The Story of Club Magnolia: Mastering Southern Hospitality

The Beginnings

In 1995, Robbi Raitt made his first trip to Augusta, Georgia for a spring golf tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club, where a young amateur named Tiger Woods made his debut. Like so many first-time guests, Robbi was captivated by the pristine beauty of the grounds, the legendary energy of the event, and the deep sense of tradition in the springtime air.

He attended with friends and guests, fully immersed in the moment—but by the end of the day, he realized something was missing.

There was no real place to gather before or after the tournament.

At day’s end, patrons had few options: a handful of local restaurants overwhelmed by crowds, or pop-up tents offering mediocre food with little atmosphere. Even inside the gates, food choices were limited to simple sandwiches—iconic, yes, but far from fulfilling.

Year after year, as the tournament wrapped up each day, Robbi kept wondering:
What could he create to keep the spirit of Augusta alive, beyond the fairways and the crowds?

As a trained chef with years of experience in hotels, fine dining, and the hospitality industry, Robbi didn’t just notice the gap—he felt called to fill it, his way.

A Vision Beyond the Course

Robbi dreamed of a place where everyone felt welcome—a space to bring people together in a relaxed, joyful setting unlike anything they’d experienced before. A place where Southern hospitality wasn't just a phrase, but a feeling—complete with exceptional service, unforgettable food, and a sense of care in every detail.

That vision became Club Magnolia.

Robbi explains it best: "Club Magnolia should be a place where our members, guests, and team are all part of the story — one that evolves year after year like a never-ending book, delivering tradition and familiarity with a touch of surprise."

A Humble Beginning

With a vision in mind, Robbi and his wife Pam searched Augusta for the perfect location—and found it in a modest ranch house at 1023 Magnolia Drive. It was a leap of faith, but they knew it was “the one.” Club Magnolia was built piece by piece, year after year—eventually expanding into a luxurious resort-style hospitality space. Every addition was fueled by passion, purpose, and heart.

From the beginning, Robbi worked side by side with his mother, Pat, who lived in California—a woman full of creativity, strength, and vision. Even while battling serious illness, Pat poured herself into the project. Unable to travel easily, she and Robbi collaborated across fax machines, trading sketches and notes daily.

Though she only visited the property a few times, her influence is felt in every corner to this day. Club Magnolia became their shared creation—and a bond that continued until her passing in 2013.

A Family Legacy

In 2008, Club Magnolia officially opened its doors. That same year, Robbi and Pam were expecting their first child. In 2009, their daughter was born in Augusta during tournament week—forever linking the Raitt family to the legacy of Club Magnolia. As their family grew with the arrival of two more daughters in the years that followed, they continued a special tradition: celebrating their firstborn’s birthday each year during tournament week in Augusta.

Built by Many Hands

As Club Magnolia evolved, one truth became clear: The real magic wasn’t built by one person alone. The heart of the Club has always come from its people—the loyal members and guests who return year after year, often bringing new friends and family into the fold.

It’s made real by the passionate team that, every April tournament week, brings the vision to life. The managers, behind-the-scenes pros, chefs, servers, bartenders, gardeners, hostesses, housekeepers, valet, security, drivers, partners, and local vendors — all part of what makes Club Magnolia feel like home.

Even the Augusta community embraced Club Magnolia, supporting its mission with open arms. Club Magnolia is more than a place—it’s a collective effort. A living, breathing experience built by many hands, and made unforgettable by those who believe in it.

Soul Over Imitation

From day one, Robbi was a true visionary. While others have tried to replicate the concept, nothing compares to the soul and spirit of Club Magnolia. Every detail reflects the Raitts’ commitment to authenticity, connection, and hospitality. Live music under the stars. Handcrafted cocktails. Chef-driven menus. Staff who treat you like family.

As Robbi says: “At Club Magnolia, we believe in creating joy at every turn — even when the unexpected happens. Because true hospitality shines brightest when things don’t go as planned.”

Still Evolving. Still Unforgettable.

Club Magnolia is a living, evolving experience. It continues to grow and surprise—while staying true to its roots as a welcoming space where the Augusta experience extends far beyond the course.

Today, Club Magnolia stands as the gold standard in Augusta hospitality during tournament week—a testament to vision, love, passion, and the power of family.

And when guests ask, “What happens here during the other weeks of the year?” Robbi simply smiles and says, “It just sits here patiently, waiting for your return next year.”

Club Magnolia, LLC is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or a licensee of The Masters^® Tournament, Augusta National Golf Club, or Augusta National, Inc. Any mention of “Masters,” “Masters Tournament,” “Augusta National,” “Green Jacket,” or similar terms is made solely for descriptive and informational purposes, in accordance with the nominative fair use doctrine under U.S. trademark law.

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