RYE, N.Y. – Whether leading his Atlanta law firm, the decade-long effort to land the Centennial Olympics in his hometown or as Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club for 11 years, Billy Payne led with two guiding principles: no dream is too big and no detail is too small.

For embodying and exemplifying the best spirit and traditions of the sport of golf, Payne was the 2025 recipient of the Gold Tee Award, the Met Golf Writers Association’s highest honor.

As MGWA board member Martin Davis pointed out in the dinner program, Payne spearheaded four major initiatives – his personal grand slam, if you will – during his 11 years as Chairman of Augusta National that have had social repercussions far beyond the confines of the club.

The first was the admission of women as Augusta National member

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