Any lingering prospect of a Women’s Masters has been dismissed by the chairman of Augusta National, Fred Ridley, who has reiterated that its efforts to improve the female element of golf will focus on the amateur game.
The inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur tournament concluded at the home of the Masters, to much acclaim, on Saturday. When asked during annual pre-Masters media duties on Wednes day whether this could develop into a professional event, Ridley was dismissive.
“Augusta National was co-founded by the greatest amateur of all time [Bobby Jones],” Ridley said. “To date, all of our grow-the-game initiatives have been focused on amateur golf and amateur golfers.
“We elected to conduct a women’s amateur tournament for really that same reason. I do think that what has happened is going to translate and be a real benefit for professional golf and for the LPGA.
“The LPGA is clearly the strongest women’s sports organisation in the world. They now have a group of women who were spotlighted for three hours on Saturday who will be joining the LPGA Tour after the collegiate season. I have to think they will be well received there. Our focus throughout our history, as far as our efforts to promote the game outside of the Masters, has always been on amateur golf.”
Ridley claimed the ANWA winner, Jennifer Kupcho, had received a “fanfare” when completing television duties in New York on Monday.
He also confirmed Augusta will observe what moves are made by golf’s governing bodies in respect of driving distances before deciding whether to extend the 13th hole. Extra land was purchased by the club behind the existing 13th tee amid concerns the par‑five had been rendered too short – or easy – by modern equipment. The R&A and USGA may yet implement restrictions aimed at limiting ball flight.
“Amen Corner is a sacred place in the world of golf,” the chairman added. “I am hesitant to move too quickly in that regard. My preference would be to see what happens, what the governing bodies decide is best for the game, and we will take appropriate action in response to that.”
