Chairman speaks today

Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, will make his annual state of the tournament address at 11 a.m. today.

The chairman is expected to update the tournament’s various initiatives and typically uses this forum to announce any major changes to the course or tournament.

Expected tournament-related questions include any planned changes to Augusta National’s layout or any potential changes to the qualifications used to invite participants.

It is also expected that Payne will be asked if there are any plans for Augusta National to invite a female member. Media reports last week about the all-male club’s lack of female membership revived the issue that drew national attention a decade ago.

As a private club, Augusta National usually declines comment on questions about its membership policies.