AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta National chairman Billy Payne sat with the media Wednesday for his annual news conference. Topics usually range from serious, to humorous and this year’s session did not disappoint.
One topic, in particular, checked both boxes.
Payne has been dealing with back issues for several years and indicated that another major surgery in November has kept him from being able to play his beloved Augusta National.
“It is frustrating not to play golf, and I’m shooting for the middle of June,” Payne said. “Unfortunately we’re closed then. We may, however, open it up for one day.