Jeff,
Not to beat the dead horse, but do you think Michael was really that off? From what I hear, a guest cannot be on the premises without the member, the fans at the tournament are patrons, the members are in jackets all the time etc. I have not gotten the impression that they are looking to be very accommodating (which they do not need to be) but at least we can admit it.
I will further admit that the tournament was without a doubt the best sporting event I have ever been to, and without the members, and their input, I am sure my egg salad would have been more than $2.00, so I have to thank them for that.
Keith,
First of all, Michael is entitled to his opinion.
In fact, I stated (or make that attempted to- as I see that post never made it) that he was right in that ANGC had slipped a bit out of the original spirit of Bobby Jones, who in fact was disappointed at the concessions Roberts made to keep the club alive during the depression and war years. Jones originally wanted "good golf guys" and in fact he and Roberts had a rift about Roberts loading up of the membership with CEO/Wall Street guys.
I did find it amusing that he stated a guest cannot ask to be invited. Who checks that? Talk about urban legend.
I think he has that confused with asking for membership, which may well be true.
To your points
A guest cannot be on the property without a member-a great rule that takes care of all manner or issues.
Pretty simple- arrive at a specified time, rather than aimlessly milling around-where you become the problem of someone other than your host.
Do most clubs need that? of course not, but the curiosity factor is a bit higher there.
I will say when we do a charity donation or a comp group that it's not unusual for a group to arrive 3 hours before their tee time so I can see where that would exponentially multiply at ANGC
Fans patrons?-well they certainly are a cut above the spectators at ANY sporting event so call them what you will.
Members in jackets-tough to defend-see tradition thread
(I will say I was absolutely shocked and nearly burst out laughing when I played Sage Valley and our host-a childhood friend- was greeted at the door by an "old south" employee with his green jacket to put on-they couldn't even come up with another color?
)
Is Augusta accommodating?-yes, incredibly, to their invited and escorted guests.