If you thought that our country couldn't be run any worse than it is now, just give Hootie the keys to the White House and let him work his magic. Hmmm, I always wondered what it would sound like if Foghorn Leghorn were president.This year, the Masters will play on a newly lengthened Augusta National. Most observers see this as a desperate attempt to defend the historic course from the modern-day long hitters. So-called "Tiger Proofing", the only thing that it really accomplishes is to eliminate short-hitters from ever being competitive.
Master grouchy golfer Jack Nicklaus concurs:
I know what Augusta is trying to do. Whether they've gone overboard, I'm not sure. But they've eliminated a lot of guys who are able to do that. Could Tiger [Woods] do that? Or Ernie Els? Or Vijay [Singh]? Yes. Could Mike Weir or Jose Maria [Olazabal] -- one of those guys of moderate length -- could they do that? Probably not. That's the change at Augusta I have a hard time with.But I think that Hootie et al would love to have you think that they modified Augusta solely to "Tiger Proof" it. They are a are a bit more clever and sinister than that. I believe that they lengthened Augusta to eliminate a future threat. Just imagine if you were Hootie or one of his henchmen. What would be the worst thing that could ever happen at your beloved Masters? It would be some girl donning the Green Jacket!
Unthinkable just a couple of years ago, the possibility of a woman competing in the Masters has been raised by the emergence of Michelle Wie. In fact, Wie has often stated that her dream is to play in the Masters someday. While she's a long shot at best to ever win it (let alone to ever get there in the first place), I think that Hootie wants to eliminate the possibility altogether. Hootie realizes that while he can't prevent her or any other female über-golfer from qualifying into the Masters, he can lengthen the course so that no female has a realistic chance to ever win it.
"Wie Proofing" may sound a bit absurd but it's about as absurd as most actions taken by the dictators of golf. Unfortunately, this last bout of mania could have the worst impact on my favorite golf event. That said, look for Tiger to win by 2 strokes.
5 comments:
I've had the same thought about Wie proofing. But I also think that if a woman were ever to qualify, Hootie and the boys would change the rules to keep her out.
Rather than Tiger proofing Augusta, I think they're tayloring the course for his game to insure that he will always be competitive in the quest for fan interest and tv ratings. Make it a Sawgrass and see how he does.
what are you a women's rights activist?? Its their tournament, they can invite and exclude who they want. like a woman would ever win it anyway.
"like a woman would ever win it anyway."
I want to commend ‘anonymous’ for his or her contribution. It is so refreshing to read substantive commentary from the great thinkers of our time.
More seriously, I did like your thoughts Grouch. I think you have touched on something a little more subtle than the, 'longer helps Tiger' articles that have choked the golf media for five years. I do not know that I agree, but I appreciate a different and thoughtful point of view.
Grouchy,
I have to agree with Eric on this one. Martha Burke and her followers were seeking a visible target for a publicity stunt. In this case the latest cause celeb to hate, good old fashioned money and power. Most times a legitimate target, but not for Marha Burke and her other special interest group fellow travelers. Augusta National, like it or not is a private club. If rich and powerful white women (or black or whatever) want to start an exclusive golf club that doesn't permit male members I wish them luck and godspeed. And if they do not wish to allow Tiger Woods to play in their exclusive tournament, that is their perogative.
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