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…
Billy Payne to Step Down as Augusta National Chairman
Payne, 70, has led the home of the Masters for the past 11 years and will retire on October 16. Payne’s tenure saw the addition of the club’s first female members, upgrades to the property’s practice facility, and grow-the-game initiatives in Asia and Latin America. Fred Ridley, 65, will succeed Payne in the role. Having…
Masters Moment
The majority of the golf and club market is enjoying a period of stability that is a welcome relief from ten years of contraction, consolidation, and member attrition/transition.
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.
Augusta National GC, Masters Tournament to Donate $6M
The donation will help fund a new comprehensive cancer facility at the Georgia Regents University Augusta Cancer Center, and create a children’s camp for those with disabilities and illnesses. “We see this cancer facility and children’s camp as a way to help transform lives and serve the entire city, state, and region for many years to come,” said Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National and the Masters Tournament.
Ice Storm Claims Eisenhower Tree at Augusta National
The 65-foot-high loblolly pine that the former President and club member lobbied to have removed as a permanent impediment to his game when playing the 17th hole was removed after suffering major limb damage that made its recovery impossible, the club said. Damage was extensive at many other courses in the region, and then the week was topped off by a 4.1-magnitude earthquake.
Augusta National Buys $8.3M Land for Parking Lot
The club purchased and is in the process of razing a 456-unit apartment complex with plans to use the 9.8-acre site for parking and undisclosed support services. Bloomberg News reported that the land might eventually be the site of lodgings or corporate-entertainment facilities for its members and commercial partners.
Augusta National to be Featured in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters
Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, and EA Sports announced that Augusta National and the Masters would be featured in “Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters,” the next edition of the popular video game franchise. Payne also announced that all of the club’s earning from the game will go to…
Nicklaus Becomes Masters Honorary Starter
Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta (Ga.) National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced that six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus will join Arnold Palmer as an Honorary Starter for the 2010 Masters. “I am honored that Jack Nicklaus has accepted our invitation,” Payne said. “We are delighted and fortunate to have such a great ambassador…