Augusta National Golf Club founder Clifford Roberts

Clifford Roberts (1894-1977) was an American businessman and co-founder of Augusta National Golf Club, one of the most prestigious golf institutions in the world. Working alongside golfing legend Bobby Jones in 1933, Roberts established the club on the grounds of a former plant nursery in Augusta, Georgia. His meticulous attention to detail and vision transformed the property into a masterpiece of landscape design, introducing the now-famous azaleas and maintaining the pristine conditions that define the course today. In 1934, Roberts established the Masters Tournament, which has become one of professional golf's four major championships and remains the only major held at the same venue annually. Roberts served as chairman for nearly 50 years, cultivating the tournament's exclusivity, tradition, and prestige. His innovative approach to tournament management—from television coverage to course maintenance standards—set new benchmarks for professional golf. The Masters' green jacket and ceremonial traditions remain his enduring legacy, making Augusta National synonymous with golf excellence worldwide.