The property at 1112 Stanley Road in Augusta, Ga., is a notable piece of real estate due to its close proximity to Augusta National Golf Club. Despite the club’s attempts to purchase the property, owner Elizabeth Thacker has refused to sell. The house holds sentimental value for Thacker, as it was where her grandson, Scott Brown, grew up. It is the last remaining house on Stanley Drive, as Augusta National has purchased surrounding properties to expand its borders.
Scott Brown, a PGA Tour pro, has fond memories of growing up at 1112 Stanley Drive, just 500 yards from Augusta National’s gates. His grandparents, Herman and Elizabeth Thacker, raised him in the three-bedroom brick home they built in 1959. The neighborhood has drastically changed over the years, with many landmarks disappearing due to the club’s expansion efforts. Despite the changes, the Thackers have no intention of moving, as the house holds a lifetime of memories for them.
Herman Thacker, now 84, has been a supportive figure in Scott Brown’s golf career, filming his early tournaments and following his progress on the PGA Tour. The Thackers have a tradition of attending the Masters and hope to see Scott qualify to play there one day. Despite Augusta National’s attempts to obscure the view of their home with trees, the Thackers remain steadfast in their decision to remain in the house.
The club has made offers to purchase the property in the past, but the Thackers have consistently refused. They even sold another property to the club at a higher price, showing their determination to keep their home. Living in the midst of patron parking during Masters week has not deterred the Thackers from enjoying their daily routines or their privacy the rest of the year. They have rejected offers to build a new house for them, as they have no desire to move from their current location.
As the last remaining house on Stanley Drive, the Thacker property holds sentimental value to the family and has become a symbol of resistance against Augusta National’s expansion efforts. With Scott Brown’s successful golf career, the house serves as a reminder of his roots and the unwavering support of his family. The Thackers’ refusal to sell exemplifies their deep connection to the home and their desire to preserve its legacy for future generations. Augusta National may continue to express interest in acquiring the property, but as long as the Thackers are in possession, it seems unlikely that the house will ever change hands.
