Augusta National, Golf's Mecca and Home of The Masters, Was Once a Working Farm

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA (RFD NEWS) — The month of April is one of the most exciting times of 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, one could say it was life-changing, from the iconic pimento cheese sandwiches to seeing your favorite golfer sink a winning 20-foot putt.

The 90th Masters Tournament approaches. #themasters pic.twitter.com/09d8IvbEal
— The Masters (@TheMasters) March 29, 2026

Most people know what the tournament entails, but not many know that it once served as a farm during World War II. 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 yet financially strong.

Keeping the livestock on the property was also designed to help the club manage its finances. 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 reopen, 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 again.

One thing we all can agree on? The Masters is electric.

The annual tournament at Augusta National kicks off this year on Thursday, April 9.