Words for Thought:
Historically, decisions at the Masters were never made at town hall meetings. But under Billy Payne, the Olympian power broker who resembles Hootie but manages like some new age, Google generation CEO, the Masters, with an online suggestion box, actually wants to know what you think. Before you say, Sure and the price of gas is $1.25 a gallon, keep in mind that the Masters, like the rest of America, is on a bit of a self improvement, health kick.
Take the press center, once a four alarm, unfiltered gathering of old school scribes, now smoke-free for the first time with fresh vegetables and fruit added to a menu that used to feature mostly tasty staples from a bygone artery clogging era.
Kids are now welcomed free with a badge holding adult patron, Augusta mindful not so much of creating future Tigers, but a future for a stagnant game.
The chairman assured me, though, that signature Augusta elements wont be touched.
Youll see the green monster removed from Fenway before electronic scoreboards here replace the manual variety that leave you breathless at Amen Corner when a number that matters is painstakingly posted on Sunday.
Youll see the Yankees without pinstripes before the caddies shed the white jumpsuits and McDonalds without burgers before $10 sashimi rolls bump the $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches from the menu here.
Yet of all the quirky and wonderful traditions, the golf course itself remains the most cherished.
Even after the morning fog lifted a placid stillness, warm and pleasant, hung just as heavily into the afternoon. And while it would be hard to dampen anyones spirits in the company of such staggering beauty there was concern that like last year this long, strong spectacular layout was squeezing the life out of the field, in a vice-like U.S. Open grip with too few roars rippling across the grounds.
Ultimately, though, they arrived late in the long and satisfying day ' Poulters ace, Tigers eagle, and Roses run the highlights.
Still, when Mr. Payne checks that online suggestion box, its a good bet hell find a few politely asking him to not lose sight of the soaring eagle spirit which makes this the very best of all the tournaments. That hes listening should be signal to us all, rest easy. He understands that his mission is to challenge the modern player while preserving your love affair with the Masters.
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