Chairman of Augusta National Fred Ridley announced today that the Augusta National plans to partner with “The Patch,” otherwise known as Augusta Municipal Golf Course.
This initiative will also be partnering with Augusta Technical College as well as The First Tee of Augusta.
The plan is aimed an ensuring that no one in the CSRA will be prevented from playing golf due to financial reasons.
“I’ll start by saying the importance of the community to Augusta National is founded in our mission statement” said Chairman Ridley. “It basically says that we are committed to our community. It’s one of our underlying principles. And so if we are true to that principle, then we will continue to look for opportunities to contribute back to the community.”
Augusta National is big part of the community and now they’re taking action to ensure the community they’re in is supported.
Another thing that was addressed in the press conference was making hole 13 longer and more difficult for golfers.
When Bobby Jones first made the course, he wanted the best golfers to make the best shots and, in the past couple of years, due to the sheer talent of golfers, Amen Corner hasn’t been as effective.
Shots like Phil Mickelson 2010 shot from the pine straw will now be virtually impossible.
35 yards have been added to the tee box making it harder for golfers to play corner.
“We believe this modification will put a driver in play more often” said Chairman Ridley “and restore the element of risk and reward that was intended in the original design of the hole.”
Chairman Ridley wrapped up the conference with acknowledging Sandy Lyle and Augusta’s own Larry Mize who announced that the 87th Masters will be their last.
“We commend them for their fine play over four decades and for representing the Masters so well”, said Chairman Ridley “Rest assured, their victories will forever be remembered.”
With the conclusion of his address he took a few questions where he reiterated his commitment to the Augusta Area claiming this exactly what Bobby Jones would’ve wanted.
