Gentlemen I don't find the existing "drama" at the current ANGC to be in the same vein as when you had the days of Norman, Ballesteros, Watson, Nicklaus, etc, etc.
If the powers-that-be wanted to tweak the course by adding a few yards to the layout I'd be happy. However, this BS with the "second cut" and those hideous trees especially near the 15th hole, to name just one place -- have really soured me on what was the swash-buckling Augusta of old.
Pat, I don't doubt that big names will often / always
contend -- isn't that what big names are supposed to do?
The spirit of what Augusta was supposed to be about has been turned on its head with all these changes. When I see a "second cut" at Augusta I'm ready to B-A-R-F! I've never played Augusta but I've walked the grounds countless times since my days at the Univ. oc S. Carolina. Just seeing how Augusta was SO DIFFERENT from the usual rough infested Open courses like Winged Foot, Oakmont and Baltusrol really made me appreciate what the Masters was about.
Yes, there will be drama at this year's event but it's not the same for me.