(Pictured: Augusta Country Club) Last year’s course renovation at the 120-year-old club that borders Augusta National followed a land deal between the two clubs that is expected to eventually lead to a new tee setup for Augusta National’s No. 13. And those practicing for this year’s Masters Tournament are commenting on how tree removal that…
Cushman Introduces 72-Volt AC Electric Shuttles
The technology that provides improved energy efficiency and increased range has been incorporated into the Cushman Shuttle 4, Shuttle 6 and Shuttle 8 models. Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has announced its new line of Cushman® Shuttle personnel carriers powered by the company’s exclusive 72-volt AC electric drivetrain. A leader in AC…
Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship Announced
In an unexpected move, Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, announced that the Augusta, Ga., club would help create and host a 54-hole tournament for women to be played the week before the 2019 Masters. The objective is to grow the game and to benefit women’s golf at all levels. Almost 16 years…
Augusta National GC Unveils Expanded Main Golf Shop
The Augusta, Ga., property began work on the new facility in May 2017 and opened to Masters Tournament patrons on April 1. The enhanced facility features a new layout, twice the floor space of the previous golf shop with 385 mannequins, 64 registers, and 125 different styles of hats, as well as a larger check…
New Golf Cart Safety Study Highlights Extra Risks for Children
The new research, based on 40 injuries treated at Vanderbilt University’s pediatric trauma center, confirmed previous studies that golf cart crashes involving children can result in serious injuries, and are usually the result of not enforcing safety rules or age restrictions. About a quarter of the cases from the new study involved time spent in the intensive care unit. The most common cause of injury was being thrown off or overturning the cart, and in only one case was the child driver wearing a seat belt.
Augusta National GC Plans Changes to Fifth Hole
According to preliminary site plans for the Augusta, Ga., property, the tee box for the 455-yard, par-4 hole could be pushed back an estimated 20-30 yards, alleviating congestion at the fourth green and current fifth tee. No definitive plans have been announced, but work could begin May 1 and wrap up by November. Big changes…
Augusta National GC to Hold Green Jackets Pending Judgment
The Augusta, Ga., club filed suit in August 2017 to stop Green Jacket Auctions Inc. from selling the iconic green jackets, as well as silverware and a belt buckle. A judge granted the club’s request to allow it to hold the items pending the outcome of the civil case. Green jackets and other items once on the…
Augusta National GC Buys Land from Augusta (Ga.) CC
The club is selling a parcel on its northwest boundary to the home of the Masters. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, though it has been speculated that Augusta National is looking to lengthen its iconic par 5. Officials of Augusta (Ga.) Country Club have informed members via a memo that following months of…
Darius Rucker Names His Five Favorite Golf Courses
In an interview with Billboard magazine, the country music star and former lead singer for Hootie & The Blowfish cited three courses in his native South Carolina, in addition to Augusta National and Pebble Beach. The Grammy winner is a single-digit handicap player who will now host a new monthly show, “On Par with Darius Ricker,” on SiriusXM’s PGA Tour Radio, debuting Wednesday, July 26th at 3 PM Eastern Time.
Augusta National GC Continues Ban on Cell Phones During Masters
While all other major golf tournaments allow fans to carry their mobile devices, the Augusta, Ga., property strictly prohibits cell phones, allowing their use only in the locker room and media center. The property does provide 24 land-line phones for those who need to place a call.
Augusta (Ga.) Municipal GC Keeps Prices Low for Masters Week
Though it’s a common practice for golf courses near Augusta National Golf Club to triple and even quadruple their normal rates during Masters Week, the municipal facility is charging just $50 for out-of-towners and $35 for residents, in hopes that it will increase rounds.
West Lake CC Steps Up Tennis Game
The Augusta, Ga., property is best known for golf, but is upgrading its tennis program. The property’s hard tennis courts have been resurfaced and pickleball courts have been added to the tennis center. The club is also organizing the inaugural Green Rackets Classic, a signature event that will be held two weeks after the Masters Tournament in April.
Augusta National GC Continues Buying Adjacent Properties
The Augusta, Ga., property continues to expand, and now owns at least 16 properties along Washington Road. Earlier this year, Billy Payne, Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Chairman, discussed plans to build a new tournament headquarters and media center on the site, which are expected to be complete by next year’s Masters Tournament.
West Lake CC Repositions Itself as “Full-Family Club”
Under new ownership since May 2015, the Augusta, Ga., property has introduced casual dining options, spa services, a youth room and a kid-friendly water slide at the pool, and reports it is no longer hemorrhaging members. At the nearby Jones Creek Golf Club in Evans, Ga., General Manager Ray Mundy also emphasized the importance of creating a “lifestyle club,” noting that golf has become the “four-hour game in a four-second world.”
USA Today Marks Mini Golf Centennial
To celebrate the game’s 100th anniversary, Amanda Kulkoski, who produced and directed the documentary “Through the Windmill,” and says the game is seeing an artful resurgence in cities, shared her top-10 favorite miniature golf links throughout the country, from Connecticut to California.