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Former Augusta National chairman “Hootie” Johnson dies

Augusta National Chairman Hootie Johnson is shown during a news conference on April 4, 2001. Johnson's history at Augusta National goes back to 1935, the year Gene Sarazen holed his 235-yard shot for double eagle on No. 15 and put the Masters on the map. Johnson was only 4, but it must have made quite an impression. His short tenure as Augusta National chairman already is filled with drastic moves. Johnson died Friday at age 86. (AP Photo/The Augusta Chronicle, Chris Thelen)

Credit: CHRIS THELEN

Credit: CHRIS THELEN

Augusta National Chairman Hootie Johnson is shown during a news conference on April 4, 2001. Johnson's history at Augusta National goes back to 1935, the year Gene Sarazen holed his 235-yard shot for double eagle on No. 15 and put the Masters on the map. Johnson was only 4, but it must have made quite an impression. His short tenure as Augusta National chairman already is filled with drastic moves. Johnson died Friday at age 86. (AP Photo/The Augusta Chronicle, Chris Thelen)
By Maghen Moore
July 14, 2017

William Woodward “Hootie” Johnson, the former chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, died Friday at the age of 86.

Johnson was named Augusta National’s chairman on May 1, 1998. During his eight-year tenure, Johnson was known for being progressive as a businessman.

His term was also marked by his defiance to pressure to invite women to join Augusta National. He famously said the club would not be bullied "at the point of a bayonet.” Johnson went so far as to eliminate television sponsors of the Masters in 2003 and 2004 to keep them from the controversy.

He stepped down from the chairman position on May 5, 2006, but continued to visit Augusta National. He was succeeded by now-chairman Billy Payne. Payne released a statement on “Hootie” Johnson’s death that highlighted “Hootie” as inspiring and honorable.

Read more about how Hootie Johnson didn't shrink from a fight or his love of Augusta National on myajc.com.

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