Augusta National Chairman Dismisses Calls for Women's Professional Event
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley stated that the club has no plans to host a tournament for LPGA Tour and other women's professional golfers, citing difficulties in scheduling and maintaining the sanctity of the Masters. He also expressed support for equipment rollback measures proposed by the USGA and The R&A to address distance concerns in golf. The Masters tournament has seen changes in course length over the years, and Ridley hopes to avoid playing at 8,000 yards. Additionally, he addressed the participation of LIV Golf League members in the Masters and the impact of their absence on TV ratings, acknowledging the changing media landscape as a factor.