Old Timers and Former Champions at the Masters

[Davey S2]

Is it time that the organisers scrapped the automatic exemption for former winners at Augusta or at least limited it for say 10 years?

I'm all in favour of seeing the stars of yester year play but seeing the likes of Woosnam and Craig Stadler really struggling around the course is painful to watch not to mention they are keeping quite a few of the younger upcoming players from getting to start.

Augusta is a very special place, especially if you have won there so by all means turn up for the Champions Dinner and play in the par 3 contest but what's the point in playing in the main tournament if you are just going to muddle your way round in 20 over par for 2 rounds?

Woosnam said that yesterday was the first full round of golf he has played this year and he was 'tired'. Really, whats the point in playing?

Obviously people will fire back with 'What about people like Fred Couples? Well Fred usully is well within the top 50 so gets invited back based on merit rather than just as a past winner.

Perhaps we wouldnt have this issue if a few of the old timers realised they were a bit past it and it would be better to let the new generation play rather than just making up the numbers?

 

[Lump]

Maybe is should be looked at rather like our handicaps. You've got to have an active card to play in the masters (as a former winner). If you've not played in a year you wont be any good to play augusta.

 

[dotty001]

I was thinking this on day 1, tradition is 1thing but it's not good to see a 60 yr old guy hacking it round

Would rather a youngster got the chance

 

[scratch]

Agree 100%, there are so many good players on tour now that you really can't argue that all potential winners are included in the field.

Unfortunately, it is one of several things that devalues the event.

 

[Davey S2]

I even felt sorry for Arnold Palmer in the Par 3 tournament. Shanks and duffed shots all over the place. Not how he should be remembered.

Perhaps they could hold a qualifying event for former winners who don't get in on the top 50 rule or for winning other ranking tornaments by making them play 2 rounds of Augusta with with a target score to make sure they are at least mildly competitive?

 

[cookelad]

Takes the San Miguel when you think last year Ernie couldn't get a golden ticket (I'd have been tempted to take a photo of myself with the claret jug sticking 2 fingers up with my RSVP this year!) when no doubt there was an old boy knocking it round in the mid 80's!

 

[Imurg]

This, along with the TV issue, the small field and the Invitational aspect, are the reasons I think the Masters shouldn't be a Major.
The other Majors, I think, only give a 10 year exemption.
Woosie and the others who, lets face it ain't gonna win, effectively reduce the field to about 70.

 

[FairwayDodger]

Totally agree.

How about an 18 hole "past champs" comp played off forward tees earlier in the week?

 

[stevie_r]

Totally agree.

How about an 18 hole "past champs" comp played off forward tees earlier in the week?

Good idea

 

[6inchcup]

i have thought this myself for a few years,what is the enjoyment of watching past(it) players hacking about for 5+ hours slowing down play and generally getting in the way,they should go for the dinner reminisce about the old days and leave it at that,its sad watching the greats PALMER,BIG JACK and THE BLACK KNIGHT duffing it around the par 3 comp i think FALDO has the right idea,hang up the clubs and make a guest appearance knowing you will never be as good as you were.