When Augusta National closed to become a cow pasture: The story behind the war-time farm at the home of the Masters
The 89th Masters at Augusta are underway, but looking at the Golf Club now, you’d have no idea that 75 years ago, the course was full of cows and turkeys.
The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club are underway for the 89th edition, but there was a brief moment in history where the whole thing had to be shut down, and the course itself served a totally different purpose.
Augusta National Farm
In 1943, during World War II, the Augusta National golf tournament was canceled. At that point, the club - started by Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones - had only been around for 10 years. In order to save itself financially, the whole club was transformed into a working farm.
Did you know? 💭 During World War II, Augusta National temporarily turned into a farm, raising turkeys (and cows) to keep the club afloat. 🦃 Surprisingly, the turkey venture was a success, even providing holiday dinners for members! 🥧⛳️ pic.twitter.com/Wo8FMMsYXB
— National Turkey Federation (@natlturkeyfed) April 11, 2025
In addition to the tournament being canceled, many members were off serving in the military or working war-related jobs. Roberts and Jones asked members to donate $100 annually to help retain the property. And to generate income and maintain the land, they converted it into a farm. They kept cows and turkeys on the property and sold them at market. They purchased 200 steers and planned to buy 200 more once those were sold. But that plan didn’t quite work out as they’d hoped.
Jones had the idea that the cattle would help keep the grass in shape with their grazing. Instead, they ended up damaging the course by eating azaleas and tree bark, as the bermudagrass on the grounds had become dormant, providing them little nutrition. The Club then had to spend even more money to buy food for the livestock, in addition to fixing the damaged land. No further cows were purchased.
The turkeys, on the other hand, proved to be a more successful venture, with the Club profiting off of the 1,000 birds it raised. They also successfully harvested and sold pecans from their own trees.
Did you know:
— Point University Golf Club (@PointUniversit1) May 4, 2022
In the midst of World War II, Augusta National Golf Club closed for three years, and cattle and turkey were raised on the grounds to support the war effort. The Masters was not contested again until 1946. pic.twitter.com/nbonZvPBQX
As the war neared its end in late 1944, the club sold off the remaining livestock and began restoring the course. Much of the work was done by 42 German prisoners of war from nearby Camp Gordon. Golf resumed in 1945, and the Masters returned in 1946, ending Augusta’s brief, unusual chapter in agriculture.
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