If you walk down Magnolia Lane, you aren't just entering a golf course. You’re entering a vacuum. Augusta National Golf Club is famously private—like, "don't-even-think-about-pulling-out-your-phone" private. For decades, the list of famous members at Augusta National was treated like a state secret, whispered about in smoky boardrooms but never printed.
That’s changed, mostly.
The club still doesn't release an official directory, but we know who wears the Green Jacket now. It isn't just old-school Georgia money anymore. We’re talking about the people who basically run the world—tech titans, political heavyweights, and NFL legends who probably have a better handicap than you’d expect.
Honestly, the membership is a "who's who" of global influence. If you've ever wondered who actually gets to play Amen Corner on a random Tuesday in October, the answer involves a lot of private jets and a few specific billionaire addresses.
The Billionaires' Club: Tech and Finance Icons
It’s no surprise that some of the wealthiest humans on the planet are members. But for a long time, even being a billionaire didn't guarantee you a spot. Rumor has it that Bill Gates was kept waiting for years because he publicly expressed his desire to join. At Augusta, that’s a big no-no. They find you; you don’t find them.
Eventually, the Microsoft co-founder got the nod. He’s often seen on the grounds during Masters week, looking remarkably like any other guy in a green blazer, albeit one who could buy the entire state of Georgia if he felt like it.
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Then you have Warren Buffett. The "Oracle of Omaha" is a fixture. It’s kinda funny to imagine the world’s most disciplined investor haggling over a $1.50 pimento cheese sandwich, but he’s a member in good standing.
The business roster doesn’t stop there. You’ve got:
- Andy Jassy: The Amazon CEO joined the ranks fairly recently.
- Ginni Rometty: The former IBM chief is part of the small, elite group of female members.
- Rex Tillerson: Before he was Secretary of State, he was the CEO of ExxonMobil. He’s been a member for years.
- Ed Bastian: If you’ve ever wondered why Delta is the "official airline" of basically everything in Atlanta, look no further than Bastian’s membership.
Breaking the Grass Ceiling: The Women of Augusta
For 80 years, the club was men-only. That changed in 2012. It was a massive deal at the time, sparking years of protests and corporate pressure. When the club finally opened its doors, they didn't just pick anyone. They picked Condoleezza Rice.
Rice, the former Secretary of State, wasn't just a "token" pick. She’s a legitimate golf fanatic. She reportedly plays constantly and takes the game very seriously. Joining her in that first historic class was Darla Moore, a powerhouse financier from South Carolina.
Since then, the list of female members has grown, though it remains tiny. Annika Sörenstam, perhaps the greatest female golfer of all time, was invited in 2023. It’s a bit of a "game recognizes game" situation. Diana Murphy, a former USGA president, and Ana Botín, the executive chair of Santander Group, are also in the club. It’s still overwhelmingly male, but the "boys' club" era is technically over.
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The Sports Power Players
You might think the membership would be full of pro golfers. It’s not. Most pros aren't members; they’re just "guests" once a year for the Masters. To be a member, you usually have to be retired from the competitive grind or be a titan in the front office.
Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, is a member. You can occasionally spot him in his Green Jacket during the tournament broadcast, usually standing near the 18th green. He’s joined by fellow commissioners like Rob Manfred from MLB.
And then there are the Mannings. Peyton Manning and Eli Manning are both members. Peyton, in particular, is known to be quite the stick. He’s been seen playing with various pros and reportedly has a single-digit handicap.
Other sports figures you might recognize:
- Lou Holtz: The legendary Notre Dame coach.
- Jack Nicklaus: Obviously. As a six-time Masters winner, he’s one of the few who straddles the line between "pro" and "member."
- Lynn Swann: The Steelers great and former USC athletic director.
- Pete Bevacqua: The current Notre Dame AD and former NBC Sports chairman.
Why the Secrecy Still Matters
You might ask why people care so much about a membership list. It’s because Augusta National is one of the last places where the truly powerful can disappear. There are no "influencers" recording TikToks in the locker room. There are no business deals being leaked to the press from the Berckmans Place hospitality suite.
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When famous members at Augusta National are on the grounds, they are just members. They wear the same jacket. They follow the same strict rules—no running, no cell phones, no shouting.
The club only has about 300 members at any given time. When one passes away, a spot opens up. The "Green Jacket" isn't something you can buy. You can't even apply. If you ask how to join, you’ve already disqualified yourself. It’s a weird, archaic, and fascinating system that persists even in 2026.
How to "See" the Membership in Action
If you’re lucky enough to land a Masters ticket, keep your eyes peeled for the Green Jackets. They aren't just for the winners of the tournament. Any man you see wearing a green blazer on the grounds who isn't currently holding a trophy is a member.
They usually act as observers or committee heads. You might see Fred Ridley, the current Chairman, giving a press conference. Or you might see a former CEO of a Fortune 500 company helping a patron find the nearest restroom. There’s a strange sense of service among the members during tournament week.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Don't bother looking for a list: There is no official public roster. Any list you find online is compiled by journalists through "jacket spotting" and leaked tips.
- Watch the "Markers": If an odd number of players make the cut at the Masters, a club member often plays as a "marker" to keep the pace. Michael McDermott and Jeff Knox are famous for this. Knox famously beat Rory McIlroy in a round once.
- Respect the Green Jacket: If you ever meet a member, don't ask them for a "hookup." It’s the fastest way to get them to walk away. The culture of the club is built on discretion.
The membership at Augusta National is a living map of American power. It’s changed from a regional enclave to a global hub of CEOs and icons. While it’s more diverse than it was twenty years ago, it remains the most exclusive 300-person group in the world.
To dive deeper into the history of the club, you can explore the official Masters archives, though don't expect them to reveal the names of the newest initiates. Some secrets are still worth keeping.
Key Next Steps:
Check the 2026 Masters broadcast for shots of the "Butler Cabin" and the surrounding lawns. Look for the individuals in green blazers who aren't carrying golf bags—those are the people who actually own the place.