An Augusta National icon moves on – GCMOnline.com
Brad Owen made a name for himself at a golf mecca and continues to put his stamp on the industry.
April 2025 | Howard Richman
Photo by Barry Koenig
The living legend will be in the house at the Masters.
His house. In Augusta, Ga., schmoozing with guests and friends.
But please forgive Brad Owen if he allows his mind to wander from time to time as he welcomes people into his home near Augusta National Golf Club. After all, nobody in maintenance oversaw that special place longer than he did. Imagine all the memories that must be dancing in his head as the first major of the year begins while a new chapter in his life is off and running.
“While I won’t be thinking about it at night, I sure will be thinking about the daily movements to set up the course, what all the great staff will be going through, also just pray for great weather and everyone has a great time,” he says.
For the first time in decades, the Masters that starts April 10 will be one in which Owen will observe as a spectator. As the longest-tenured superintendent in Augusta National GC history, Owen retired from those hallowed grounds in 2024 following 38 years, including 27 as its director of golf course maintenance since 1997. In October 2024, Owen officially moved on, joining golf course consultancy firm Turfgrass in its U.S. division as he helps establish the business and its presence in North and Central America.
Turfgrass owner John Clarkin met Owen three years ago at the 150th British Open at St. Andrews.
Like-minded thinking made this match work.
“Turfgrass always thinks outside the box, and Brad has had to deal with this during his years leading the team at Augusta National,” Clarkin says. “It is a special place that keeps on producing high quality year after year. Turfgrass always strives for the best, even when circumstances like budget, etc., can get in the way. Brad’s lateral thinking made him a perfect fit for Turfgrass. There are always several ways to achieve higher standards on a golf course, even sometimes in the face of adversity.”
Owen made the decision to launch a new journey. “It was the right time to step aside, that I had done everything I could do there at Augusta National, and I also thought it was time to let the younger guys take the reins, if you will,” Owen says. “They surely had someone (Brent Seyer, now senior director of agronomy) more than qualified to be my replacement. It was time for me personally to be able to step away and do some things with my life and career and to work part time, do more with the men’s group at church, as well as do some personal traveling and maybe play some more bad golf.”
