Masters Announces Charitable Contributions
Hootie Johnson, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today that the Masters would continue its practice of making significant contributions to the world of golf and the local community. This year approximately $3.4 million will be distributed. Over the last nine years the Masters has made contributions in excess of $29 million.
The First Tee national youth development program will receive $1 million for its program. Since 1998, the Masters has given over $9 million to the organization. The First Tee was created to provide affordable access to the game of golf for young people who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play.
"Augusta National Golf Club has been an important part of The First Tee since our founding," said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., Executive Director of The First Tee and Senior Vice President of the World Golf Foundation. "Without their consistent generous support we would not have been able to reach the 675,000 young people that we have, 217,000 of them just last year. Augusta National became a supporter of The First Tee when we were just a concept, and they have stayed with us as we have grown to 253 facilities in 44 states and five other countries. We value the faith they have shown in us."
The Community Foundation for the CSRA will receive a gift of $1.25 million. Since 1997, The Community Foundation has received over $11.2 million from the Masters. The Community Foundation is an Augusta-based foundation that evaluates then selects worthwhile Augusta area charities to receive contributions.
"The Community Foundation is extremely grateful for this most generous gift," said Lee Smith, President and CEO of The Community Foundation for the CSRA. "And, the Foundation is truly honored to be a conduit for Augusta National via grants to deserving not-for-profit organizations in the six counties contiguous to Augusta. These unrestricted dollars will positively impact every culture in our region. The philanthropic tradition of Augusta National is remarkable and this community is genuinely thankful for all they have done and continue to do."
 Can last years excitement be matched?
As play begins at The Masters, the golfer in all of us is reborn. After a long winter's wait, The Masters Golf Tournament offers us the beginning of a new golf season. Dogwoods and Magnolias in full bloom, pristine green fairways lined with tall, stately Georgia Pines, and the world's greatest golfers at the world's most prestigious event -- this is The Masters Golf Tournament. No other golf tournament in the world can match its pageantry.
In 2005 the Masters will be forever defined as a nail biter of a finish as Tiger Woods made a 15 foot birdie putt on the first hole of sudden death to win his fourth Green Jacket. Don't you wish you had been standing by the 18th green as his putt fell?
If you have never been to Augusta National and The Masters Golf Tournament, you can't fully appreciate the greatness of the course or the event. On merit, Augusta National is world-renowned. In person, it is overwhelming. While a Masters Golf Tournament telecast is memorable - attending The Masters Golf Tournament may be the most unforgettable experience of your life.
SGH Golf can put you into this special sports environment. Over the years, we have been able to develop the necessary relationships needed to package the most prestigious event in all of golf, indeed in all of sports, The Masters Golf Tournament. You, the client, are provided with a unique blend of accommodations, guaranteed tickets, Magnolia Manor luxury hospitality building, first class transportation, quality dining, golf at some of the finest courses in the South, and SGH travel directors available to make your stay more enjoyable.
Everyone should have the opportunity to experience The Masters Golf Tournament. Why not make this your year?
The Masters Golf Tournament is also the ultimate destination for your next incentive trip, meeting or customer appreciation trip.
View some of the sample itineraries which can be customized to fit your exact requirements and budget by selecting a menu item to the left.
 What's new for this year.
Hootie Johnson, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today changes to six holes, Nos. 1, 4, 7, 11, 15 and 17, for the 2006 Masters.
"Since the first Masters in 1934, this golf course has evolved and that process continues today," Johnson said. "As in the past, our objective is to maintain the integrity and shot values of the golf course as envisioned by Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie. Players' scores are not a factor. We will keep the golf course current with the times."
The changes on the first nine holes are:
Hole No. 1: Masters tee will be moved back 15-20 yards. Trees added to the left side of the fairway. Masters scorecard: Approximately 455 yards
Hole No. 4: Masters tee will be moved back 30-35 yards. Masters scorecard: Approximately 240 yards
Hole No. 7: Masters tee will be moved back 35-40 yards. Green re-grassed to create possible right-rear pin position. Trees added to the right and left side of the fairway. Masters scorecard: Approximately 450 yards
"At hole Nos. 1 and 7 we want to emphasize accuracy off the tee while continuing to maintain the integrity of the holes," Johnson said. "At No. 4 we want to keep the hole as it was intended to be played as a long par 3."
On the second nine the changes include:
Hole No. 11: Masters tee will be moved back 10-15 yards. Trees added to the right side of the fairway and fairway shifted to the left. Masters scorecard: Approximately 505 yards
Hole No. 15: Masters tee will be moved back 25-30 yards and shifted approximately 20 yards to the golfer's left. Masters scorecard: Approximately 530 yards
Hole No. 17: Masters tee will be moved back 10-15 yards. Masters scorecard: Approximately 440 yards
"The changes on the second nine holes again stress accuracy off the tee and maintaining shot values," said Johnson.
With the changes, the golf course yardage increases to approximately 7,445 yards (3,735 - 3,710) from 7,290.
Construction work began this month with completion scheduled for the fall.
|
