Augusta, Georgia, United States: Augusta National Golf Club is to donate US$2 million to help coronavirus response efforts in its local district.

In a statement from Chairman Fred Ridley, the Georgia-based club is giving US$1 million to Augusta University for expansion of Covid-19 testing in the region, with another US$1 million gifted to Central Savannah River Area Emergency Response Fund, a joint endeavour by the United Way and the Community Fund.

The donation will allow Augusta University to triple its drive-through testing lanes, with an increase in medical personnel and supplies that will raise the amount of tests administered from 100 to 1,000 a day.

The Emergency Response Fund is focused on Augusta’s population most at risk of losing job support and income in the pandemic’s fallout.

“It is our hope these gifts will help address the many challenges brought about by the coronavirus throughout the City of Augusta and the greater region,” Ridley said. “We believe Augusta National has an important responsibility to support and protect the community who has so generously and consistently supported us for many years.

“We are grateful to the Community Foundation for their continued partnership during this unprecedented time and especially appreciative to the dedicated healthcare providers, first responders and many others working tirelessly to fight the effects of this pandemic. They are truly leading this important charge, and we hope these contributions will inspire others to support their efforts.”