Presidents have history of visiting Augusta National Golf Club

American presidents have visited Augusta’s golf courses since the early 20th century – even before Augusta National Golf Club opened its gates.

William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson and Warren G. Harding made visits to Augusta to play golf at the Bon Air, Augusta’s first golf course, built in 1897 for the city’s winter residents and guests of the hotel.

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the city’s most frequent presidential visitor. He made 45 trips to Augusta, including 29 during his presidency, according to The Augusta Chronicle archives.

He became a member of Augusta National in 1948 after visiting at the request of Masters Tournament Chairman Clifford Roberts. The Eisenhower Cabin on the club grounds was named for his wife, Mamie, who made the trips with him.

Richard Nixon, the nation’s 37th president, also played at Augusta National when he was Eisenhower’s vice president.

Perhaps the most dramatic presidential visit was one by Ronald Reagan in 1983. A gunman crashed through Gate 3 at the club, where Reagan was staying, and held seven people hostage. Also, the 40th president’s golf week was cut short when terrorists attacked U.S. Marines in Lebanon.

George H.W. Bush never visited the National during his presidency. When he was vice president in 1985, he made a golf trip to Augusta with then-Secretary of State George Shultz, a member of Augusta National. He played the course several times after he left the Oval Office.

Slideshow: Ike in Augusta