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Jones' vision was for a course that would utilize natural advantages of property using mounds rather than too many bunkers to create challenges for players. In our days at Augusta we will walk 18 holes, sprinting over fairways and through tall pines to chase players, skirting past water hazards and sand traps, climbing over Jones' mounds and up and down abundant hills. And more than once I will think to myself, "Man, is there any level ground on this course?"
The Augusta National Golf Club had its formal opening in January of 1933 with first National Invitation Tournament a year later in 1934. In 1937, club members began to wear signature green jackets during tournament so that patrons could easily identify a reliable source of information. Just two years later, in 1939, competition officially became known as The Masters and in 1949 first green jacket "trophy" was awarded to Sam Snead, that year's Masters Champion.
Over half century Fruitland Nurseries had been in business its owners had imported trees and plants from around globe. While nursery had ceased operation more than a decade before tandem of Jones and Roberts arrived, there were still a wide variety of flowering plants and trees on property. This variety included a row of magnolias, which was planted before Civil War and another plant, popularized by former owners, called Azalea. Today, visitors to Augusta National enter through main gate and drive 330 yards between 61 Magnolia trees that line legendary Magnolia Lane before arriving at Founders Circle in front of clubhouse, a building that dates back 150 years to a man named Dennis Redmond, owner of what was then an indigo plantation. In Founders Circle are two plaques, one dedicated to Bobby Jones and other to Clifford Roberts.
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By Jim Hollister Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
Jim Hollister, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com