Augusta National Adds Four New Members This Year, And They Are A STAR-STUDDED Bunch
Jamie Squire. Getty Images.Though the Augusta National Golf Club, itself, makes it a policy to not speak on its members, that doesn’t stop others from doing so.
And, according to a report from the Sports Business Journal, the club has acquired four new members this year — two of them being former New York Giants Super Bowl winning quarterback Eli Manning and former CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus.
According to the Sports Business Journal, and other sources, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian are other members that have joined this year.
The Club’s membership is invite only, and newer members are typically made aware of their invitation during the time the club opens up for play during the fall.
Eli Manning, Delta CEO Ed Bastian, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, and former CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus. What an absolute wagon of a rookie class for arguably the most prestigious, hallowed golf club in the world. Of course, the honor extends in both directions, as being inducted into the membership at Augusta might be the highest honor for civilian golfers. That's the sort of process that takes years. Getting your ducks in a row but not pushing too hard but also maintaining a strong enthusiasm and respect for the club but not appearing presumptuous… it's a classic eggshell-tightrope dance that has probably disqualified more candidates than it has accepted.
Eli joins older brother Peyton, who was allegedly inducted in 2016. That's a pretty huge chunk of years between them. Definitely speaks to the fact that Eli is, and has always been, more popular than Eli.
Ed Bastian is my God. I think he's the biggest addition in this class. One round with Ed and you're almost certainly getting bumped to Delta 360 with just a quick text from the Delta CEO. I legitimately love this man and there isn't really a dollar amount I wouldn't fork over for a round at Augusta with him.
Hand up, I didn't know that Jeff Bezos was no longer the CEO of Amazon. I'd never heard of this guy Andy Jassy, but clearly being CEO of Amazon is the sort of credit that gets you a locker on Magnolia Lane. Free prime memberships for his locker buddies.
And finally, Sean McManus? Former head of CBS Sports? Ok, whatever. Makes sense given that CBS airs the Masters every year. No offense to Sean but he's probably the guy the rest of the membership is the last excited about. But I could be dead wrong; he might be an absolute stick who rips heaters and tells insanely sexist jokes during post-round patio beers.
Augusta is #1 on the "love to play it someday…" list. Can't see the path to Georgia from where I currently sit but a boy can dream.