"Televising the Masters® live in HD again this year allows USA Network to continue giving its viewers the best opportunity to experience one of the world's greatest golf tournaments while capturing the beauty of Augusta National Golf Course," said Doug Holloway, President of Affiliate Relations.
The Tournament consists of four-day stroke playing of 18 holes each day. The first Tournament was held in 1934 and shortly became an annually scheduled event every April. During the 1970's, the two founders of the Masters Tournament passed away. In 1997, Tiger Woods broke the Tournament four-day scoring record that had stood for 32 years. Last year, Mike Weir won the Tournament becoming the first left-handed player in the history of the Masters to win the championship.
Augusta National continues its practice of making significant contributions to the world of golf and the local community. This year, over $3.2 million will be distributed. The national First Tee initiative will receive $1 million for its program. Since 1998, Augusta National has given $5 million to the organization. The CSRA Community Foundation will receive a gift of $1.25 million. Since 1997, the Foundation has received $6.25 million from Augusta National. Others receiving significant contributions are the major golf organizations and FORE! Augusta. Earlier, Augusta National made a $500,000 commitment to the Tiger Woods Foundation.
USA Network is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. USA Network is available in 81% of all U.S. homes and is seen in over 86 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com.
