Ridley Begins His Reign As Augusta National Chairman

Fred Ridley, left, is shown in 2007 with then-Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Billy Payne, center, and Craig Heatley. On Monday, Ridley took over as the seventh chairman in club history.

Rob Carr / Associated Press file

Fred Ridley recalls soaking up the ambience of Augusta National a week before his debut in the 1976 Masters as the U.S. Amateur champion. He was alone under the massive oak tree next to the clubhouse when he turned around and realized he had company.

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Clifford Roberts, co-founder of the club and the first chairman of the Masters, was standing behind him.