Augusta National's ranking

[TomSteenstrup]

Not sure if this has been discussed yet, but what will - or what should - happen to Augusta National's high ranking (e.g. 5th in the world in Golf Magazine)?

Is this the only course in the world where you can do this kind of make-over, without losing ground in the rankings?

If the ranking goes up, will rankings ever be discussed here again, and will this underline that you can't use the rankings for anything in terms of architecture?

Tom

[David Wigler]

Tom,

I will be surprised if Augusta moves at all.  If anything it would more likely get closer to #1, then slip.  Rankings are the subjective work of a small group of us who try to evaluate A vs. B.  Only Golfweek has a category for how true a course stayed to its original intent.  Furthermore, that category is not factored into the final ranking.  The majority of GCA was probably not in favor of many of Fazio's changes but I have not heard it argued that the changes made Seminole, Pinehurst, et al better courses.

[JakaB]

This post has been eliminated due to a need to play golf in 50 degree January weather.

[jim_lewis]

Tom:

First, I wish to state that while I love the place, in my opinion, Augusta National has been slightly overrated for as long asratings have been published, before, during, and after the various changes that have been made. I have to cheat to squeeze it into my personal to 10.

No rater worth his/her salt will rate a course without seeing it in person. ANGC is a course that most raters see in person only  occasionally, if ever. Therefore, I doubt if many have seen the course since the most recent changes and most won't see it again before their next ballots are due. Therefore, I expect to see very little change in its ranking in the short-term. Who knows about the long term. Until I see the course next April, I am resisting making any judgement. Even then, I expect to find very little change from the member's tees, which to me is more important than the championship tees.

No matter what happens to the ANGC ranking, you can be sure that rankings will continure to be discussed on GCA and will stimulate discussions of architecture.

David:
Pinehurst #2 did drop way down in the rankings back in the early 80's because of a misguided attempt by the owners to modernize the course.  It regained its top 10 ranking only after new owners restored it pretty much to its earlier state.
It is still unerrated!

 

[JakaB]

This post has been eliminated due to a 1:00 January tee time.  I have the shakes and am not thinking clearly.

[Anthony_Nysse]

JakaB,
  I agree with Mr. Wigler...It's a trend that happens to ANGC. Looks at previous rankings when they've had a major overhaul. Augusta will always be rated 3-5, behind Pine Valley and Cypress Point and complete with Pebble of 3rd.

[Jeff_Lewis]

We really should keep in mind that Augusta is virtually impossible for most potential raters to play. Believe me, it's not like one can just call up Shinny or Oakmont and book a tee time, but at least if clubs like those undertook substantial work, raters would have some opportunity to see them. They are living, breathing golf clubs. Augusta is essentially a shrine to the game. So, your sample size is small, and when raters do see it, the awe factor is pretty darned high, as it should be.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Tom Steenstrup,

I don't know that I would classify the changes as a make-over, that would seem to imply broader changes to the entire course, and I don't view added tee length, a process that has been going on at almost every club for the last fifty (50) years, as a make-over.

I tend to think that Augusta's changes will be scrutinized when a few million people get to see and evaluate them this spring.

Time will tell.