Change To No. 7 At Augusta

Thomas Bonk gets this from Adam Scott after a practice round at Augusta National:

"[The] green is significantly different and you can see the difference, and I think they did a nice job of it," Scott said. "It's very subtle. But there's a new [pin] location now on 7."
And Jim Moriarty on GolfDigest.com shares this from Phil Mickelson
While Augusta's 17th seemed like an even tighter driving hole than it had been and there was some minor softening of the ledges on the ninth green, the biggest change was the room added to the back of the seventh green. "It changes the hole because now long is OK," says Mickelson. "You can go over the green and get up and down possibly. Whereas before that wasn't really realistic."

This ought to be an interesting change. Taking away the fear of going long is certainly a nice compensation for the added length and narrowness. Though I'm not really sure what was wrong with the old drive and pitch Maxwell hole where the fear of hitting approach shots long made for so many unusual situations. 

"Great. I love to see the players suffer—52.6%"

maar01_survey.jpgI'll be away for a few days and Internet access appears to be dicey. I'm staying at a five-star hotel that touts their in-room VCR's, so you can imagine why I don't have high hopes for high-speed Internet anywhere nearby. (Bet you can guess what country I'm headed to!).

Should this be my last post through Wednesday afternoon, I thought it would be a nice one to let simmer for a few days. And what better time to kick off the pre-Masters hype?

Now, you've all been subject to my rants about the envy that drives the mentality of "relatable golf," better known as wanting to see the world's best players brought down to a level of mediocrity.

Still, knowing how much criticism there has been of Augusta's par-protecting ways in recent years this April Golf Digest online survey question and reponse blew me away:

8. How do you feel about Zach Johnson's winning score of one over par at the 2007 Masters?

Great. I love to see the players suffer—52.6%
Hated it. I watch the Masters for birdies and eagles—39.2%
Zach Johnson won the Masters?—8.2%

I'm hoping for at least one eloquent explanation why the Masters is better when it's a celebration of suffering, as opposed to a contest of skill where, on occasion, someone might shoot 14-under par for the week. Don't be shy!

Masters Extending Its Brand To Streets Of Pattaya Beach

Doug Ferguson reports on the captivating news that Liang Wen-Chong of China, Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand and Jeev Milka Singh of India are extending the Masters brand. Do I smell a knickname for the Masters chairman? A counterpart to The Brand Lady?
"These three individuals are successful, accomplished and talented golfers deserving of a Masters invitation," Payne said. "This is also another component in our objective of growing the game of golf worldwide utilizing the Masters brand. We think the interest in golf in each country will heighten when these players compete in the Masters."

Par-3: Live Or Tape Delay?

In the great news about the par-3 contest being televised, the Augusta Chronicle's John Boyette says it will be on from 3-5 p.m.

I'm assuming this is live?

I actually think it would be fun if they tape delayed it to preserve some cache for patrons, while also allowing them to watch it after they've left the course.

Not complaining, mind you, just a thought! 

Par-3 Televised! Kids Free! Second Cut...Still Around

Mark Lamport-Stokes on the latest great news out of Augusta:
Youngsters aged between eight and 16 will be given free admission to next year's U.S. Masters if accompanied by an accredited patron.

"We want to inspire the next generation of golfers," Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne said in a statement on Thursday. "We're serious about exposing youngsters to golf and the Masters."

Really, shouldn't this just be the case at all PGA Tour and LPGA events. What do you think?

This is the best news, though I suspect we'll see some criticism in the coming days:
Payne also said the popular par-three contest, traditionally held on the eve of the Masters, would be televised for the first time next year by ESPN to reach a wider, younger audience.

"These initiatives are important first steps and a great kickoff to our ongoing mission of growing the game," he said.

"The par-three contest is fun and exciting for the entire family. It's an event everyone enjoys and we think it will demonstrate to kids just how fun golf can be."
On that note, I have just completed some market research that says the 18-34 demo loves the old tight grass look of Augusta National and believes the Masters would be a lot more fun without all that rough and tree planting.

Oh well, maybe next year.

Fall Finish Fields Far From Flat

How about that alliteration?

Doug Ferguson's weekly notes featured this item, which hopefully will have Billy Payne reconsidering Augusta National's stance on the Tour's Fall Finish:

Four tournaments during the Fall Series had a stronger field than the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, which counts as a FedEx Cup event and whose winner (Brandt Snedeker) got an automatic invitation to the Masters.

 

"Talk about a lost opportunity."

Alan Shipnuck notes in this week's Hot/Not golf.com column something missed by most in the announcement of ESPN as new Masters cable partner:
1. Golf Channel. First it misplaced its 'The.' Now the Masters has dumped USA for a new Thursday-Friday cable provider, but it snubbed the so-called home of golf in favor of ESPN. Talk about a lost opportunity.

Masters Can't Compete With Law And Order Reruns?

From Ron Sirak's blog post on the Masters moving to ESPN:

The move also makes sense for USA Network, which at one time had Thursday-Friday coverage of the PGA Tour but is now out of golf, except for the Masters. In 2007, USA Network was live from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, with replays from 8-11 both days. CBS did the live weekend coverage from 3:30-7 on Saturday and 2:30-7 on Sunday. One source said the prime-time replays on USA Network hurt its evening ratings and that while the Masters is a prestigious event, it was not worth the price tag needed to secure it.

 

Masters Announces New Brand Initiative, And I'm Not Joking

Note the lede in the Masters.org press release...Bobby Jones just heaved a chair across the room, and not because he's been watching ESPN's golf coverage. No, because officially arriving in Augusta is the fantasy that corporate involvement will somehow "grow the game." And it's neatly disguised with MBASpeak.

Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today three new strategic relationships as part of a worldwide initiative to utilize the Masters brand to further promote the game of golf.

Yes, if Cliff were here today, he would be looking for ways to platform this underutilized brand in order to build international equity and leveragable brand dynamics.

Payne announced that the Masters’ new cable affiliate for the Thursday and Friday telecast will be ESPN. He added that the Tournament would also be partnering with a small number of prominent international companies to support the telecast and golf development programs outside of the United States. The first two to be announced are Mercedes-Benz and Rolex.

Sigh...

In addition to its significant impact domestically, ESPN’s global reach extends to 194 countries including Europe, Latin America, Canada and parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa. A Spanish-language telecast of the first two rounds of the Tournament will also be presented in the US on ESPN Deportes.

“With the worldwide reach of ESPN, and their demonstrated leadership in new media, we think ESPN is uniquely positioned to showcase the Masters and golf to new audiences,” Payne said.

Maybe deliver some stronger numbers in the male 18-34 demo? Afterall, the Masters is in trouble financially you know! And let's be honest, underexposed too.

“For sports fans, the Masters represents a most hallowed rite of spring with its rich tradition and indelible imagery,” said ESPN President George Bodenheimer. “We are honored by the opportunity to work with the Tournament to help it achieve its goal of growing the game of golf around the world.”

Television times remain the same as 2007 with live coverage slated from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday and a rebroadcast from 8:00-11:00 p.m. each evening.

Payne added: “Bob Jones once wrote, ‘. . . I think it can be said that the tournament has performed some service to competitive golf . . . .’ Cliff Roberts said that, ‘The Masters is operated for the single purpose of benefiting the game itself.’ We feel it is imperative to continue the legacy of our two founders.”

Now about that second cut...oh, sorry, it's time for my favorite portion of the press release. The empty quote pile on:

“We are honored and delighted to be partnering with Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, helping bring the game of golf to new audiences in new countries all around the world,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management, Daimler AG. “As the inventor of the automobile we understand the importance of heritage and the role it can play in growing your future.”
Yes, that's right, Mercedes invented the car and now it's going to grow the game of golf. I certainly can see the connection.

"The Masters is one of the most popular and revered events globally, and we are proud of our new international association," said Patrick Heiniger, President and CEO of Rolex. "The Masters stands for tradition and innovation and is universally respected. We look forward to working with the Tournament in many activities."

“We think our new worldwide initiative is important,” Payne said. “The other major golf organizations have rightly identified a need to accelerate the growth of golf throughout the world. We will utilize the goodwill of the Masters and our other resources in support of these bodies and programs. We are pleased that CBS, ESPN and our present television sponsors, AT&T, ExxonMobil and IBM, as well as these new international partners and our international broadcasters will help us with this program that will have a particular focus on young people.

“This new international initiative compliments our longstanding support of golf domestically as evidenced by our contributions of over $32 million dollars the last 10 years to organizations including golf’s ruling bodies, The First Tee, Augusta’s Community Foundation for the CSRA and the Tiger Woods Foundation,” said Payne.

Well there is good news. On ESPN.com they report that Mike Tirico will be the Thursday-Friday host. I know, you were hoping for Berman.

Did anyone else find it odd that there was no mention of USA Network and the club's 25-year relationship ending? There was this generic best wishes from Dick Ebersol at MSNBC.com. 

 

"Consistent with last year, several trees were removed."

Who says Tom Fazio can't do a little restoration?

Why, he's taking out trees at Augusta! 

Granted, he planted them, but still...progress toward total de-Hootification:

October 2, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today changes to four holes, Nos. 1, 7, 9 and 11, for the 2008 Masters. In addition, other modifications were made on the grounds.

"Refinements to the golf course and grounds have been made almost every year since the Tournament's inception and this year was no exception," Payne said. "Overall, we are happy with the golf course. We think last year's exceptionally high scores were an anomaly due to the frigid, windy weather."

The changes for the 2008 Masters are:

Hole No. 1: Ten yards were added to the front of the Masters tee providing more flexibility in the event of a strong northwest wind. Back of the tee was reduced to ease patron movement. Masters scorecard remains 455 yards.

Hole No. 7: Green was changed for agronomic reasons and approximately six feet added to the left of the green allowing the possibility of 2-3 additional pin placements.

Didn't they just do No. 7 recently? Refresh my memory.

Hole No. 9: Green was changed for agronomic reasons and right pin placement softened on first and middle plateaus.

Hole No. 11: Consistent with last year, several trees were removed.

Whoa Nellie. It's because you recognize how ridiculous they look right?

The result allows for enhanced patron viewing.

Hey, whatever floats your boat. Just get 'em outta there!

Additional work throughout the course included construction of a new patron viewing area on the hillside at No. 16, further work on the new practice facility that will open in 2010, adding and extending azalea beds to increase course color and replacing grass with pine straw between Nos. 15 and 17 (pine straw was also added to the left of No. 15).

Well, 11 is a start but it sure would be nice if a tornado blew through 15/17 too.

The hillside seating area is located to the left of the pond at No. 16 and will provide viewing for over 2,000 patrons. Holes that can be viewed from this location include No. 6 green, the second shot and every putt at No. 15, the green complex at No. 16 and the tee shot and second shot at No. 17.

Easy access can be gained to this area from a newly renovated back entrance. From there, patrons can travel to No. 16 hillside, No. 5 fairway or to holes Nos. 13, 14 and Amen Corner. "We are very excited about these significant improvements for our patrons, and hope that we have made an already special experience even better," said Payne.

Now, about that slippery-when-it's-wet second cut? I think it needs to go for patron safety? Not yet?