The month of April is one of the most exciting times in the year for many reasons: the start of Spring, Easter, and the Masters Tournament.
If you have ever had the amazing chance to step on the grounds of Augusta National, you could say it was life-changing, from the iconic pimento cheese sandwiches to seeing your favorite golfer sinking a winning 20-feet putt.
The best have gathered and only one will emerge victorious. #themasters pic.twitter.com/hc6mkgT4NP
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 4, 2023
Most people know what the tournament entails, but not many know that it once used to serve as a farm during the World War II era. In 1943, Augusta National was shut down. There were no spectators or players; the only things occupying the grounds were cows and turkeys. Most employees had joined the military or relocated to Washington, D.C. to take on war-related jobs, and the tournament was not financially strong quite yet.
Keeping the livestock on the property was designed to help the club keep up with finances as well. Club owner Bobby Jones also thought grazing cattle would keep the greens in tip-top shape. So, they purchased 200 steers, according to Masters.com.
The success of the grounds was driven more by the turkeys. They made money from the 1,000 birds it raised. At the same time, Augusta National started harvesting pecans from its trees and donated half of the crop to an Army canteen.
A few years later, the Club was ready to open back up, so it sold the livestock and brought in workers to begin restoring the iconic, beautiful course. By the spring of 1945, members were able to play golf again, and the Masters returned the following year. The club was never used as a farm ever gain.
One thing we all can agree on, The Masters is electric.
The annual tournament kicks off this Thursday.
Story via John Steinbreeder with Masters.com
