Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley, a prominent figure in golf, turned heads by discussing women’s basketball on the eve of the Masters tournament. He expressed admiration for Caitlin Clark, a standout player in women’s basketball, noting her ability to captivate the sporting world with her passion and energy.
Ridley admitted to not having watched much women’s basketball, but he was drawn to Clark’s performance in the last few games of the season. He acknowledged the surge in TV ratings for women’s basketball, surpassing the men’s final by 4 million viewers, while women’s golf, despite U.S. star Nelly Korda’s success, has received limited national attention.
Ridley emphasized the appeal of amateur athletes, highlighting the potential for young women, including those participating in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, to make a significant impact. He expressed the need for more compelling individuals in both golf and basketball, referring to them as ‘unicorns’ and stressing the importance of nurturing such talent.
His comments shed light on the evolving landscape of women’s sports and the quest for exceptional talents to elevate the profile of various disciplines. As the sporting world continues to evolve, Ridley’s perspective offers insights into the significance of unique and inspiring individuals in shaping the future of sports.
