Augusta National's Oak Tree Hosts Golf's Biggest Deals

The iconic live oak between the clubhouse and first tee is the epicenter of networking and business during Masters week.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:06am

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An abstract, expressionist painting using vibrant neon colors and rapid brushstrokes to capture the energy and movement of a crowd gathered under a large, sprawling oak tree, conceptually representing the iconic Big Oak Tree at Augusta National Golf Club during the Masters tournament.The Big Oak Tree at Augusta National becomes the epicenter of golf's biggest deals and most influential connections during the Masters tournament.Augusta Today

The Big Oak Tree at Augusta National Golf Club has stood since the 1850s, long before the course existed. During Masters week, it becomes the unofficial nerve center of the tournament, where past champions, executives, celebrities, and dealmakers converge to network, reminisce, and conduct business. The tree's vast canopy and central location make it a prime spot for players, broadcasters, and golf industry figures to connect and make deals ahead of the season.

Why it matters

The Big Oak Tree has become an integral part of the Masters experience, serving as a hub for the golf world's elite to gather, socialize, and lay the groundwork for future business partnerships and sponsorship agreements. Its significance extends far beyond the fairways, reflecting the tournament's broader cultural and commercial impact.

The details

The Big Oak Tree is situated between the Augusta National clubhouse and the first tee, providing shade and a central meeting point for the who's who of golf. Past champions like Nick Faldo, as well as figures like former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, golf great Annika Sorenstam, and amateur Kai Trump have all been spotted under the tree. For those in the golf business, the tree offers a prime opportunity to make connections and kickstart deal-making ahead of the season. Agents, broadcasters, and executives use the tree as a 'picturesque office' to network and plant the seeds for future partnerships.

  • The Big Oak Tree has stood on the Augusta National grounds since the 1850s.
  • The tree becomes a hub of activity during Masters week every April.

The players

Nick Faldo

Three-time Masters champion who has described the Big Oak Tree as 'the spot in golf' where 'everybody congregates' during the tournament.

Condoleezza Rice

Former U.S. Secretary of State who has been spotted gathering under the Big Oak Tree during Masters week.

Annika Sorenstam

Legendary women's golfer who has attended the Masters and been seen under the Big Oak Tree.

Kai Trump

Granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, who has been among the notable figures gathering under the Big Oak Tree during the tournament.

Scottie Scheffler

World No. 1 golfer who can be spotted under the Big Oak Tree before heading to the first tee.

Rory McIlroy

Defending Masters champion who, like Scheffler, has been seen under the Big Oak Tree during the tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Well this is the spot. This is the spot in golf. Everybody congregates, everybody knows what you mean when you say 'I'll see you under the oak tree.' It's a very cool social spot to mingle and tell stories.”

— Nick Faldo, Three-time Masters champion

“A lot of players' deals are year end so conversations kind of start from now until the end of the season and this is the first starting point at which you might make contact with a brand or a tour or whatever. And you know that if you stood under this tree you are talking to the right person.”

— Ted Brady, Manager of Masters debutant Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen

“It's visceral, it's spiritual, it's also shade on sunny days. I'm simply a cable TV host, I don't do a whole lot of important things (under the tree) but I am certain that quite a few important things are being done, or at least the seed is planted that is then watered and grown.”

— Scott Van Pelt, ESPN host

“There's absolutely work being done but it's also almost a point of reunion. You connect with people, you are friends with people and when people trust each other they do deals and deals last for a lifetime and relationships do as well.”

— Chris Heck, President of business operations, LIV Golf

“The one thing synonymous with business in sport is the oak tree on the first tee.”

— Chris Heck, President of business operations, LIV Golf

What’s next

The Big Oak Tree will continue to be a central gathering point for the golf world's elite throughout Masters week as the tournament unfolds.

The takeaway

The Big Oak Tree at Augusta National has become an iconic symbol of the Masters, serving as a hub for networking, deal-making, and the convergence of golf's biggest names and most influential figures. Its significance extends far beyond the tournament itself, reflecting the broader cultural and commercial impact of one of sport's most prestigious events.