Annika Sorenstam was honored.
And surprised.
And excited.
And happy.
The cause for the emotions? Just one.
She’d just been accepted as an Augusta National Golf Club member.
“It’s quite an honor,” the LPGA legend said in November of 2023. “As you know, it’s super new so I am a total rookie. I’m just learning the ropes, so I’m not really sure where this will lead. I’m thrilled and excited about the opportunity to not just play the course, but just to get to know the members.”
Sounds pretty great, right? Perhaps you’ve heard that the club also hosts a pro golf tournament every April. Might be fun to join. Maybe you’re wondering the cost.
Well, the money is the ‘easy’ part in joining. Depending on where you look (there isn’t exactly a ANGC FAQ web page), the initiation fee is between $40,000 and a half-million, with the annual dues being between $10,000 and $50,000.
Here’s the ‘hard’ part, though. Say you have the cash. Congrats. Now you have to wait for correspondence.
You have to be invited. If you ask, your chances reportedly drop. And if you do get through initial screening stages, you’ll be exhaustively vetted before it’s determined you are member material.
But if you make it in? Sorenstam summed it up this way:
“One of the happiest days in my golf life.”
