92-Year-Old Refuses to Sell Her Home to Augusta National Golf Club
A 92-year-old homeowner living in close proximity to the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club has rebuffed multiple offers from the club to purchase her property, according to a report from Yahoo News. Elizabeth Thacker has resided in her three-bedroom single-story house on a 0.67 acre lot in Augusta, Georgia, for over 60 years, raising her family and creating lasting memories.
The property, located at 1112 Stanley Road, is situated just outside the north gate of the renowned golf club, which hosts the annual Masters Tournament. Despite the club’s efforts to expand its footprint by acquiring surrounding properties, Thacker has remained resolute in her decision not to sell. Her daughter, Robin Thacker Rinder, described her mother as "strong-willed" and unwavering in her determination.
According to property records, the Thacker family’s home was built in 1956 and has been valued at $338,026 in 2024, surpassing Augusta’s median listing price of $215,000, as reported by Redfin. Yahoo News revealed that Augusta National has made multiple offers to Thacker, exceeding the home’s estimated value, but she has consistently declined.
In an interview with NJ.com in 2017, Thacker’s late husband, Herman Thacker, explained that "money ain’t everything" and that they were committed to staying in their beloved home. Herman Thacker passed away in 2019 at the age of 86.
Augusta National Golf Club has become an iconic athletic landmark, hosting the Masters Tournament and boasting a list of legendary winners, including Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. The club has attempted to capitalize on its prestige by acquiring surrounding properties, often through limited liability companies, and has spent $20 million over 20 years to expand its footprint by about three-quarters, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The club’s buying frenzy has led to the acquisition of numerous homes in the area, including those of Thacker’s neighbors. In 2018, a neighboring homeowner sold her three-bedroom ranch home to the club for $1.1 million, and the Thackers themselves sold another property they owned to Augusta National for $1.2 million.
However, Thacker’s home remains a notable exception, with many attendees visiting the club for the Masters Tournament walking past her residence to enter the club near the clubhouse and tournament practice area. A spokesperson for Augusta National did not respond to Fortune’s request for comment.
Thacker Rinder told Fox Business that her mother remains committed to her decision, stating, "Yes, we still own it, and yes, Mom still lives there. She is very strong-willed." This story was originally featured on Fortune.com, and Yahoo News has provided additional insights into the situation.
In a neighborhood where many homes have been acquired and razed by Augusta National, Thacker’s determination to stay in her family home for over six decades is a testament to her strength and attachment to the property. As reported by Yahoo News, Thacker’s story has garnered significant attention, highlighting the complexities of property ownership and the allure of Augusta National’s prestige.
