Augusta (HC)

The Augusta National Golf Club in eastern Georgia is an American icon shrouded in intrigue. It is every bit as exclusive as its prestigious Masters Tournament. Behind the wondrous scenes and memorable tournament play, however, resides a secretive and clannish club with a gentlemen-only membership of three hundred. Included are many of the most powerful CEO's and executives in America. In Augusta, author Steve Eubanks penetrates Augusta National's carefully cultivated image. Mixing a deep respect for golf's traditions with a scrutinizing curiosity, Eubanks offers dozens of insights and revelations. Topics explored include the founding of the club and design of it's golf course; the significant role Clifford Roberts played in Augusta member-to-be Dwight Eisenhower's ascension to the presidency; Robert's suicide and the club's subsequent loss of the pistol he used; the exclusion of African-American Charlie Sifford from the Masters field; Augusta's impetuous relationship with CBS; and the club's uneasy alliance with the city and citizens of Augusta. Eubanks pauses throughout Augusta to recall moments of Masters Glory from Gene Sarazen's amazing double eagle in 1935 to the Golden Bear's incredible victory at the age of forty-six in 1986. All this and more make Augusta required reading for any golf fan.