The Masters: Golf, Money, and Power in Augusta | Random House Books for Young Readers

Inside Augusta National: A History You Can See and Feel

The Masters: Golf, Money, and Power in Augusta offers more than a scorecard. It invites readers into the hush of morning on the famed course, the scent of fresh-cut turf, and the electric hum of a crowd that knows the moment could become legend. From the first tee to the final putt, this book by Curt Sampson—also the author of Hogan—reframes the Masters as a living tapestry of golf, politics, and prestige.

Power, Prestige, and People

At the heart of the story is Clifford Roberts, the founder who still seems to pull the strings from beyond the grave. The book reveals how Roberts helped shape the Masters as the sport’s most coveted stage, weaving in his relationships with presidents, power brokers, and champions—from Bobby Jones to Arnold Palmer to Jack Nicklaus. You’ll meet a colorful cast of figures who left a lasting mark on golf and American culture, while the era’s social forces and tensions come alive on the page.

What you’ll encounter

• History-rich context of Augusta National and the Masters’ evolution
• Behind-the-scenes dynamics that influenced ticket demand and media attention
• Colorful figures who shaped golf and broader culture
• A nuanced look at how the old South and new South negotiated race, class, and power

What you’ll gain as a reader

• Historical perspective on a tournament that defined an era
• Insight into how sport intersects with politics, business, and media
• Rich storytelling that brings real-world venues to life
• A thoughtful portrait of iconic moments and the people behind them

Why this book matters for curious readers

Readers who love history, sports, or American culture will find in The Masters a richly constructed narrative that invites reflection without overstatement. It suggests possibilities—such as understanding how a single tournament can reflect broader social shifts and power networks—without claiming certainty about outcomes. The book offers a historical guide to Augusta’s legend and its enduring influence on the game.

For readers planning a visit or study, the book serves as a contextual companion—helping imagine what it feels like to walk the fairways at dawn, hear the quiet before the crowds, and picture the hallways of influence that shaped the Masters.