Augusta National Chairman Previews 90th Masters Tournament

Ridley discusses plans for new learning lab, community golf course, and support for Tiger Woods' hiatus.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the iconic Augusta National Golf Club clubhouse and grounds, with the building and landscape broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of green, white, and red, conceptually representing the multifaceted priorities of the club's leadership.Augusta National's chairman outlines a vision for the Masters that extends beyond the iconic tournament to support the local community and the game's future.Augusta Today

In his annual pre-tournament address, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley highlighted several key initiatives and updates ahead of the 90th Masters Tournament. Ridley paid tribute to past champion Fuzzy Zoeller, expressed support for Tiger Woods' recent decision to step away from golf, and detailed plans for a new TGR Learning Lab and the reopening of the community golf course The Patch.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and the chairman's address provides important insight into the priorities and vision of Augusta National as stewards of the game. Ridley's comments on supporting youth education, improving community golf access, and standing by top players like Woods demonstrate the club's broader role beyond just hosting the annual tournament.

The details

Ridley opened by honoring past champion Fuzzy Zoeller, who won the Masters in his tournament debut in 1979, a feat that has not been repeated since. He also expressed the club's full support for Tiger Woods' recent decision to focus on his health and well-being. Ridley then detailed plans to break ground later this year on a new TGR Learning Lab, the fourth location in the U.S. that will provide underserved youth with access to STEAM education and workforce development. Additionally, Ridley celebrated the reopening of Augusta's municipal golf course, The Patch, which now includes a new nine-hole short course called The Loop at The Patch, intended to make golf more accessible and affordable for the local community.

  • The honorary starters will take the tee at 7:25 AM on Thursday to officially open the 90th Masters Tournament.
  • Augusta National will break ground on the new TGR Learning Lab later this year, with a target opening date of 2028.
  • The Loop at The Patch, a new nine-hole short course, recently celebrated its grand reopening on Sunday evening.

The players

Fred Ridley

The chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the annual Masters Tournament.

Fuzzy Zoeller

A former Masters champion who won the tournament in his debut in 1979, a feat that has not been repeated since.

Tiger Woods

A five-time Masters champion who recently decided to step away from golf to focus on his health and well-being.

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What they’re saying

“Fuzzy's love of the game and vibrant personality endeared him to golf fans everywhere. We will miss him.”

— Fred Ridley, Augusta National Chairman

“I would like to add that we fully support Tiger's recent decision to focus on his health and well-being.”

— Fred Ridley, Augusta National Chairman

What’s next

The 90th Masters Tournament will officially begin on Thursday, April 10, 2026, with the honorary starters taking the tee at 7:25 AM.

The takeaway

Augusta National's chairman has outlined a forward-looking vision for the club, balancing its role as host of the prestigious Masters Tournament with initiatives to support the local community, youth education, and the well-being of top players like Tiger Woods. This multifaceted approach demonstrates the club's commitment to growing the game of golf beyond just the annual major championship.