The Masters—a Success Story for our State
Every April, the Augusta area and our state are treated to one of the very best sporting events in the world: The Masters. The best golfers from across the globe travel to Augusta to compete in the preeminent golfing event of the year and the sport’s most iconic major championship. While the golfers compete on the course on the game’s biggest stage, patrons are treated to world-class hospitality that only Augusta National knows how to deliver. From $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches to courtesy bag checks, efficient lines and helpful staff at every turn—The Masters treats their guests unlike any other.
At the Red Carpet Tour Welcome Event with Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp
And the impact of The Masters extends far beyond the field of play. Each year, the tournament brings in over 200,000 visitors and $120 million in revenue over 14 days—with hundreds of millions more in indirect economic benefit to the Augusta region and our state. Working together with Governor Kemp, we have created economic success stories like Augusta’s across our state—working to create more jobs, better pay, lower taxes, historic economic development projects, and the title of best state to do business in for ten years in a row—all while not only balancing our budget, but generating a historic $16 billion surplus for our state. I’m incredibly proud of the lasting, generational impact Augusta National and The Masters continues to play in our state’s overall economic success, and we will continue doing everything in our power to support that shared success.
Enjoying the Masters with local Representatives Gary Richardson and Mark Newton
And congratulations to Scottie Scheffler, this year’s Masters Champion—who played tremendously through four days at Augusta, shooting 11 under par and winning by four strokes. Even with his outstanding play, I was struck by his remarks at his press conference following the win on Sunday. He said, “When you’re here in the biggest moments, when I’m sitting here with the lead on Sunday, I really, really want to win badly. And my buddies told me this morning that my victory was secured on the Cross. That’s a pretty special feeling—to know that I’m secure for forever, and it doesn’t matter if I win this tournament or I lose this tournament, my identity is secure forever.” What a powerful statement and testament of faith, and certainly words to live by!
Over the weekend, we also some disheartening developments in the Middle East—with Iran launching a drone strike against Israel. Luckily, the vast majority of the drone attacks were intercepted and destroyed, but please join Dayle and our family in continuing to pray for peace in the Middle East while standing strong with our state and our nation’s number one ally.
I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead—and look forward to hearing from you soon!
My Best,
Speaker Jon Burns