Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley held his annual press conference on Wednesday and spoke about several topics, including Hurricane Helene, pace of play on golf courses and more. 

Ridley opened the press conference by thanking employees of the Augusta National Golf Club for all their hard work following Hurricane Helene.

“One of our guests last week referred to the course as a beautiful painting, and I could not agree more,” Ridley said. “We’ve celebrated the natural beauty of this property for many years. It is the commitment of our horticulture and agronome teams and our entire Augusta National staff that we will never take for granted. As we are here today, only six months after Hurricane Helene swept through our community, that sentiment has never meant more than it does at this moment. The spirit of our entire Augusta National family throughout the challenges of the months that followed Helene will be signature of the 89th Masters Tournament.”

When it came time to the Augusta National course itself, Ridley said it was about 48 hours after the storm when he was able to get to the Augusta National Golf Club to see the damage and begin the cleanup process. 

“It was a monumental effort. I think at times we had well over 200, 250 people on the property,” Ridley said. “But what I think is more important and what really was something that had an impact on me was the way our employees went into the community and really started focusing their efforts, in addition to the work they had to do here, but how they could help their fellow citizens of Augusta. Many of those people were impacted themselves. They had trees fall on their houses, their cars, properties were littered with debris and trees. But it was really amazing what they did to help others.”

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Other projects 

Before Hurricane Helene hit the CSRA, Ridley said the Augusta National Golf Club completed two projects. First is that Map and Flag, the official Masters hospitality experience, is officially opened. The success of Map and Flag has the Augusta National considering what else may be possible. 

Second is phase 1 of the players service project, which is complete. Phase 1 is a private underground parking structure to accompany phase 2 of the players service project.

“Phase 2… is the players services building itself will feature state of the art fitness, physio and locker rooms, as well as a dining room where a player can enjoy meals with their families as well as their support teams,” Ridley said. “This improvement is on pace for a full opening in 2026 and will offer the competitors in the Masters facilities from arrival until departure unlike anything in sports. The players services project underscores our continued commitment to all we can to serve the participants in the Masters during their time here.”

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Women’s Amateur and Drive, Chip and Putt

Ridley also congratulated Carla Bernat Escuder on winning the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the eight winners of the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals. Both are annual events held at the Augusta National Golf Club the weekend before Masters week.

“This year we saw 47 of the 50 women amateurs in the world, representing 22 countries and 32 U.S. colleges,” Ridley said. “Carla’s win was against the very best and is an incredible achievement. Congratulations also to our eight drive, chip and putt national champions who won their divisions on Sunday. I hope all the competitors will treasure and share their memories, which I know will be an inspiration to others.”

Carla Bernat Escuder of Spain with the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Trophy during the trophy presentation after winning the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 05, 2025.

2025 Masters

Ridley also spoke about the 2025 Masters and about two-time Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler who is looking to defend his title and become the fourth champion to win back-to-back green jackets and the 9thchampion to win three Masters Tournament. 

“He will be challenged this week by an outstanding field represented by 26 countries, including 90 professionals and five amateurs,” Ridley said. “Among our amateur’s this week is Justin Hastings, the winner of the 2025 Latin America Amateur Championship.”

Amateur Justin Hastings of Cayman Islands, winner of the 2025 Latin America Amateur Championship, at the Founders Circle during practice round 3 prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, Wednesday, April 09, 2025.

Ridley also mentioned that two-time Masters Champion Bernhard Langer will be competing in his final tournament on the 40th anniversary of his first Masters win. 

Also significant Ridley said, is that with the 2025 Masters Tournament is that it has been 50 years since Lee Elder became the first Black man to compete in the Masters.

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Issues facing the game of golf

Ridley also spoke on two issues facing the game of golf: pace of play and distance. With the size of the Masters field this year, there are 95 players, pace of play is at the front of minds. 

“Playing without undue delay as the rules and games tradition dictates, is an essential skill of golf at all levels,” Ridley said. “Recognizing the challenges professionals face each week, I also believe pace of play is an important element of the examination of the world’s best players. 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. I want to encourage continued dialogue on this topic, especially at the professional levels which serve as the most visible presentation of our sport.”

The other issue is the distance of golf courses. Ridley said the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have been studying the issue. 

“Once again, I am here confirming our support of the governing bodies and their efforts to address the issue of distance,” Ridley said. “Together the R&A and USGA have been deliberative and collaborative in their efforts on this topic to arrive at a decision, which was in fact announced in 2023. Implementation is the next challenge as well all knew it would be. It is critical for the good of the game that all stakeholders work together as this issue evolves. I’m encouraged by the constructive and positive discussions that are aimed at successfully implementing this important change.”

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