Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced Tuesday that Executive Director Jim Armstrong, 65, will begin his transition to retirement this year, concluding a distinguished career of 35 years of service to the Club and the Tournament…
“Jim Armstrong has given Augusta National Golf Club more than three decades of exceptional vision, impressive leadership and outstanding service as our Executive Director,” Payne said. “Jim has certainly earned and deserves his retirement. As a consequence of his longtime commitment, he is leaving a permanent and positive impression upon the legacy of Augusta National, its membership and the Masters. On behalf of our members and staff, I sincerely and genuinely thank Jim for his personal and professional dedication to Augusta National Golf Club.”
Armstrong came to Augusta National Golf Club in 1978 and formally began directing the organization the next year. When he officially retires in September, he will have served five of the six Club Chairmen.
“My career at Augusta National Golf Club has been one of remarkable good fortune, and my affection for this wonderful place is immeasurable,” Armstrong said. “It is nearly impossible to put into words the privilege I have experienced in serving the Club in this role, and I thank Mr. Payne, Mr. Hootie Johnson and all previous Chairmen, the membership, my fellow employees and the countless other friends, associates and partners that made my career so rich and fulfilling.”
Payne also announced the appointment of Will Jones, 46, as the new Executive Director. Jones has worked alongside Armstrong and served the Club and Masters Tournament since 1993, and he currently holds the position of Senior Director of Business Affairs.
During this transition, Armstrong and Jones will work together ahead of the 2013 Masters and through the summer. Jones will continue to serve in his current capacity until Armstrong’s retirement.
“Jim’s commitment and dedication to this organization have established a standard of excellence that I know will endure under the future direction of Will Jones,” Payne said. “The successes we have enjoyed during Jim’s tenure have often been a direct result of his passion for what Augusta National and the Masters represent in the game of golf. Although he’ll be missed, Jim’s influence will be felt for many, many years to come.”
