Masters: Augusta National chairman says “failure’s not an option” on driving distance

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley has delivered one of his strongest statements yet in support of reducing elite driving distances in golf, emphasising the need to protect the sport’s integrity.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of this week’s Masters, Ridley said the club supports governing bodies’ efforts to address ballooning distances, signalling a firm stance on a contentious issue.

"My feeling on this subject is [that] failure's not an option," said Ridley, who has been Augusta National chairman since 2017. 

"I think we need to continue to work together to come to some agreement. Tough issues like this require compromise, and I think there has been some compromise to date."

Ridley stressed that Augusta National’s support extends beyond its own course. 

"I want to reemphasize that support and affirm our position as the USGA and R&A represent their collective obligation as custodians of the game," he said. 

"I also want to be clear that our position is grounded on much more than protecting the Augusta National golf course. We will continue to make modifications as are necessary to react to driving distances that in some cases exceed 350 yards."

Ridley cited an example from this week’s practice rounds: amateur Jackson Herrington, the 2025 U.S. Amateur runner-up, drove balls over the fairway bunkers on Nos. 1 and 5. 

"About a 325-yard carry, and one was into the wind," Ridley said.

Course length adjustments at Augusta National have been ongoing. The Masters tees on the par-4, 445-yard opening hole were moved back 20 to 25 yards in 2002 and a further 15 to 20 yards in 2006. The par-4 fifth hole was lengthened to 445 yards in 2003 and extended by another 40 yards in 2019.

Ridley highlighted the physical limits of further course modifications. 

"I've said that we can make changes, but there's not much we can do to make [additional] changes -- unless we tear down the Eisenhower Cabin, and we're not going to do that," he said of the iconic cabin near the 10th tee, built for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. 

"We'll make changes when we can, but I think it's time to really address this issue. It's been talked about for a long time. There's certainly commercial interests that are at play here, and we all know what those are."

The USGA and R&A are reviewing whether a rollback should apply to all golfers on a single date instead of a staggered implementation, with the consultation period ending on 16 April.

"Unfortunately, many courses, including some iconic venues, do not have that option," Ridley said, pointing to the challenges of accommodating increased lengths.

"Until recent years, golf has been a game of imagination, creativity, and variety. The game has become much more one-dimensional."

Ridley emphasised that equipment regulation would largely affect elite players.

"Regulation of the golf ball is not an attempt to turn back time or stifle progress," he said. "It is an effort to preserve the essence of what makes golf the great game that it is."

Watch Ridley's comments here:

In a separate matter, Ridley confirmed Augusta National’s support for Tiger Woods’ decision to step back from competitive golf and his administrative roles with the PGA Tour following his DUI arrest in Florida on 27 March. 

Woods contributed to course redesigns at Augusta and the new nine-hole short course at The Patch, opening 15 April, as well as the forthcoming TGR Learning Lab.

"I would like to add that we fully support Tiger's recent decision to focus on his health and well-being," Ridley said. 

"Our commitment to the TGR Foundation and to Tiger personally has not wavered. We wish him the very best."