Masters Tournament chairperson warns golf not to become 'like every other sport'

Masters chairperson Fred Ridley is appreciative of the new changes brought into golf in recent times. However he has further added a warning about shaping the sport's future.

The rapid and dynamic changes in viewer mindsets and sport ideologies have put a question mark on golf's future. In an era where people are starting to prefer fast-paced events, how might a four-hour multi-day sporting event keep up? However, new leagues such as TGL and even LIV Golf have helped renewed interest in the game by bringing either technology or making it "louder".

Fred Ridley was asked about golf's future at the Latin America Amatuer Championship in Beunos Aires recently. While he welcomed the changes, with regards to TGL, he did have one warning about the nurturting the coming years. (via Golf.com):

"We don’t want golf to become like every other sport."

The 72-year-old reminded that the essence of the sport shouldn't be lost in the quest to make it more palatable to today's audiences.

"I think it’s important to remember to think about what makes golf so special. Why do we think all of us who love the game? Why do we think it’s the greatest sport, and it’s different than other sports?"

He highlighted all things that golf stands for.

"A lot of it has to do with the history and integrity of the game. You play by the rules. You call the rules on yourself. The honor of the game. The camaraderie that’s created by playing golf."

He further added:

"I think as we try to expand the fan base, we need to keep that north star in sight because we don’t want golf to become like every other sport. I think that’s a really important thing to think about."

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"It's in spectacular condition" - Fred Ridley gives update on Augusta National's condition

The 2024 Masters at Augusta National (Source: Getty)

Augusta National had incurred significant damage post Hurricane Helene. the natural disaster had ravaged the Southeastern regions of the US in September last year.

The iconic golf course had even delayed its fall opening for more than a month owing to the damages. However, after intensive repairs, the home of the Masters is as good as new. Except with the loss of a few trees.

Fred Ridley gave an important update regarding Augusta National this week (via Sports Illustrated).

"As far as the impact, the long-term impact, we have not quite as many trees as we did a year ago. As far as the golf course goes, it's in spectacular condition."

The course is ready to host the Masters in April this year.

"I think we had minor damage to the course, the playing surfaces themselves, but we were able to get that back in shape, but I don't think you're going to see any difference in the condition for the Masters this year."

The major championship will take place from April 10th to 13th 2025.