The Masters - A Major - Why?

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Ok - I had a thought and so I ask that simple question. Why should the Masters continue to be accepted as one of The Majors?

In many ways it can be seen as an anachronism - a tournament with values and perceptions of itself that are completely out of step with what golf is and should be today, and that has behaviours associated with it that would have Bobby Jones turning in his grave.

Is it still a major because the Augusta National Golf Club and TV 'demands' that it remains so? It has history and tradition yes - but most of that tradition is narcisistic, self-satisfied and nurtured into something beyond what it actually is, into a portentous disneyland of golf.

I'm serious. If we need four majors then the world of golf has expanded much over the last two decades and there are are I am sure at least a few suitable candidates out there - ready and willing to start their own Major Traditions. The world of majors does not need to be USA 3 - UK 1. The Masters should make way. It has had it's time - whenever that actually was - it's time is no more.

Puts on his coat - picks up his hat - and scarpers before the incoming flak arrives - calling over his shoulder as he runs 'I don't necessarily agree with the above - I'm just asking the question'

 

[In_The_Rough]

Cant imagine golf without the Masters TBH. If you gonna get rid of one to play elsewhere say Asia or Australia then scrap the PGA.

 

[Foxholer]

It's definitely a Major - and possibly the highest ranking one for players outside of UK!

Reason it's a Major? Because the players treat it with such reverence!

If there's a Major that could/should be downgraded, it's the USPGA. However, if that were to happen, I believe The Players would take its place, so still US 3 UK 1 Rest of World 0.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

It's definitely a Major - and possibly the highest ranking one for players outside of UK!

Reason it's a Major? Because the players treat it with such reverence!

If there's a Major that could/should be downgraded, it's the USPGA. However, if that were to happen, I believe The Players would take its place, so still US 3 UK 1 Rest of World 0.

Not suggesting for a second that The Masters doesn't have a place in every professionals 'must do' wish list. But some might say that these days, given the nature etc of what it is, it does not merit maintaining an equal status with either of the Opens (I am agnostic about the PGA). The statements 'it has always been a major' and 'the pros love/revere etc it' I understand as valid points but do they outweigh what is wrong with The Masters? If you think all is tickety-boo with the Masters and there is nothing wrong with it then fine. Just that some might not agree that all is tickety-boo with and about it.

 

[JustOne]

I don't have a problem with it being a major but after having watched it for 15yrs or so it was only the past couple of days that it dawned on me what a PUTTING FARCE it really is. Most of the greens would suit a 'crazy golf' kind of course. It's really a case of who can hole the most 'Mickey Mouse Putts' in 4 days that wins.

If they took 25% (or more) of the slopes out of the course I reckon the play would be far more exciting. I started finding all those missed putts rather tedious in the end.

 

[Andy808]

It's definitely a Major - and possibly the highest ranking one for players outside of UK!

Reason it's a Major? Because the players treat it with such reverence!

If there's a Major that could/should be downgraded, it's the USPGA. However, if that were to happen, I believe The Players would take its place, so still US 3 UK 1 Rest of World 0.

It's funny that you replace a major that changes courses with a competition that remains at the same course every year.

If you ask the players which major they want to win the most then it's normally the masters followed by the open when it's at St Andrews. It is a major because of where it's played.

You wouldn't move Wimbledon as it's the venue that is the draw for the pros and the crowds. It's the history, the mystique of the competition that makes it what it is and so highly prized by tennis players.

F1 drivers want to win at Silverstone not because it's the British grand Prix but because it's Silverstone. The same with Spa.

It's not just the title, it's the fact it is Augusta and it is The Masters. Yes the committee has it's own way of doing things but that is what makes it so special.
Personally I think they didn't quiet get it right this year. Yes it was a spectacular finish but it came too late. There wasn't the build up to that grand finale that they have managed to have in previous years, there were no big movers on the back 9 and a lot of that was down to the weather.

Would I move the masters or have another competition take it's place?

No, not a chance!

Only 51 weeks to go till the next one.

 

[Foxholer]

Not suggesting for a second that The Masters doesn't have a place in every professionals 'must do' wish list. But some might say that these days, given the nature etc of what it is, it does not merit maintaining an equal status with either of the Opens (I am agnostic about the PGA). The statements 'it has always been a major' and 'the pros love/revere etc it' I understand as valid points but do they outweigh what is wrong with The Masters? If you think all is tickety-boo with the Masters and there is nothing wrong with it then fine. Just that some might not agree that all is tickety-boo with and about it.

I think you need to clarify what 'some' - and more specifically, You - think what is perceived as wrong with The Masters.

I'm pretty sure those in charge of it believe they are upholding Jones's (and MacKenzie's) vision.

Remember that Golf Membership in US is vastly different to how it is in UK. Many clubs require references from Bank Managers rather than other members and fees can be 250K or more per year!! So some attitudes are going to be somewhat different in these sort of clubs - and Augusta is the epitome of such clubs.

It's funny that you replace a major that changes courses with a competition that remains at the same course every year.

If you ask the players which major they want to win the most then it's normally the masters followed by the open when it's at St Andrews. It is a major because of where it's played.

You wouldn't move Wimbledon as it's the venue that is the draw for the pros and the crowds. It's the history, the mystique of the competition that makes it what it is and so highly prized by tennis players.

Unlike my view of the Tennis Majors, I don't really care whether a Golf Major is held at a single course or moves. Having 2 of each does provide some symmetry though.

I think we agree on the other points.

 

[Sweep]

In a previous thread last week, I had to admit it was my favourite major. When I voted I think it was winning as most peoples favourite. I don't know what the final result was. However, I think this is a valid question. Probably more so now than ever. After the debacle at the weekend I am not sure we should be placing the reputation of golf in the hands of a committee of one golf club.
Still, I would be gutted if it went. I love Masters week. I love the look of the course. I agree that the greens have become a bit ridiculous but still. And of course it marks the start of the season here. As to why it's a major? One answer. Bobby Jones. 13 majors and retired at 28. Never turned professional and founded the Masters.

 

[Tiger]

The thing with the Masters is the greens are the courses main defence. I've see countless tweets from pros this week saying the handicap golfer could knock it round ok but would struggle massively on and around the greens.

The committee made a real hash of it this year, as did the players for the most part with no-one seemingly wanting to win it till the last four holes...

All that said I'd keep it but would love to see the PGA played outside the US. Cannot see that happening for a long time though

 

[Fader]

Isn't it a major because Arnold Palmer coined the phrase and named it alongside the US Open, the Open & PGA. I may be wrong on that though.

I still think its one if the majors simply because its aura, the build up to it as how it truly signifies the start of the playing season proper for everyone as all the big events follow on from it.

I do think there is place for a 5th major that would ten signify then true end of season in Australasia that could be played on some truly magnificent course like royal Melbourne.

 

[Ethan]

Isn't it a major because Arnold Palmer coined the phrase and named it alongside the US Open, the Open & PGA. I may be wrong on that though.

You are not wrong. Palmer and journalist Bob Drum defined the modern majors while on a flight over to The Open. Previously other events were considered by some to be majors including he two big amateur events and other events such as the Western Open. The concept of majors has always been a somewhat American-centric concept.

 

[drawboy]

I do not know how to answer this one really. Partly because I cannot see any viable options for change . The Masters should stay as a Major. I admit that I do like the notion of playing the same course every year as it is easier to plan the course and get it ready for the worlds best to play year on year. Augusta has the greens to protect it, The Open has it's rough. They both come into play for everyone during the respective championships. Let's be honest here, not many courses these days have much protection against the top pro's with the quality of their games and without a bit of skullduggery on the part of the tournament officials most courses are taken apart.
I do not see how winning the Masters, PGA's or The Open can be worth more in stature than any other with a quality field anyway.

 

[FairwayDodger]

I think I agree. Too many good players not invited while spaces taken up by former champions treating it like a monthly medal (not all obviously but they need to know when to stop), the ridiculous greens and, now, playing fast and loose with the rules. A great tournament in many ways but too insular to be a modern major.

 

[Tiger]

I think I agree. Too many good players not invited while spaces taken up by former champions treating it like a monthly medal (not all obviously but they need to know when to stop), the ridiculous greens and, now, playing fast and loose with the rules. A great tournament in many ways but too insular to be a modern major.

Imurg raised this on a previous thread and I asked in reply how many Majors in the past ten years have been won by someone outside the World Top 50. He didn't know but I think that's the crux of it for me. If you can say 10/15% then I think it's a valid criticism if not then I don't see how the argument stacks up...

 

[Foxholer]

I do think there is place for a 5th major that would ten signify then true end of season in Australasia that could be played on some truly magnificent course like royal Melbourne.

So they'd start with a 'funky putting' contest and end with a 'putting on glass in the wind'! All they'd need tho to then is trick up the greens to make anything under Par a 'winning' score for the one in the middle - oh heck, they do!

In truth, I think SLH may have been getting hit by balls while practicing his bunker play to consider posing the question. The thought that The Masters isn't a Major is really too ridiculous to consider. That doesn't mean that the attitudes of the 'good folk' who run it matches popular opinion, but that's a completely different question and the same question could apply at tournaments, clubs around the world - and not just in Golf either!

 

[FairwayDodger]

Imurg raised this on a previous thread and I asked in reply how many Majors in the past ten years have been won by someone outside the World Top 50. He didn't know but I think that's the crux of it for me. If you can say 10/15% then I think it's a valid criticism if not then I don't see how the argument stacks up...

Don't know the figures but, for me, that's not the point. Someone ranked 51 in the world has more chance of winning than Ben Crenshaw nowadays.

The whole nature of it being an "invitational" detracts from it. They always invite guys from Asia who don't qualify by any other means and they only do that to market it to that audience.

 

[Dodger]

Great spectacle but for me the fact that it's very much a horses for courses golf course devalues it.

 

[Dodger]

Oh and for me the USPGA is one of the stronger ones in terms of the strength of the field of competitors and Masters is the weakest.

 

[ScienceBoy]

I don't believe there is a set definition for a Major, they are just a set of golf competitions that offer something different and have a lot of history.

Personally what is and what is not a major is not important. For me the most important golf competition of the year is my clubs club championship, far more important to me than the masters!

Also depending on who you as there should be anything between two and seven majors, there are so many competitions that could be and probably should be included under the undefined term of "major"

 

[USER1999]

The masters has the weakest field, is played in Disneyland, and is an invitational run by old duffers.

If it was not a major, the players would still play because of the history, mystique, etc. it would still be on telly. It would still be beautiful to watch the manicured terrain, and it would still herald the start of the season.

It just shouldn't be a major.