AP Columnist (Before A Shot A 2020 Shot Is Struck): "This was a Masters we really didn’t need."

There is plenty to wonder about regarding the feasibility and success of this year’s rescheduled Masters. The Associated Press’ Paul Newberry addresses many of those questions in this pre-first round column yet calls the 2020 edition a “weak imitation” and a “nondescript college tournament”, all before a shot has been struck.

Certainly the atmosphere will be dead. So many traditions are not taking place and the atmosphere will be quiet. (Jon Rahm’s incredible skip shot and the silent reaction gave us an indication that the 2020 Masters will not be nearly as fun as normal.)

Still, Newberry slaughters the tournament before it has even begun. I supposed you could say he’s paying tribute to the joys of early-week Masters festivities and that overall strength of the tournament’s ability to captivate sports fans. But reaching that conclusion already is a curious call when 72 of 72 holes remain to be played.

Newberry writes:

We won’t hold it against the players, all of whom seem justifiably grateful for the chance to claim a green jacket before the calendar mercifully flips past the abomination known as 2020.

But it’s hard to see any justification — beyond the hundreds of millions of dollars in television revenue, of course — for salvaging what is supposed to be the first major of the season a few weeks before Thanksgiving.

This is the Masters in name only.

A tradition unlike any other has the overwhelming feel of a nondescript college tournament.

“Oh, so different,” said Tony Finau, gazing out over the immaculate desolation. “The golf course is still amazing. But it just looks so different.”

No question. It’ll different and nothing like what we’re used to. But what we’re “used to” is arguably the greatest sports event on the planet. This was never going to be as grand as a springtime Masters and Chairman Fred Ridley could never have imagined America would be where it is with COVID-19 (record daily cases and hospitalizations). The bar is low this year.

Now, the suggestion that the event is an excuse to collect TV money seems unfair given the club’s financial resources, but there was also this…

If you’re not one of the rich and famous, landing a table at Tbonz steakhouse — right down the road from Magnolia Lane and perhaps the city’s most famous restaurant — usually requires something just short of divine intervention during the Masters.

Not so on Wednesday, less than 24 hours before the start of this weak imitation of a major championship.

This was a Masters we really didn’t need.

We may have rain delays. A shocking winner. A couple of naps even. And we’re almost guaranteed a bizzarro back nine Sunday (or Monday) that will might end up making Newberry look smart. But declaring disaster on Wednesday night seems premature, at best.

And on a personal note, I know a lot of press shut out this year from attending (or even participating in the online basics) that would have had a more open mind.