Augusta National is to break with years of tradition by hosting a women’s golf tournament at the Georgia-based club next year.
In his first press conference at a US Masters as chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, Fred Ridley announced the establishment of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship, an annual event that will be played the week before the Masters.
The 54-hole stroke play tournament will feature 72 players from around the world and will include winners of big amateur events and the highest rated player in the World Amateur Ranking.
“Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts left behind a legacy of always trying to contribute meaningfully to the game of golf,” said Ridley. “The Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship embodies that principle, and we believe this event will have a significant and lasting impact on the future of the women’s game.”