members, and there is a second class of members with no equity.

The club is so valuable due to owning The Masters (and TV rights), i just don't see them giving all new members equity is something so valuable. Especially members from politica background, they could not afford to pay what an ownership stake in the cub is worth.

zwhitworth · March 10, 2015

Bubba Watson "owned" Augusta National last April

BrianL99 · March 10, 2015

[quote name='SheriffBooth' timestamp='1425991622' post='11113859']
Augusta National, Inc. is a Georgia for-profit established in 1935 (Billy Payne as current CEO), according to Georgia Secretary of State, and according to the Richmond County tax office that entity is the owner of the real estate on which the golf course is situated.

Interestingly, the tax value of Augusta National is $85,000,000.
[/quote]

If I'm not mistaken, there's another corporation, besides that one. Although, if I correctly recall a previous thread on this subject, no one seemed to be able to find it at the Secy. of State's Office. Of course, it might be a "foreign corporation" and be registered somewhere else.

Going back to the original question, I don't see how it could be a typical "equity club", given the amount of money made by The Masters and the various IRS regulations which would govern such a a highly profitable endeavor.