Masters Chairman Responds to PGA Tour Claim, Points to Golf’s ‘Ecosystem’
Speaking on March 11 at the Tour’s Global Home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Brian Rolapp pointed out that the PGA Tour does not own or run any of the four major championships. Now, Masters Chairman Fred Ridley has spoken on the issue.
Rolapp added that the organizations behind the majors are funded through professional golf. Fred Ridley reminded, "I think it's important to note that there are a number of golf organizations, including ours, that make the journey to the PGA TOUR possible."
"There are a number of grassroots organizations. I won't name them all. I think you know what they are," he told reporters during Wednesday's press conference.
Ridley referred to the system that develops players before they reach the PGA Tour. Circuits like the American Junior Golf Association, college golf under the NCAA, and governing bodies such as the USGA and The R&A run amateur events that help players progress to the professional level.
via Usta
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"Certainly, our collegiate system is the most direct pathway to the PGA TOUR and provides the PGA TOUR with the best-trained and best-prepared players," added Ridley.
Fred Ridley also reflected on the field this year, which he suspected featured multiple alumni from the American Junior Golf Association.
Fred Ridley Described Meeting With Brian Rolapp
"I had a chance... Brian was nice enough to come to Augusta in early February, and we spent a good half a day together talking about a lot of topics," said Ridley.
"We talked a lot about collaboration, and I thought it was a very positive conversation," he added.
The Tour also holds no financial stake in the majors or its own flagship event, The Players Championship.
During the same March 11 appearance, Rolapp suggested that closer commercial ties across the sport could benefit all involved. One possibility that has been discussed is a renewed connection between the Tour and the PGA of America, which runs the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.
The two sides have been separate since 1968, when players split over issues related to prize money and control. Do you think the PGA Tour should have a stake in the majors?
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Written by
Aditi Singh