Hootie Redeemed?

[Phil Benedict]

They certainly have left a lot of money on the table with their approaches to television and merchandise sales.

Some months ago I wondered whether for this reason they might be a better guardian of the game than the USGA.

Also, regarding this being their tournament etc, that's true in a narrow sense. In a broader sense, they have the most tenuous claim to major status. in their case, they are more dependent on popular sentiment than are the other organizations that hold majors.

They have the least standing, and perhaps that's another reason why they are more sensitive to popular opinion than many think.

They can afford to leave money on the table; unlike the USGA or PGA of America, they don't have to support a nationwide organization or subsidize other events with their championship.  Although they do need to pay for their maintenance budget, which must be off the charts.

I think you are right that their legitimacy as a major is based on custom and shrewd marketing.  It's just a private club, not a governing body.

[Rick Shefchik]

The Masters winner is the champion of nothing, as even Bobby Jones used to acknowledge. He's simply won a prestigious invitational.

The key word there is "prestigious," and I don't see the Masters shucking that adjective anytime soon.

Hell, isn't Wimbledon an invitational? Majors are what the public says they are.

[redanman]

Anyone know why "Historic Butler Cabin" is "Historic"?

[Guy Phelan]

Money, while important to AGNC is by no means the driving force. They have multiple opportunities to make more money if they so desire. The golf course and the club is set to their desires, noone elses. And why shouldn't it be? It is privately owned and operated by the members and has rightfully achieved a status that all "great" players desire an invitation. No matter what the members do to the golf course, it will be The Masters and we will be watching every second weekend in April. Has Hootie been redeemed? I am not sure that he ever lost anything. It was exciting then and is today. AGNC will have a place to be discussed on GCA and around the world because it is The Masters and we will respect it and watch the tournament as it unfolds. Aren't we lucky?

[Tim_Cronin]

"Historic" Butler Cabin was built in 1964. I thought the only historic thing to come out of that year was the Mustang. The Eisenhower Cabin, now, that's historic.
And who was Butler? Paul Butler of Butler National / Oak Brook Sports Core fame?

[RJ_Daley]

I'll sign on to all that Terry says in post #20.  It is a TV studio for toonamint time.  

But, unless they mow the rough for the members play, I can't see what Pat is talking about that changes don't effect members.  I would imagine they bring the greenspeed down to about 9.5-10 for member play.  And they let the banks on 12-15 grow back.  But, tighter is tighter corridors where it comes to tree corridors.  I have to believe that the average member is a lot more likely to slice and hook into the new groves of trees than the tour boys, even if they are way back behind the members tee.  

That brings up a question... what do you think is the average age and handicap of the typical average member at ANGC, to cope with the course.  

I'd love to hear the real members answer if Hootie is redeemed for the changes after a round of playing knock knock in the new woods.  

[Doug Siebert]

Remember that list of ANGC members that was published a few years back?  It sure looked to me like the average age was over 70.  Going for the 13 and 15 for these guys probably means hitting the green in 3 instead of laying up and hitting it in 4!