AUGUSTA, Ga. – In a candid address during the annual State of the Masters press conference on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley tackled pressing issues surrounding the pace of play and the inclusion of controversial figures in the tournament. As the golf world gears up for the 89th Masters, Ridley emphasized the importance of maintaining a brisk pace on the course, particularly in light of recent criticisms regarding slow play at the professional level.
Ridley opened the discussion by highlighting the need for a more efficient pace of play, stating, "Playing without undue delay, as the rules and the game's traditions dictate, is an essential skill of golf at all levels." He pointed out that this issue has become paramount this season, especially with the Masters field featuring 95 competitors, slightly above the recent average of 90. Ridley expressed concern not only for the players but also for the fans, who deserve a timely and engaging experience.
In an effort to combat slow play, Ridley announced that next year’s Drive, Chip & Putt competition, which takes place the Sunday before the Masters and features boys and girls aged 7-15, will likely implement time limitations. He remarked, "I think it's safe to assume that next year at the Drive, Chip & Putt, you will see some sort of time limitations placed on the competition." This decision aims to instill a sense of urgency among young golfers and set a positive example for future generations.
Ridley also addressed the use of the AimPoint system, a controversial green-reading method that has gained traction among professional players. He noted that some participants in the Drive, Chip & Putt competition took an excessive amount of time to line up their putts, which further exacerbated the slow play issue. "I think that example really illustrates the problem, and unfortunately, these young people are looking to their heroes who play the game each week for a living as to how they're going to approach competitively playing the game," he explained.
In addition to the pace of play, Ridley faced questions about the inclusion of 2009 Masters champion Angel Cabrera in the tournament field. Cabrera, who is making his first appearance since serving a prison sentence for domestic violence, has drawn criticism from women's rights groups. Ridley stood firm in his defense of Cabrera, stating, "We certainly abhor domestic violence of any type. As it relates to Angel, Angel has served the sentence that was prescribed by the Argentine courts, and he is a past champion, and so he was invited." Cabrera himself responded to the controversy, saying, "I respect their opinion, and everybody has their own opinion, and I respect that. Life has given me another opportunity, I got to take advantage of that and I want to do the right things in this second opportunity."
Ridley’s comments come at a time when the LPGA and PGA Tours are also grappling with slow play. Both tours have introduced stricter policies and penalties in an attempt to address the issue. The Korn Ferry Tour’s upcoming Lecom Suncoast Classic will be the first tournament to implement a one-stroke penalty for a first offense regarding slow play, moving away from merely issuing warnings.
Reflecting on the broader implications of slow play, Ridley noted, "Golf is a special game because it requires us to be considerate while also being competitive. Respecting other people's time, including, importantly, the fans who support the game, is a fundamental courtesy." He encouraged ongoing dialogue about this issue, particularly at the professional levels, which serve as the most visible representation of the sport.
In addition to addressing slow play and Cabrera’s participation, Ridley took a moment to discuss the club's community involvement following Hurricane Helene. He praised the efforts of Augusta National's employees in supporting their community during recovery efforts, stating, "Our employees were out in the community distributing food, cleaning up the community and otherwise helping their fellow residents, even though many of these employees were victims of the hurricane themselves."
Ridley also touched on the club's commitment to transparency and community support, expressing a desire to strengthen the relationship between Augusta National and the local community. "I look at our connection to the community as being a relationship and not transactional," he said. "It’s amazing once you start giving, what happens and the opportunities that will be presented."
As the Masters approaches, Ridley highlighted two key issues facing the game: the ongoing distance debate and the critical need to address pace of play. He expressed support for the governing bodies’ efforts to implement solutions to distance issues, while also reiterating the importance of respecting competitors’ and viewers’ time on the course.
Looking ahead, Ridley confirmed that a new player support facility is set to open in 2026, which will include a locker room, dining facilities, and other amenities for players and their families. He also acknowledged the significance of the 50-year anniversary of Lee Elder becoming the first Black competitor in the Masters, calling him an inspiration to all.
As the excitement builds for this year’s Masters, Fred Ridley’s address underscores the commitment of Augusta National to both uphold the traditions of the game and adapt to the evolving needs of players and fans. The tournament promises to be a showcase of golf’s best, with a renewed focus on pace of play and a dedication to community involvement.
