Question of the week [April 3-9]: What is the allure of the Masters — the traditions, the course, the fact it's the first major played annually on the same course?
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The Masters is the best sporting event in the world.
From the vision of Bobby Jones and the machinations of Clifford Roberts springs this wonderful enterprise whose leaders are beholden to no one and understand the importance of what they do.
Tony Austin
Orlando, Florida
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The allure of the Masters is twofold. First, it is the first major of the year and signals the start of the golf season for those of us who reside in the snowbelt region. Basically the Masters represents the eternal hope every golfer has that "this will be the year" where we finally conquer this crazy game. Second, it’s the sheer beauty of the property and golf course. A splendid green wonder that mesmerizes virtually every golfer. Magnificence beyond belief. Near perfection. Every golfers dream to someday play.
Reid Farrill
Toronto, Ontario
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One of the major reasons why the Masters has such enduring appeal is because it is played on the same beautiful course year after year and to many is the official start of a new golf season.
I would also like to use this symbolism as a further reason why you should not change the golf ball. All players want the opportunity to play the same ball as the pros even though they know they will never achieve the same results.
Just as the Masters is a continual reminder of the special place it holds in the minds of all golfers; so does the ball that the pros play have a special place in the minds of all who play and love the traditions of this wonderful game.
Please don’t make this change. Check the winning scores over the past 20 years, not much difference and also what is the most exciting hole on the current courses they play — the drivable par 4.
Just because they can drive a ball 350-plus yards does not mean they will win any tournament.
Ken MacKay
Stouffville, Ontario
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In a word, tradition.
Geoffrey Spence
Pinehurst, North Carolina
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I do believe they somehow found a way to bottle up special air at the Masters, because it honestly smells different. No, it’s not the azaleas nor the dogwoods nor the pine straw or the tall pines. It’s not the pimento sandwiches nor the reverence of the patrons. It’s not the freshly cut greens nor the manicured fairways. It’s not the sound of the birds calling out that clear melodious song nor the polite roar of the patrons. It’s not the quiet undertones of the players nor their caddies. It can’t be the warm smiles of the ladies and gentlemen serving the food in the tents. No, the air is special and so is the ground you walk on. Don’t take my word for it. Just judge by the patrons walking along excitedly. There is something different in the air on the grounds of Augusta National.
Paul Vicary
The Villages, Florida
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The Masters is like the Tour de France — it is the same route every year, only the weather changes. The ability of the player, his health and determination will bring a winner. That is the reason why the Masters is an iconic event. This year it falls on the holy week and more people will assist, this happens every two years. The reason is because Jesus died on the third full moon of the year. This year it is in April, next year it will be in March.
Rubén Rodríguez
Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
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