Augusta National's New Boss

This blog typically doesn't focus on the affairs of private country clubs, but when that club annually host a major golf championship, the leadership has to be talked about. Today Billy Payne announced his resignation as chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club. Payne' tenure as chairman lasted 11 years. In that time, Payne over saw a number of projects and changes to Augusta National that included the following: 

• The creation of Berckmans Place 
• The expansion and creation of the new media center
• The purchase an acquisition of several parcels of land surrounding Augusta National
• Hosting the Drive Chip and Putt competition
• And most notably, the inclusion of female members to Augusta.

Perhaps most often overlooked during Billy Payne's tenure as chairman has been Augusta National's expansion into a quasi-governing body for the game of golf. This is most evident during the qualification and holding of the national Drive, Chip and Putt competitions for junior golfers. Augusta National, as a private club, stands alongside the country's governing body, the United States Golf Association, as well The PGA of America. During Payne's tenure, it was not uncommon for him to speak out on issues as they related to golf including the scandal involving Tiger Woods. 

Augusta National will now be led by Fred Ridley who will serve as the club's 7th chairperson.  Ridley is arguably the most recognizable name in golf to chair the famed club having been an accomplished amateur golfer (Ridley won the 1975 US Amateur).  Ridley is also the first chairperson of Augusta who has competed in The Masters Tournament. Ridley formally chairedthe competition committee which presumably will be reassigned to a new member while Ridley focuses on the day-to-day operations of the club and the Masters Tournament. 

First and foremost for Ridley will be what to do with the recently acquired land purchased by Augusta Golf Club.  Many have speculated that this will allow the club to expand the 13th hole which has become a routine birdie in the last several years.  There is also speculation that the club simply wanted to control the entire perimeter of the club and that this was the last piece.  There is little question that 13 has become an automatic birdie in the last few years - but that really isn't a bad thing.  Birdie/Eagle opportunities down the stretch on Sunday afternoon is what has built the Masters Tournament into the preeminent championship in golf.  Augusta has gone to great lengths to expand the course since Tiger's 1997 win.  It certainly does not need to make any changes to the course to keep the tournament exciting.  Ridley sits as chair of the center of the golf universe.  Not a bad spot to be in.