The Thacker Family Stand Against Augusta National’s Multi-Million Dollar Expansion

Written By

Sophia Chen

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Sophia Chen

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Front of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home

Located in Augusta, Georgia, this home is a testament to both architectural solidity and sentimental value.

Constructed in 1959 by Herman and Elizabeth Thacker, the house boasts a robust brick exterior and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a central cooling system to ensure comfort in any season.

Situated on a 0.67-acre lot, it combines functionality with a timeless aesthetic, nestled in a tranquil area that balances privacy and accessibility.

The Thackers’ Refusal to Sell in the Face of Augusta National Expansion

Located near the Augusta National Golf Club, this modest house is at the center of a significant issue as the club aims to expand, adding extensive parking and other facilities.

The Thacker family, valuing their home’s history and memories spanning several generations, have chosen not to sell despite the club’s extensive property acquisitions, which include spending over $200 million to extend the golf course to 270 acres.

Their 1,947-square-foot home represents a personal refusal to succumb to commercial pressures.

Front of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home
Google Satellite
View of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home
Facebook|Talkinggolf
View of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home
View of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home
View of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home
Deck of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home
Augusta Chronicle

Even though the club transformed the neighborhood into a parking area, 92-year-old widow Elizabeth Thacker still treasures her home, firmly resisting the offers and the golf club’s persistent interest.

Her daughter, Robin Thacker Rinder, confirms, “Yes, we still own it, and yes, mom still lives there,” underscoring their deep connection to the property.

Augusta National’s Expansion Plan

Augusta National is very interested in the Thacker’s property because of its location near Gate 6-A of the Masters.

The club wants to build more parking spaces, homes, and a new 18-hole golf course.

These plans aim to improve the facilities for the annual golf tournament that attracts about 40,000 visitors and major sponsors like IBM.

This expansion must handle the increasing number of visitors and the event’s needs.

Augusta Golf Country Club
Road View of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home
Road View of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home

Standing Firm Against the Tide

The Thacker family’s decision not to sell has created a big problem for Augusta National.

The club has made the area around their house into a profitable parking lot by buying and demolishing properties, within a week of purchase.

They spent over $40 million on this, making many locals very wealthy.

However, the Thacker’s home still stands alone.

Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s picture
Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Picture
YouTube|Golf Digest
Herman Thacker’s Picture

“Money isn’t everything,” Herman Thacker said in a 2016 interview.

This belief has greatly influenced the family’s decision, even after his death in 2019.

Representatives from the club keep visiting, hoping the family will change their mind, but they always receive the same firm no.

View of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home

The family’s choice shows the lasting importance of their home and history over financial offers.

Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Picture
Instagram|@talkinggolf
View of Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home
Herman Thacker’s Picture
Kitchen in Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home
Augusta Chronicle
Living Room in Herman and Elizabeth Thacker’s Augusta Home
Augusta Chronicle

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