Latest news with #FredS.Ridley
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Augusta National chairman talks problems in golf, LIV-PGA situation
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WSAV) — Wednesday at Augusta National Golf Club always marks the chairman's press conference. The current chairman, Fred S. Ridley provided several bits of information in the 40 minutes he was in front of the media. The chairman started by talking about the hard work it took to get the course back to playing shape after the impacts of Hurricane Helene in September. Then he gave an update on the Players Services Project. He said phase one is complete, which was the underground parking garage for the players. Phase two, which is the three-level, state-of-the-art building is still on schedule. He also addressed problems with the game of golf, which he is keeping an eye on. The first is distance and the other is pace of play. 'I am encouraged that the PGA Tour is doing some things, experimenting with some timing procedures that might be a little more aggressive than we've seen in the past,' Ridley said. 'Golf's a special game because it requires us to be considerate while also being competitive, respecting other people's time, including importantly, the fans who support the game is a fundamental courtesy.' He was asked about, arguably, the most pressing issue in golf right now: The current state of the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV golf. 'I'm going to continue to be saying that and encouraging the leaders of the organizations involved to try to work together to come up with a solution,' Ridley said. 'But I think we all agree that four times a year, is not enough to have the great players of the game together.' Also in the presser, Chairman Ridley said this week is the 50th anniversary of the first African American playing in the Masters tournament. On April 10, 1975, Lee Elder became the first Black professional golfer to play in the Masters. Jack Nicklaus would go on to win the tournament. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Augusta National annoucnes 2 new ventures with Tiger Woods
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WSAV) — On the opening day of Masters week, Augusta National Golf Club Chairman and The Masters Tournament Chairman Fred S. Ridley announced two new partnerships with Tiger Woods on April 7. The first is Tiger Woods will lead the redesign of the municipal golf course in Augusta known as 'The Patch.' The course will be called 'The Loop at the Patch.' The course is currently being renovated and expects to be ready by the start of next year's Masters. The course will play about 6700 yards from the back tees, but will have tee boxes for all skill levels. Also included in the redesign are a brand new clubhouse and driving range. The second announcement was the TGR foundation, which is Tiger Woods' nonprofit, and Augusta National will partner to open a TGR Learning Lab in Augusta. This will be the fourth learning lab in the nation. The expected completion date is 2028. The facility will be located in the Harrisburg Neighborhood, which is in the Richmond County School District. The school district is home to 27 schools in a 10-mile radius. The learning lab could service more than 23,000 students. The expectation is to learn the game of golf but also other life skills as well. Chairman Ridley is also expected to speak on Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
