When partner Fred Ridley became chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament last year, he wanted to use the organization’s stature to help inspire young women and girls to play golf through the dream of competing at Augusta National. Earlier this year, Augusta National announced its inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur tournament to be held the week before the Masters Tournament next April. Seventy-two of the top amateur women golfers from around the world will compete in the event, including many collegiate players and teenage future golf stars.
When Ridley announced plans to hold the tournament at his inaugural Masters press conference last April, he expressed the hope that this event could provide inspiration to girls and young women to develop interest in the game, stating, “I thought for us to have the greatest impact on women’s golf, we need to be committed to do this here at Augusta National.”
Last week, Ridley elaborated on his vision for this championship.
“Since the announcement of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April, we have remained determined to organize a competition that will provide a meaningful impact on the development of the women’s game,” he said. “While we aim to stage a first-class championship, our motivation goes beyond the scores posted between the ropes. By providing this opportunity and shining a brighter light on this important segment of the sport, we expect role models to emerge who will help inspire a new generation of golfers.”
Ridley’s vision has taken further shape with the announcement that NBC Sports will broadcast live, final-round coverage of the event, and that Augusta National has secured five presenting sponsors: AT&T, Bank of America, IBM, Mercedes-Benz and Rolex.
For more information about the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, click here.
