Sports
Sports

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.

About the Author

Maghen Moore
More Stories

Keep Reading

The Atlanta Dream, shown here during their home opener on Thursday, May 22, 2025, fell to 8-4 after Tuesday's loss at New York. A win would have catapulted the Dream into the Commissioner’s Cup final. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Key takeaways from the Dream’s loss to the New York Liberty

A win would have catapulted the Dream into the Commissioner’s Cup final, but the disappointing defeat leaves the team looking at what could have been.

Dream collapse: 17-point lead slips away in second half vs. Liberty

For nearly 27 minutes Tuesday night, the Dream (8-4) looked as if they were prepared to march to their first Cup title appearance.

Three takeaways from the Dream’s statement win

The Latest

Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies (1) speaks to the Arizona Diamondbacks dugout in the fifth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Credit: AP

Atlanta TV sports listings

Sports Daily: Cool trophy, bro

Key takeaways from the Dream’s loss to the New York Liberty

Featured

Mario Guevara, a metro Atlanta-based Spanish-language reporter, covers a protest against immigration enforcement on Feb. 1, 2025, on Buford Highway. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: AP

Hispanic reporter arrested at metro Atlanta protest now in ICE custody, facing deportation

Spanish-language reporter Mario Guevara was granted a bond, but ICE issued a detainer for him to be held longer. Guevara was arrested hours before the detainer was to expire

2 Democrats face runoff in Georgia Public Service Commission primary

Following the June 17 primary elections for Georgia's Public Service Commission, District 3 Democratic candidates Waites and Hubbard head to a July runoff vote.

No lights, no emergency: Sheriff’s office sued over death in deputy crash

Meriwether County deputy sped through intersection, hitting and killing 61-year-old, lawsuit says.