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Post by pjohns1873 on Apr 14, 2014 5:43:42 GMT
Well, just a few hours ago, I finished watching the 2014 version of the Masters (which is probably my favorite Major). And Augusta is simply gorgeous this time of year, what with the azaleas in blossom.
Many of the icons of the Masters remain: "Amen Corner" (i.e. holes 11-13; the azaleas, in fact, may be found there); Ray's Creek; and Hogan's Bridge (over Ray's Creek).
But the so-called "Eisenhower Pine" (named after our former president, who hit that tree frequently, and therefore lobbied--unsuccessfully--to have it removed) was killed by an ice storm just a couple of months ago. And the Masters without the Eisenhower Pine almost seems like Wrigley Field without the ivy. Or Fenway Park without the Green Monster.
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Post by ShivaTD on Apr 24, 2014 12:10:52 GMT
While my wife hates golf which prevents me from watching the Masters at Augusta to any great extent it is also my favorite golf tournament. I love it's very roots that are a tribute to Bobby Jones that is arguably the greatest golfer of all time and who was responsible for the design of the golf course. Ignoring the racist and misogynistic history of the Augusta National Golf Club (What else would we expect in Georgia? Both of these historic problems of discrimination have been somewhat addressed with token African-American membership starting in 1990 and female membership in 2012) the Masters has always been the greatest tournament of them all.
I agree that the Eisenhower Pine is an important part of the Masters' history as it provided a unique challenge at Augusta for those competing. I would gladly donate a small contritution to a fund to have it replaced with a relatively mature loblolly pine in time for next years Masters. |
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Post by pjohns1873 on Apr 24, 2014 20:05:28 GMT
While my wife hates golf which prevents me from watching the Masters at Augusta to any great extent it is also my favorite golf tournament. I love it's very roots that are a tribute to Bobby Jones that is arguably the greatest golfer of all time and who was responsible for the design of the golf course. Ignoring the racist and misogynistic history of the Augusta National Golf Club (What else would we expect in Georgia? Both of these historic problems of discrimination have been somewhat addressed with token African-American membership starting in 1990 and female membership in 2012) the Masters has always been the greatest tournament of them all.
I agree that the Eisenhower Pine is an important part of the Masters' history as it provided a unique challenge at Augusta for those competing. I would gladly donate a small contritution to a fund to have it replaced with a relatively mature loblolly pine in time for next years Masters. Although I agree with you that there is some racism and misogyny endemic in Augusta National Golf Club, it should probably be remembered that this tournament, more than any other, is steeped in tradition. And not all traditions are created equal. Some are excellent, and deserve to be preserved, at all costs; whereas others--including racism and misogyny--are repellent to most of us. I am sorry, in any case, that you are not able to watch the Masters as much as you would prefer. And I agree that Bobby Jones--who steadfastly refused ever to turn professional--may have been the greatest golfer of all time. Yes, even if Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods would dispute that. |
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Post by ShivaTD on Apr 25, 2014 0:43:21 GMT
Although I agree with you that there is some racism and misogyny endemic in Augusta National Golf Club, it should probably be remembered that this tournament, more than any other, is steeped in tradition. And not all traditions are created equal. Some are excellent, and deserve to be preserved, at all costs; whereas others--including racism and misogyny--are repellent to most of us. I am sorry, in any case, that you are not able to watch the Masters as much as you would prefer. And I agree that Bobby Jones--who steadfastly refused ever to turn professional--may have been the greatest golfer of all time. Yes, even if Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods would dispute that.
The Masters was actually very influential in addressing the racism and misogyny endemic at Augusta National Golf Club. The Masters brought it to national attention. Augusta actually came close to losing the Masters over the membership polices of the Augusta National Golf Club that only came to light because of the Masters. The MASTERS is bigger than all of golf in many ways. Without the Masters golf would be a cow pasture game for school boys.
Who cares what Nicklaus or Woods thinks? Our opinion is far more important. LOL
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Post by pjohns1873 on Apr 25, 2014 16:43:29 GMT
Although I agree with you that there is some racism and misogyny endemic in Augusta National Golf Club, it should probably be remembered that this tournament, more than any other, is steeped in tradition. And not all traditions are created equal. Some are excellent, and deserve to be preserved, at all costs; whereas others--including racism and misogyny--are repellent to most of us. I am sorry, in any case, that you are not able to watch the Masters as much as you would prefer. And I agree that Bobby Jones--who steadfastly refused ever to turn professional--may have been the greatest golfer of all time. Yes, even if Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods would dispute that.
The Masters was actually very influential in addressing the racism and misogyny endemic at Augusta National Golf Club. The Masters brought it to national attention. Augusta actually came close to losing the Masters over the membership polices of the Augusta National Golf Club that only came to light because of the Masters. The MASTERS is bigger than all of golf in many ways. Without the Masters golf would be a cow pasture game for school boys.
Who cares what Nicklaus or Woods thinks? Our opinion is far more important. LOL
I certainly agree with you as regarding the enormous significance of the Masters. In many ways, those in charge there march to the beat of their own drummer, irrespective of the consequences. (For instance, they typically allow no more than three companies to act as sponsors, and allow them rather limited commercials to intrude upon the broadcast, even though this reduces--rather significantly--the Masters' advertising revenue. And they declined the request of former President Bill Clinton to become a member of Augusta National Golf Club, as they simply did not consider him to be their type of person.)
Earlier in this century, I thought it would be a good idea for Augusta National to invite Annika Sorenstam to be a member--this was when she was the Number One female golfer in the world--but it did not do so. (That probably just goes to show how much my own preferences mean.)
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