I don't think it would kill the Masters as a major. For a time the USGA and R & A had different standards on golf ball size. If you played in the Open Championship I believe you played with a smaller ball than you did in the US Open.

As I've stated in another forum:

Put a "Master's" ball in play at ANGC and The Master's will cease to be a major at some point in the future. The players will not want to play for a multitude of reasons all stated above. The tournament will be diminished in the player's eyes and, while some will argue, they are the ones who decide what is a major and what is not. They already hate the changes to the course and they don't like walking around on eggshells when on the grounds. A different ball would only add to the discontent.

The players will not change to a different ball for one week. Period. I've seen Freddie pick apart a prototype ball because it came off the face too hot compared to what he currently plays. This after one shot. These guys have feel and will not want thier games messed with. Remember, you're talking about guys who pick events based on the type of grass on the greens and the average wind velocity.

It goes like this, Tiger, Phil, Ernie and the remaining top 5-10 players tell the green jackets that if they have to play a "tourney" ball then they will not accept the invitation. This will be done behind the scenes of course but it is feasible. What then if Hootie and the bunch get stubborn, keep the plan and hold the tournament the way they want. You win and you have an asterisk beside your name forever. Nice.

Let this go on for a couple of years and you'll see The Players rise to take The Master's spot.

ANGC needs to leave it alone. They are going to kill the golden goose and be left with a terrific golf course that no one can see or play.

Quote from: Brian_Marion on April 17, 2006, 05:37:04 PM

As I've stated in another forum:

Put a "Master's" ball in play at ANGC and The Master's will cease to be a major at some point in the future. The players will not want to play for a multitude of reasons all stated above. The tournament will be diminished in the player's eyes and, while some will argue, they are the ones who decide what is a major and what is not. They already hate the changes to the course and they don't like walking around on eggshells when on the grounds. A different ball would only add to the discontent.

The players will not change to a different ball for one week. Period. I've seen Freddie pick apart a prototype ball because it came off the face too hot compared to what he currently plays. This after one shot. These guys have feel and will not want thier games messed with. Remember, you're talking about guys who pick events based on the type of grass on the greens and the average wind velocity.

It goes like this, Tiger, Phil, Ernie and the remaining top 5-10 players tell the green jackets that if they have to play a "tourney" ball then they will not accept the invitation. This will be done behind the scenes of course but it is feasible. What then if Hootie and the bunch get stubborn, keep the plan and hold the tournament the way they want. You win and you have an asterisk beside your name forever. Nice.

Let this go on for a couple of years and you'll see The Players rise to take The Master's spot.

ANGC needs to leave it alone. They are going to kill the golden goose and be left with a terrific golf course that no one can see or play.

Interesting and compelling points, Brian.  I'm wondering how you know Tiger and the other top guys would not play the Masters ball.  Not saying you are wrong.  Just curious as to your source on this.