Last Sunday, the 87th edition of the Masters came to a thrilling end at Augusta with Jon Rahm winning his first-ever green jacket. The Spanish golfer successfully surged past LIV player Brooks Koepka, who was in a smashing form throughout the event. Their showdown gave the organizers much to be delighted about.
Per reports, the final round was the most-watched golf telecast on any network in five years. Following the huge success, Augusta chairman Fred Ridley helped raise a huge sum of money in support of First Tee at Tampa Bay, a non-profit organization.
Masters chairman Fred Ridley helps raise a huge sum of money for First Tee with Annika Sorenstam
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First Tee is a popular youth development organization that promotes character development and value in kids via golf. The organization enables golf-based personal growth programs, which help youngsters build essential life and leadership skills.
We had a lovely time celebrating the @FirstTeeTampa at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club last night. Chairman Ridley led a terrific tribute to Gary Koch, who is Chairman of their board. Nearly $1.5 Million was resided to help the 90k kids they impact each year. Awesome stuff! 🙏👏 pic.twitter.com/Vc4I9PH42u
— Mike McGee (@MikeMcGeeAnnika) April 14, 2023
Following a successful Masters at Augusta National, Chairman Ridley turned his focus toward raising money for the non-profit endeavor. Annika Sörenstam, who is regarded as one of the most prolific female golfers ever, also joined the Augusta chairman.
Together, they raised a massive sum of nearly $1.5 million. During the event, they honored Gary Koch, the chairman of the board at First Tee-Tampa Bay. Mike McGee, the husband of Annika Sörenstam, took to Twitter to reveal that the massive sum will impact the kids in a great way.
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Augusta witnesses PGA-LIV battle during the Masters
Ever since a good number of PGA Tour players defected to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, fans were eagerly looking forward to the 2023 Masters. This year, Augusta National delivered the excitement, and how! The viewership was up 19% from last year, as LIV golfers shut down their critics with good outings in Augusta.
Brooks Koepka made a stunning return after his dismal outing in 2022, finishing at T2. Meanwhile, 52-year-old LIV golfer Phil Mickelson powered through the leaderboard to tie for the second position with Koepka. Another LIV golfer who greatly enthralled his fans was none other than 2018 Masters winner Patrick Reed, who finished at T4 on the leaderboard.
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Watch This Story: ‘Never Had As Many People..’: Despite Winning $3.24 Million, Jon Rahm Makes a Humbling Confession About His Masters Stardom
What was your favorite moment from the Masters this year? Let us know in the comments below.