Augusta National plays through debate over Ga voting law
PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer
April 7, 2021
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1of12The azaleas are beginning to pop as Jordan Spieth chips to the 13th green during his practice round for the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)Curtis Compton/APShow MoreShow Less
2of12Cameron Champ watches his tee shot on the second hole during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, in Augusta, Ga.Charlie Riedel/APShow MoreShow Less
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4of12The azaleas are beginning to pop as Dustin Johnson hits his bunker shot to the 12th green during his practice round for the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)Curtis Compton/APShow MoreShow Less
Masters: Augusta National plays through debate over Georgia voting law
The azaleas are beginning to pop as Jordan Spieth chips to the 13th green during his practice round for the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com
Cameron Champ watches his tee shot on the second hole during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Charlie Riedel
The azaleas are beginning to pop as Dustin Johnson hits his bunker shot to the 12th green during his practice round for the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com
Matt Slocum/AP
AUGUSTA, Ga. The applause started when Lee Elder’s golf cart began moving toward the first tee. It only got louder when he arrived and slowly made his way to his seat.
And moments later, Masters Chairman Fred Ridley said words 46 years in the making.
“Lee, it is my privilege to say, you have the honors,” Ridley said.
That prompted the first roar of the 2021 Masters Tournament.
Elder the first Black man to play the Masters rose from his chair, hoisted his driver skyward for a moment, then nodded, smiled and waved in appreciation of the hundreds of people who crowded around the first tee to see history happen. He joined Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus as an honorary starter for the Masters on Thursday morning, the first time he had been part of the ceremony.
Augusta National plays through controversy over Georgia s voting law
Spectators arrive at Augusta National Golf Course for a practice round for the Masters golf tournament on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (Charlie Riedel / AP) | April 7, 2021, 6:21 PM
April 7, 2021, 6:21 PM
AUGUSTA, Ga. While a tempest brews outside Magnolia Lane over Georgia s voting rights law, Augusta National would prefer to keep the focus on blooming azaleas, pimento cheese sandwiches and tricky greens. That strategy has served the home of the Masters well in previous debates over efforts to keep out Black and female members. So, it was no surprise when Chairman Fred Ridley played through any attempt Wednesday to ensnare his club in another contentious issue.
With a wave and smile, Lee Elder helps open the Masters Lee Elder waves with Gary Player before the ceremonial first tee the first round of the Masters golf tournament on Thursday, April 8, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (Source: AP Photo/Matt Slocum) By Associated Press | April 8, 2021 at 9:21 AM CDT - Updated April 8 at 9:21 AM
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) â The applause started when Lee Elderâs golf cart began moving toward the first tee. It only got louder when he arrived and slowly made his way to his seat.
And moments later, Masters Chairman Fred Ridley said words 46 years in the making.
âLee, it is my privilege to say, you have the honors,â Ridley said.