2004 Spectators Guide

Wear your badge, please, where it can be seen.

Autograph Policy

For player safety and protection, there will be a NO  AUTOGRAPH  POLICY enforced on all golf courses for tournament days.

Photography Policy

Take all you want.

Prohibited Items on Course

No cellular phones,  beepers, fax machines, computers, desks, calendars, secretaries, or strollers allowed. However, company credit cards and expense accounts are encouraged.

Schedule of Events

History of the GAIO

          Looking to provide a service to golf by creating a tournament, in the tradition of the Masters, but different, it was decided to hold an annual event beginning in 1976. The name Greater Augusta Invitational Open was officially adopted and the title was used the first year. The original field of 6 players was expanded over the years and now includes 12 invitees.

          Many decisions made in the early days of the tournament remain today. Among these are the three day stroke playing of 18 holes, elimination of qualifying rounds, no caddies, and limited commercialization. The first Tournament was held at Callaway Gardens in 1976 and was won by Jet. Unfortunately, no records of this event remain.

          The 1980's included spectacular rounds such as Warren's 61 at Wild Dunes in 1985 and his Tournament total of 20 under par. The Tournament of 1983 presented a memorable confrontation between Bert and Bruce, each with rounds of 63 and only 3 strokes apart at the end.

          The Tournaments of the 1990's were dominated by Marty and with his win in 1998, became the oldest Tournament Champion of the GAIO at age 43. The decade also experienced two wins which were determined by sudden death playoff.