Clifford Roberts was the money man, responsible for securing the funding for the land and improvements. This is somewhat ironic as Roberts had little of his own at the time however, he knew those that did. Augusta National was completed in late May of 1932 (Great Depression 1929-1939) with little to no membership. In January of 1933, in an attempt to rectify the situation, Roberts organized an adult “show and tell” train trip for one-hundred New York City businessmen to visit the site, play ... continue reading...
The Flip of a Coin – Rule 20-7
Recently I had a conversation with a friend who shared a story about his brother’s mental lapse, causing a club championship (named “The Donohue”) to slip away. In the waning moments of the match, the brother’s ball marker was in the line of his competitor. The brother respectfully moved the ball marker, patiently waiting his turn. After executing his putt, it was discovered that he failed to replace the ball marker to its original location. My friend, a lifelong golf coach/instructor and ... continue reading...
Designated Bastard* Part 2: Vision/Execution
Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones met in the early 1930’s at the Bon-Air Vanderbilt in Augusta, Georgia, introduced by Walton Marshall, president of the Vanderbilt hotel chain. Roberts was smitten/fascinated/mesmerized by Jones’s stature, success and charm. Jones shared his vision with Roberts: “develop a golf course and a secluded retreat of some stature, that men of some means might find the club worthwhile as an extra luxury when they visit and play with kindred spirits from other parts of ... continue reading...
My Nemesis
Background: I am not a particularly good 10.7 handicap, however I play in excess of sixty rounds a year, practice routinely, have shot multiple rounds in the 70’s and have been fortunate enough to have had a hole in one to my name; some resume! I have been referred to as athletic and, generally speaking, can slap it around with a modicum of success. At some point during the month of June, my golf game is reasonably mediocre in all categories. Nothing stands out, nothing is a complete ... continue reading...
Designated Bastard* (Part One of Four)
The Masters Tournament is right around the corner! To celebrate, this special Wednesday edition (and subsequent three follow up editions) shares the remarkable story of the co-founder of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament; Clifford Roberts and, to a lesser degree, his partner Bobby Jones. Rest assured, we will continue to post our usual stories each and every Sunday. Charles DeClifford (Clifford) Roberts, Jr. (3/6/1894 - 9/27/1977), co-founder of Augusta National Golf Club ... continue reading...
The Rifleman
I recently completed James (Jim) Dodson’s newest book, The Range Bucket List. Mr. Dodson’s compilation of his own golfing journey is a celebration of all things good about the game; family, relationships, “remarkable people, places, traditions”, beauty, and the ongoing attempt to embrace his good friend’s approach to the game (NATO; Not Attached To the Outcome.) Jim Dodson is my absolute favorite golf author. He had me at Final Rounds, a story about an aging father and a loving son’s long ... continue reading...
3,314 Holes of Golf
Between 2001 and 2008 my great friend and former business partner and I participated in an annual fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. Our objective was to drive donations (total donations exceeded $175,000) by leveraging business/personal relationships and playing as many holes of golf as possible in one day. Through the years, we attempted to surpass the previous year’s donations and total holes played via enhanced equipment and more efficient utilization of our dedicated ... continue reading...
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