<P> Rae's Creek cuts across the southeastern corner of the Augusta National property . It flows along the back of the 11th green, in front of the 12th green, and ahead of the 13th tee . This is the lowest point in elevation of the course . The Hogan and Nelson Bridges cross the creek after the 12th and 13th tee boxes, respectively . The creek was named after former property owner John Rae, who died in 1789 . </P> <P> Rae's Creek runs in front of No. 12 green, has a tributary evident at No. 13 tee, and flows at the back of No. 11 green . It was Rae's house which was the farthest fortress up the Savannah River from Fort Augusta . The house kept residents safe during Indian attacks when the fort was out of reach . </P> <P> Augusta National Golf Club has about 300 members at any given time . Membership is strictly by invitation: there is no application process . In 2004, USA Today published a list of all the current members . Membership is believed to cost between $10,000 and $30,000 and annual dues were estimated in 2009 to be less than $10,000 per year . </P> <P> Augusta invited and accepted its first African - American member, TV executive Ron Townsend, in 1990 following a controversy at Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club . Shoal Creek, an all - white golf club in Alabama, refused membership to African Americans . The club also faced demands that the PGA Championship not be held there because of racist comments by the club's founder . </P>

How do you become a member of the augusta national golf club