The idea for Augusta National originated with Bobby Jones, who wanted to build a golf course after his retirement from the game. He sought advice from Clifford Roberts and together they came across a piece of land in Augusta, Georgia. The land had been an indigo plantation in the early nineteenth century and a plant nursery since 1857.  Jones hired Alister MacKenzie to help design the course and work began in 1931. The course formally opened in 1933.

The first “Augusta National Invitational” Tournament, as the Masters was originally known, began on March 22, 1934. The present name was adopted in 1939.