[Matt_Ward]

The eagle statistics CBS provided during the telecast go for a number of years and still provide significance beyond the narrow assumption that wind and cold have had more to do with this situation.

The 15th hole has been completely altered with the tree plantings to cause that hole to play way differently than in years past. In fact -- the third round stats had it as the 10th most demanding hole on the course. Truly mind-boggling given that it usually plays as one of the 2-3 easiest for the event for so many years.

Shivas:

Put down the kool-aid glass. The course did not need to be bastardized (e.g. Hootie and TF, et al). There was nothing wrong with it. Unfortunately, a number of big cheese folks got all worked up because they saw Mickelson have 9-iron into #11.

When Jack was bombing the ball in the mid-60's the only real desire to deal with the situation was the addition of the left hand bunker at #18. The very idea in turning the course upside down was not implemented.

Shivas -- forgive me for holding on to my belly with laughter when you say, "Some trees were planted." That's akin to the Bush spin on our involvement in Iraq is tied to weapons of mass destruction. The tree situation, in the event you have not been to Augusta either recently or at all, is much more extensive and as Mark Fine elaborated on a different thread has completely blocked the full course view you received when standing at the top of the hill when standing in the immediate 15th fairway area. Give the folks at Augusta a few more years and they will be competing against the likes of Sahalee.

JES II:

When trees are now added to ANY classic course I'll be sure to reference your support for their involvement with such unique layouts.

Ditto the idea that adding length to all such holes is a sound design principle. If you really saw the old 7th in operation you would better understand why Jones / Mackenzie included such a hole on the course.

Last point -- width is part parcel in making Augusta so grand. If you approach from the incorrect angle the architectural elements are still present with the greens to keep even the highest of skill levels off balance.

Try to listen to what three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo said about the utter precision one needs with your approaches. Off by just one yard can mean the difference between a good birdie try and one that can finished 50-60 feet away. Even with soft conditions Augusta is not some sort of sitting duck as you seem to think.

[Kalen Braley]

I think Matt hinting at Sahalee is the real slippery slope here.

They have been adding trees at a massive rate and where does it stop?  Sadly I think holes 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10 will be the next victims to go along with 1, 7, 11, 15, 17, and 18.  10 years from now all the holes could be playing down bowling alleys like 7 and 17.  Its the precedent that is being set here that is the most alarming..

[Tim_Cronin]

Dan,
Augusta National uses tournament (or toonimint) the way it uses second cut, first nine, second nine, patrons, tributary of Rae's Creek (on the 13th) and no mention of money in its unique vocabulary.
Hole location, too, rather than pin position, though that's a USGA thing. Someone has to point out someday that the hole location is the dot on the sheet handed to players and caddies, and that they're really shooting at the hole (itself) on the green. Or does one aim for the fairway location off the tee?

[Mike Hendren]

How nice that Jim Nantz reminded everyone of the 20th anniversary of Mize's win at Augusta -- an appropriate reminder for a return to journeyman celebrations.

Yeah, that Zach Johnson.  What a loser.

Mike

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