AUGUSTA, Ga. – Saying that no one should be disadvantaged in terms of ability to vote, President Augusta National and Masters Fred Ridley would not go so far as to condemn the controversial Georgia voting law that led Major League Baseball to the game All-Star from Atlanta and other corporations to criticize the legislation.
At his annual pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday at Augusta National, Ridley said that “the right to vote is fundamental in our democratic society. No one should be disadvantaged in exercising this right, and it is essential that all citizens have confidence in the electoral process. This is fundamental to who we are as a people.
“We realize that opinions and opinions on this law differ and there have been calls for a boycott and other punitive measures. Unfortunately, those actions often impose the greatest burdens on the most vulnerable in our society. And in this case, it also includes our friends. and the neighbors here in Augusta, who are the focus of the positive difference we’re trying to make. “
The 98-page measure was signed into law by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on March 25. Opponents of the law say, among other things, it will restrict access to voting, especially for people of color.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who last week announced that the All-Star Game will be moved from Georgia because of voter law, is a member of Augusta National. Ridley was not asked about his baseball position and, when asked for his personal opinion, said he should not shape the discussion.
“I believe and am confident that every member of this club believes that voting is an essential fundamental right in our society and that – as I said, anything that puts anyone at a disadvantage to vote is wrong and should be addressed,” Ridley said. . “I’m not going to talk about the specifics of the law, but I know that … I think there is a resolution and I think this resolution will be based on the fact that people work together and talk and have constructive dialogue because that’s how it works. our democratic society. And while I know you would like us to make a proclamation to that effect, I don’t think it will be helpful to finally reach a resolution. “
According to Federal Electoral Commission records, on December 1, Ridley donated $ 2,800 to the Perdue for Senate, $ 2,800 to the Georgia Senate Battleground Fund and $ 5,600 to WinRed, a Republican fundraising platform . David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler were Republican senators from Georgia, who each lost in a Jan. 5 elimination that saw the majority of the U.S. Senate move to the Democratic Party. Georgia was also won by President Joe Biden in November, amid unconfirmed allegations of voter fraud by then-President Donald Trump.
Ridley, who has served as Masters president since replacing Billy Payne in 2017, claimed that the Masters will honor Lee Elder on Thursday morning as honorary holder. Elder was the first black golfer to compete in the Masters in 1975. He will start the tournament with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.
Elder “bravely broke down barriers as his name was announced on the first tee,” Ridley said. “And I can’t wait to have the honor of introducing Lee and celebrating his inspiring legacy with our patrons and spectators around the world.”
Augusta National has committed to awarding two scholarships on behalf of Elder for golf programs at Paine College in Augusta, a predominantly black school. As part of this, the club has committed to starting a women’s golf program from scratch, regardless of the cost.
Cameron Champ is the only black Masters player with 88 players this week. He did his own work to predominantly support Black Golf College and said he was disappointed with Georgia’s new voting law.
“As you can see, it really targets certain black communities and makes voting more difficult, which for me is everyone’s right to vote,” Champ said before Ridley’s news conference. “For me, to see this is very shocking. Obviously, what MLB did and what they did in moving the All-Star game was an important statement. I know there are a lot of other organizations and companies that have moved things.
“This is a prestigious event and I know a lot of things are happening and the people involved in it. It was a little frustrating to see that. This week I will definitely be supporting a few things throughout the week.”