- Over the course of 20 years, Augusta National spent $200 million buying up real estate around the course.
- Some homeowners quickly became millionaires.
- One family turned down millions to buy a home that has become part of Masters legend.
Over the past 20 years, Georgia’s Augusta National Golf Club has bought up much of the land adjacent to private property.
Augusta National has spent more than $200 million since 1999, buying more than 100 properties across 270 acres, according to The Wall Street Journal. These additions nearly doubled the size of the course and made many property owners instant millionaires.
Free parking, Gate 6-A, is located off the northwest corner of the club, on a once fully occupied vacant lot. The club spent $40 million on homes and bulldozers, offering residents a price they couldn’t refuse.
However, one family refused to sell even after more offers.
For stories on NJ.comSteve Polity tracked down the Tucker family of 1112 Dr. Stanley, adjacent to Gate 6-A and the only property that Augusta National money cannot buy.
Despite regular $1 million offers from club officials, Herman and Elizabeth Tucker don’t want to leave their homes.
“I really don’t want to go” Elizabeth Tucker told NJ.com in 2016.
“Money isn’t everything,” her husband added.
Herman passed away in 2019, but Elizabeth still lives in the house. According to The Independent’s Greig Graziosi:.
Built by the Hacker family in 1959, the home measures approximately 1,900 square feet, has three bedrooms, and sits on approximately two-thirds of an acre. Estimated value is $348,000. According to real estate database Zillow.
A Google Maps view of Augusta National Park.
google map
The couple built their home in 1959 and saw their once lush neighborhoods, with plenty of space for backyards and swings, disappear. Once a year, the area fills up with cars when the Masters is held.
Local realtors say the house is legendary among golf fans.
“The mystery and charm of this property is something that everyone talks about every year.” Summerhouse Realty’s Peter Larson told an insider. “Every year when I go to the National, there are usually people who are new to it, and they always point it out and ask questions.”
Hackers didn’t care about crowds. Politi reported.. Occasionally, fans stop by to greet the duo on the verandah, complimenting their view or asking for gardening advice.
Here’s a Google Street View view of the mansion with Augusta National in the background.
Other companies refused to sell in the past but eventually gave up
Herman Thatcher’s brother, William Thatcher, once owned four properties on the property, but initially held out. told Golf Digest in 2010 Augusta National “low rated” him. Seeing other properties around him averaging $400,000 apiece, he suspects something else is going on rather than free parking for tournament patrons. I doubted it.
“My spies told me the club could build nine new holes here,” Hatcher said at the time.
Ticket broker John Pyrample, who rented William Thatcher’s property annually, said life in the parking lot wasn’t too bad, except that the lights came on at 4am every morning during the week of the tournament. rice field.
“Big big lights high up in the ceiling illuminate the bedroom. It’s like the Martians have landed.” Pyrampur told Golf Digest..
One woman initially told Augusta National she wanted to stay in the house for the rest of her life, but eventually sold it, but agreed on the lighting and noise.
“It was fine without lights, generators, or noise.” Kitty Baker told Golf Digest.
The Thatcher family has made profitable expansions before
The Thatchers know the house won’t be there forever. Even Herman’s brother sold what is said to be the nicest home in town.
After rejecting the club’s first offer, William Thatcher put the house up for sale, hoping for a premium price from someone who wanted a house next to the course.
Eventually, Augusta National made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, and He sold the house and two other properties for $3.6 million. Herman and Elizabeth Tucker own his second property across the street, which he sold to Golf Club for $1.2 million.
But Dr. 1112 Stanley’s house, where they have raised two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, will not be demolished anytime soon.
That didn’t stop club members from showing up at the house from time to time.
“Sometimes he comes here and says, ‘I’d like to let you know I’m still interested in your property.'” Herman told NJ.com.. “And we’re going to tell him the same thing again.”
This location has its advantages. One of their grandchildren has fallen in love with golf and is now a pro. Scott Brown, 39, plays on the PGA Tour but has yet to qualify for the Masters.
PGA Tour player Scott Brown.
Sarah Steer/Getty Images
Emmett Knowlton contributed to this report.