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The History Behind Augusta National

Home to The Masters, is a symbol of golf’s beauty and tradition—but its history also tells a story of exclusion, evolution, and progress.

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Augusta National Golf Club, nestled in the heart of Georgia, is one of the most famous and storied venues in golf. Its lush fairways, blooming azaleas, and towering pines have made it synonymous with elegance and tradition. But behind the iconic beauty of this golf sanctuary lies a complex and, at times, contentious history.

The Beginnings of Augusta National

In 1931, famed amateur golfer Bobby Jones, alongside investment banker Clifford Roberts, founded Augusta National on the grounds of a former indigo plantation in Augusta, Georgia. The course was designed by Alister MacKenzie, a visionary architect whose intent was to create a course that tested both physical skill and strategic thinking. By 1934, Augusta National was ready to host its first tournament, which would later be known as The Masters—an event that would grow to become one of the four major championships in golf.

The Masters and Its Traditions

From the beginning, The Masters was a tournament like no other. Its traditions—such as the Green Jacket awarded to winners and the honorary tee shots by legendary golfers—were designed to set it apart. However, the exclusivity of Augusta National extended beyond its traditions and into its membership policies, shaping a more complicated legacy.

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A History of Segregation

For decades, Augusta National adhered to strict segregationist policies, reflecting the prevailing social norms of the American South. African American golfers were barred from playing in The Masters until Lee Elder broke the color barrier in 1975, becoming the first Black golfer to compete in the tournament. While Elder’s participation was a watershed moment, Augusta’s issues with inclusion persisted.

The club’s membership remained exclusively white until 1990, when businessman Ron Townsend became its first Black member. This milestone came after years of external pressure and public scrutiny, highlighting the tension between tradition and progress.

“Men Only” and the Fight for Gender Inclusion

Similarly, Augusta National maintained a “men only” policy for its members well into the 21st century. This policy became a flashpoint for criticism during the early 2000s when activist Martha Burk publicly challenged the club’s exclusion of women. It wasn’t until 2012, under mounting societal and corporate pressure, that Augusta National admitted its first two female members—former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and business executive Darla Moore.

A Legacy in Transition

Today, Augusta National continues to evolve, balancing its historical traditions with a more inclusive approach to the future. While its past is marked by exclusivity, its efforts to embrace diversity are gradually reshaping its identity. The Masters remains a symbol of excellence in golf, drawing players and fans from around the world, while the club’s history serves as a reminder of the work required to make the game of golf truly inclusive.

Augusta National is more than just a golf course; it is a cultural institution that mirrors the complexities of the society around it. As The Masters continues to captivate audiences, the story of Augusta National reflects both the beauty and the challenges inherent in preserving tradition while striving for progress.

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5 Sneaky Hacks to Crush Your Spring Golf Game in 2025

Gear up, swing smart, and snag pre-season deals with ClickitGolf to kick off your 2025 golf season like a pro!

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Spring’s creeping up, golfers! The fairways are shaking off winter, and it’s time to get your game dialed in for 2025. Whether you’re chasing pars or just happy to keep it on the grass, here’s your chill guide to hitting the ground swinging. Let’s go!

Hack 1: Gear Check—Don’t Let Last Year’s Clubs Hold You Back

Dust off your bag and give it a look. Grips feeling like a slip-n-slide? Swap ‘em out—control’s king. And if your driver’s ancient, maybe peek at something fresh. We’ve got the lowdown on the Mizuno OMOI putters—heavier heads, smoother rolls, pure magic. Read the full review; it might just fix your green woes.

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Hack 2: Swing Smarter, Not Harder

No need to rebuild your swing from scratch—just polish it. Try the “One-Club Challenge”: grab a 7-iron, hit the range, and mix it up—high, low, whatever. It’s all about feel over force. You’ll be outfoxing courses before the grass turns green.

Hack 3: Mindset Matters

Golf’s a mental game, and winter’s your prep window. Get inspired with some Pebble Beach greatness—like this hole-by-hole flyover narrated by Jim Nantz from Golf Digest. It’s a quick tour of every iconic shot at Pebble, perfect for daydreaming your spring opener. Visualize your ball sticking the green—you’ll be ready.

Hack 4: Score Early Deals

ClickitGolf’s serving up pre-season heat. The shop has deals flowing—Check out all the cool products. Grab ‘em now before the snowbirds invade. Road trip on the brain? Our HotelPlanner Travel partnership cuts costs on hotels and flights. More golf, less cash—done.

Hack 5: Ryder Cup Hype – Channel the Pros

Keegan Bradley captaining the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage? Unexpected and awesome. Start channeling that Team USA energy—watch Pebble Beach’s greatest moments on our video page for some clutch inspo. September’s gonna be a party; we’ll keep you posted on the news page.

Tee It Up!

Gear up, swing smart, snag deals, and get hyped—2025’s your year to own the course. What’s your spring prep go-to? Drop it in the comments—let’s get this crew fired up!

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Love on the Fairway: Heartwarming Golf Course Love Stories

Like golf itself, not all rounds end well

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Golf is often seen as a sport of precision, patience, and strategy. But for many, the golf course has been more than just a field of play—it has been a setting for romance, a backdrop to chance encounters, and a place where love has blossomed amidst the rolling greens and sand traps. From serendipitous meetings to long-lasting partnerships, love stories on the golf course are as varied as the game itself.

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll: A Love Story Across Continents

One of the most well-known golf love stories is that of Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll. The two first crossed paths at the 2012 Ryder Cup, where Stoll, then working for the PGA of America, played a key role in ensuring McIlroy made it to his tee time on time after a scheduling mishap. What began as a simple act of kindness blossomed into a deep friendship and eventually a romance. The couple tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in 2017, but sadly ended their relationship recently.

A Proposal with a Hole-in-One: Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky

For some, the golf course has set the stage for unforgettable romantic gestures. Dustin Johnson, one of the most dominant players in professional golf, found love with Paulina Gretzky, daughter of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. The couple first met in 2009 but didn’t start dating until 2013. Johnson proposed later that year, and they have since built a family together. Paulina has been a constant presence at tournaments, supporting Johnson as he has claimed major victories, including his 2020 Masters triumph.

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From Tee to “I Do”: Brooks Koepka and Jena Sims

Beyond proposals, many professional golfers have incorporated golf into their weddings. Brooks Koepka and actress Jena Sims, for example, have been an inseparable couple since they began dating in 2017. Known for their playful chemistry, Koepka and Sims tied the knot in a lavish beachside wedding in 2022. Jena, a passionate golfer herself, frequently accompanies Brooks to tournaments and has been a source of motivation through his career highs and lows.

Love Beyond Competition: Tiger Woods and His Romantic Journey

Golf can be a competitive game, but for many professional players, it has also been a source of love and companionship. Tiger Woods, one of the greatest golfers of all time, has had a well-documented personal life. His relationship with former ski racer Lindsey Vonn was one of the most high-profile pairings in sports. Although they eventually parted ways, their shared passion for competition and mutual respect demonstrated how athletes from different disciplines can find common ground and support one another.

Senior Love Stories: Bernard Langer and Vikki Carol

Love stories on the golf course are not just for young couples. Many senior golfers have found lasting love through the sport. Take two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer and his wife, Vikki Carol. Married for over 35 years, the couple has built a life together centered around faith, family, and golf. Vikki has been a steadfast supporter of Langer’s career, traveling with him across the globe as he continues to dominate the PGA Tour Champions circuit.

The Golf Course: A Timeless Venue for Love

There’s something about the golf course that lends itself to romance. Perhaps it’s the tranquil setting, the shared moments of triumph and frustration, or the simple joy of spending hours together in a relaxed and beautiful environment. Whether it’s a first date, a proposal, a wedding, or decades of companionship, the golf course has played a pivotal role in many love stories, including those of PGA professionals.

So the next time you tee off, take a moment to appreciate the connections that golf fosters—not just between club and ball, but between people. You never know if your next round might lead to a love story of your own.

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These 18 Golf Jokes Are So Funny, Even Your Scorecard Will Laugh!

If your golf game isn’t turning heads for the right reasons, keep your playing partners entertained with these 18 hilarious golf jokes—one for every hole!

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Let’s face it—sometimes, your golf game isn’t exactly Tour-level. And when your drives are slicing into the trees and your putts are missing by a mile, you need a solid backup plan. That’s where humor comes in.

Next time you’re out on the course, distract your playing partners from your less-than-stellar shots with a few well-timed golf jokes. Not only will you lighten the mood, but you might just make them laugh so hard they forget to notice how bad your last swing was.

So, here are 18 hilarious golf jokes, one for each hole. Enjoy—and may your game be better than your punchlines!

Hole 1 – The Warm-Up

🏌️ Why do golfers always carry an extra pair of socks?
Because they might get a hole in one!

Hole 2 – Getting Into the Swing

🏌️ What’s the difference between a bad golfer and a bad skydiver?
A bad golfer goes, “Whack… darn.” A bad skydiver goes, “Darn… whack.”

Hole 3 – The Early Struggles

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants?
In case he got a hole in one… again!

Hole 4 – Time for Some Trash Talk

🏌️ Why did the pro golfer bring string to the course?
To tie the score.

Hole 5 – That First Lost Ball

🏌️ Why did the golfer wear two different shoes?
Because he had a rough time deciding which was the right one.

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Hole 6 – The First Bogey of the Day

🏌️ Why don’t golfers ever get locked out of their cars?
Because they always have plenty of “drivers.”

Hole 7 – That One Friend Who Takes Golf Too Seriously

🏌️ Why did the golfer take an extra club to the course?
Because he heard the drinks were on the house.

Hole 8 – Time for a Drink at the Turn

🏌️ What’s a golfer’s favorite type of music?
Swing.

Hole 9 – Mid-Round Meltdown

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring a ladder?
Because he heard the course was on another level!

Hole 10 – Starting the Back Nine Strong

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring a light bulb to the course?
Because he wanted to brighten up his scorecard.

Hole 11 – Watching Someone Miss an Easy Putt

🏌️ Why did the golfer put his money in the fridge?
Because he wanted cold, hard cash for the skins game.

Hole 12 – That One Friend Who’s Always Complaining

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring sunscreen?
Because he didn’t want to get burned on the scorecard.

Hole 13 – When Your Friend Thinks They’re Better Than They Are

🏌️ What’s the difference between a golfer and a fisherman?
A golfer lies about how many strokes he took, a fisherman lies about how big his catch was.

Hole 14 – Golf Etiquette 101

🏌️ Why do golfers always tell the truth?
Because they can’t handle any more penalties.

Hole 15 – The Last-Ditch Effort to Save Your Score

🏌️ Why do golfers love donuts?
Because they’re always working on their “hole” game.

Hole 16 – The Final Stretch

🏌️ Why did the golfer get kicked out of the party?
Because he kept trying to address the ball.

Hole 17 – When Everyone’s Feeling Good

🏌️ What do you call a golfer who always gets a par?
A liar.

Hole 18 – Wrapping It Up in Style

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring an umbrella?
Because he heard there was a chance of showers on the scorecard.

If your golf game isn’t making people smile, at least your jokes can. Keep a few of these in your bag, and even if your drives aren’t straight, your humor will be right on target.

Now go out there, crack a joke, and enjoy the game—because at the end of the day, golf is supposed to be fun! 🏌️‍♂️🤣

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