Augusta National Chair Fred Ridley said site work has begun on a "global broadcast village" across the street from the course, according to Thomas Stinson of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. The village, which has "been in development for the past few years, will be accessed by a tunnel" to be built under Washington Road (the main road outside the golf course) "without having to close it." Construction will "begin this summer on what is described as a 'multi-year development.'" The centerpiece will be a "new television and digital compound." Ridley said, "The result of this project will be a pathway into the future as we expand various tournament services, including initially a state-of-the-art television and digital compound" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 4/11).
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: In Jacksonville, Garry Smits notes Ridley confirmed that the club is "mulling the possibility of building a dedicated exit ramp off I-20, more than a mile away, that will take patrons, players and club members directly onto the property and bypass congested, clogged Washington Road." Ridley said, "Certainly it would be a great benefit for the tournament, but I’m sure it’s something that will continue to be discussed" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 4/11).
