NEWS: After New Bill in GA, Civil Rights Group Calls for PGA to Move Masters Tournament from Augusta

With the Masters swiftly approaching, not everyone is on board with playing the tournament at Augusta National this year, which has hosted the prestigious tournament since 1934.

“The PGA Tour and Masters Tournament have both made commitments to help diversify golf and address racial inequities in this country — and we expect them to not only speak out against Georgia’s new racist voter suppression law — but to also take action.” https://t.co/v2Wwv7cbrU

— Golfweek (@golfweek) March 28, 2021

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a civil rights group, has implored the PGA to move the tournament away from the historic Georgia course, in response to a new voter’s bill that was recently passed. 

“The PGA Tour and Masters Tournament have both made commitments to help diversify golf and address racial inequities in this country — and we expect them to not only speak out against Georgia’s new racist voter suppression law — but to also take action,” said David J. Johns, the executive director of the NBJC. 

“Among the changes in the 96-page bill,is a new requirement of a photo ID to vote absentee by mail after more than 1.3 million Georgians voted absentee during November’s election. The bill also cuts the time period voters have to request an absentee ballot, limits where ballot drop boxes can be placed and when they can be accessed.”

USA TODAY

With a sticky situation now on their hands, look for the PGA to issue a response or statement in the coming weeks. For now, though, the plan remains to host the Masters at Augusta.

Those looking to tune into the tournament can do so the week of April 5, starting with practice rounds, and ending with tournament play from the 8-11. 

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