Cutting Edges . . . . Staff prepare the fairways at what is widely regarded as one of the most beautifully-finished golf courses in the world. Augusta National had its beginnings in the purchase of the 365-acre Fruitlands Nurseries in 1931 when the great Bobby Jones, a native of Atlanta, retained the eminent British architect, Alister MacKenzie, as his co-designer of the course.

It was officially opened in 1932 and three years later, the original nines were reversed. This was done because of the shaded nature of the original back nine which would take longer to thaw out on frosty winters' mornings.

In 1958, the adjoining Par-3 course was built and the Ben Hogan (12th) and Byron Nelson (13th) ridges were dedicated. Then, in a major gamble with the intense heat of southern summers, the greens on the main course were changed from Bermuda to bent grass in 1980. A year later, a heating and cooling system was installed under the 12th green.

At Augusta, the by-word is perfection.