Charlie Rymer, former PGA Tour player and now host of Golf Channel’s new “Road Trip Myrtle Beach” television show, was a guest on GolfTalk Live last week. Charlie is a great guy and a proud Georgian.
But, those Georgia folks don’t take to change kindly – especially when that change involves their beloved Augusta National Golf Club.
Rymer groused that the addition of rough (moderate as it may be) and a number of new trees, has changed the complexion of the Masters – for the worse.
“Each major has its own identity,” said Rymer. “This is the Masters. There are supposed to be roars for birdies and eagles. It is not supposed to be another U.S. Open. The way the course is now, there are no roars.”
I beg to differ. The players were en route to some pretty low scores – with Brandt Snedeker and eventual champion Trevor Immelman both in double digits below par after two rounds. Then came the wind … and everybody started backing up. Everybody except Immelman, who showed the steel nerves and huge heart of his hero – three-time Masters champion Gary Player.
I like Augusta’s new setup. At least there is some premium on driving accuracy. I don’t like it when the big boys can blast away off the tee, with no fear of penalty. I don’t want to see a major championship contested with on three clubs – driver, wedge and putter.
If they left Augusta National as it was a few years ago, they might as well just hand the trophy to Tiger Woods every year. Maybe there would be a rare upset by some other long-hitting player but there certainly would not be the emergence of two fine champions such as Zach Johnson (last year) and Immelman.
Tom Fazio, the world’s finest golf architect, has made the redesigns and renovations to Augusta National his personal passion. In my eyes, he has made one of golf’s greatest treasures even better.
You must have had one too many pimento and cheese sandwiches. Charlie is right, they have ruined the Masters. Now, the only Sunday charge will be to the bottom of the leaderboard.
ReplyDeleteWe don't need a series of Greg Norman-esque finishes. Bring back the old Augusta National. By the way, the shorter the course the better the chance for the shorter hitters.
If they want to "Tiger-proof" Augusta National, bring it down to 6,300 yards. If you really like it the way it is, you must have an affinity for pulling the wings off flies in your spare time.
Ace
I can't agree with those who say Augusta National is too hard. After two rounds this year Immelman and Snedeker were 10 and 11 under par. Then the winds kicked up and the scores soared. Blame the weather, not the course setup
ReplyDelete