Masters reception celebrates partnerships between Augusta, Aiken County

Apr. 3—Collaboration and regional success were the highlight of the Mayor's Masters Reception on Sunday at the Augusta Commons.

The event, which has been held annually since 1999, brought together civic leaders from Columbia County in Georgia, North Augusta and the City of Aiken. During the event, 2016 Masters Tournament winner Danny Willett and former Masters Tournament Director Buzzy Johnson were presented keys to the city for their efforts within the CSRA.

Augsuta Mayor Garnett Johnson said the Masters Tournament goes far beyond the boundaries of Richmond County, pointing out that North Augusta houses and entertains those in town for the Women's Amateur, and that the women's tournament is held in Columbia County.

"Being a local from Augusta and growing up here all my life, I've had an opportunity to go to all the schools and be part of just working with Augusta ... ," said Buzzy Johnson, who received a distinguished service award said.

North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams, Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon and Columbia County Chairman Doug Duncan praised Buzzy Johnson for his collaborative efforts to achieve a regional economic impact.

"He understands that there is a river between South Carolina and Georgia; it's not a brick wall and we can come together and work together and this is a great example," Williams said.

" We all know that as a creek rises, all boats rise and I think that he sees that and has that vision and we are happy to be a part of it," Osbon said.

"He's reaching out across all spectrums to try and bring people together and isn't that what success is all about..." Duncan said. "Buzzy, I said earlier, if there is a single person in this community that has had an impact on economic development, it has been you because you have engaged the community along with Augusta National and I realize that you like being behind the scenes but the reality is a lot of people in this crowd have jobs because of the things that you did because of the help that you gave the community."

Baruti Tucker, who owns Humanitree House in Augusta, finds that the Masters Reception brings the community together.

"I think it means community. I wish that it was more focused on the community at large, but this is why this event is precious because the people here, most of the people here, will not be at the tournament," Tucker said. "This is a way of sharing love and spreading the love, being a part of the tournament which is festive."

The Masters Tournament continues this week with practice rounds leading up to the kickoff on Thursday, April 6. For more information, visit masters.com.

Samantha Winn covers the cities of North Augusta and Augusta, with a focus on community oriented business and events. Follow her on Twitter: @samanthamwinn and on Facebook and Instagram: @swinnnews.