The Augusta Planning Commission have unanimously agreed a petition earlier this month from Augusta Nation Golf Club for the rezoning of around 38 acres of vacated land for future development.

Over the last 20 years, the golf course, which hosts the infamous and prestigious Masters tournament has acquired over 100 acres of mostly vacant land.

The Masters will continue to invest in technology, as it did with it’s latest upgrades which saw the ability for the tournament to track almost ever player’s shot throughout the four days. These developments though will see a “global broadcast village” built to be a brand new, state-of-the-art TV and digital base for the tournament, according to Masters Senior Director Buzzy Johnson.

The first major of the year is always the most anticipated of the four grandiose tournaments that take place in the Golfing calendar year, unless the Ryder Cup is taking place, in which that battle between Europe and America takes some precedence.

Johnson has explained that the TV compound “will be part of our television production that we send to over 220 countries around the world.”

“So it’s very important for us to consolidate this. I will say for one week of the year we’re a busy neighbour – but for 51 weeks we’re a pretty quiet neighbour,” he continued.

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club also commented on the developments: “It will greatly improve the environment and services for those who, along with you, help tell the story of the Masters. Through our ability to adapt and expand this facility, it will serve us well as we deliver quality content to our fans anywhere, any time.”

It’s great to see tournaments and brands that are so prestigious and steeped in tradition still looking for ways to reinvent themselves and keep up with the times, delivering one of, if not the, most fascinating and exciting golf products of the year.

The information in this article was provided by Front Office Sport.