By Alex Myers
Augusta-area adults who count on the economic impact from the Masters each year are hopeful the annual golf tournament is held in November as planned. Regardless, the region’s kids will have a great time that week.

Aiken County on Tuesday became the latest area to modify its school schedule to accommodate the Masters by announcing the creation of a new fall break the week of Nov. 9, according to the Augusta Chronicle. Students will have that Monday through Friday off, although many will probably work at the tournament. This also allows families the opportunity to go away for the week and rent their homes to patrons without their kids missing any school.

Aiken followed the lead of Richmond County, where Augusta National Golf Club is located. Last month, the Augusta Chronicle reported the Richmond County Board of Education unanimously approved a new fall break that week as well, a testament to the importance of the tournament to the area.

In both cases, there are obviously scheduling tradeoffs. Those attending Richmond public schools will return from their summer break three days earlier and have a shortened Thanksgiving break. In Aiken, the extra time has been added to the end of the school calendar.

The Masters, originally scheduled for April 9-12, was postponed due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Augusta National has been closed to its members during this time.

“In collaboration with the leading organizations in golf, Augusta National Golf Club has identified November 9-15 as the intended dates to host the 2020 Masters,” said Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley in a statement last month. “While more details will be shared in the weeks and months to come, we, like all of you, will continue to focus on all mandated precautions and guidelines to fight against the Coronavirus. Along the way, we hope the anticipation of staging the Masters Tournament in the fall brings a moment of joy to the Augusta community and all those who love the sport.

“We want to emphasize that our future plans are incumbent upon favorable counsel and direction from health officials. Provided that occurs and we can conduct the 2020 Masters, we intend to invite those professionals and amateurs who would have qualified for our original April date and welcome all existing ticket holders to enjoy the excitement of Masters week.”

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By Joel Beall
A year after a major crackdown on re-selling and scalping badges, the Masters has made another change to its gate-entry policy.

Officials have limited the amount of times a patron can enter the grounds for the 2019 tournament, down to two per day. The guideline had allowed for three entries the past two years. The news, which is posted on the Masters website, was first noticed by the T.

Patrons have used this re-entry mostly to store merchandise purchases in their vehicles. However, some have shared their badges with family members or friends throughout tournament week, or in other cases, sold their badges to those seeking entry on the venerated grounds.

In recent years Masters officials have given merchandise storage space to patrons, allowing them to dispose of their purchases without having to leave the property, while simultaneously attempting to curb re-sells.

The policy will be enforced during all tournament rounds and practice days. That includes the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship.

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By Alex Myers
In the past couple years, Augusta National has created the most-talked-about media centre and merchandise shop in golf. But now the club is focused on giving one of its most famous landmarks a facelift.

According to the Augusta Chronicle, the club’s Eisenhower Cabin is undergoing a renovation. The historic structure near the course’s 10th tee and practice green was originally built for President Dwight Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, in 1953. It is one of 10 cabins on the property, but is the largest with three floors, including a basement that used to house Secret Service members. It’s also the only cabin with a gold presidential seal hanging over the front porch.

A longtime member at Augusta National, Eisenhower, not a particularly good golfer, hit a loblolly pine on the 17th hole so often it was called “Ike’s Tree.” Despite his attempt to have it removed, the tree stood until an ice storm knocked it down in 2014. Augusta National’s Par 3 course also features Ike’s Pond, where we’re guessing the 34th President dunked a few balls.

An Augusta National spokesman confirmed to the Chronicle that renovations began this summer to “update the cabin’s infrastructure to modern standards while at the same time preserving its historical nature.” The project is expected to be done by October, the latest example of the club’s efficiency when it comes to construction.

The club has also been busy buying up area land in recent years and is rumoured to be contemplating changes to its famed 13th hole. In the meantime, a new tee box was added to the fifth hole earlier this year that will make the par 4 play 30 yards longer for the 2019 Masters.

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By Joel Beall
When Augusta National bought land from neighbouring Augusta Country Club last summer, many believed the transaction signaled big changes to Amen Corner. Although a leaked letter in August confirmed these premonitions, it appears other changes are afoot at ANGC.

According to a report from the Augusta Chronicle, the 455-yard fifth hole could undergo renovation for the Masters. Preliminary site plans filed Jan. 30 with the Augusta Planning and Development Department, according to the Chronicle report, show a design that moves the tee box back 20 to 30 yards. Work would not begin until May 1, with the alterations done before the 2019 Masters.

The fifth hole has been far from a pushover in recent years, with the field logging just 21 birdies versus 82 bogeys or worse last year (4.212 average, fifth-toughest hole on the course). If Augusta National goes through with the project—an Augusta National spokesman told the Chronicle the club is still exploring its options—it would be the first significant modification to the course since 2006 when six holes were lengthened.

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