Question of the week [April 6-12]: What changes to Augusta National Golf Club or the Masters would you make?
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Allow fans to have cameras.
It's selfish and hypocritical for people to say they like the look at the Masters with no one holding cell phones. Why is their preference superior to the preference of all those who would like to memorialize a special event, usually spent with special people?
Do they not take pictures at weddings and birthdays, so as to stay in the moment? Of course they take pictures at special events. They take pictures of important events throughout their lives, so it's especially rich (and selfish, dishonest and hypocritical, not to mention indefensible) for them to demand that others not take pictures at the Masters, so that they can enjoy Masters scenes without seeing people holding cell phone cameras.
I have hundreds of pictures from two PGA Championships and one U.S. Open that I attended with my son, and those pictures roll across my computer monitors every 60 seconds. They're cherished memories, and we should be able to create cherished memories even at the Masters, run by tyrants.
Andrew Turnbull
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
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Have a souvenir building outside the gate for people who did not get a ticket.
Alton Vaughn
Charlotte, North Carolina
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Anyone who has ever had the privilege of attending Augusta National should find it impossible to recommend any changes to the event.
Having attended the event 14 times over the past 30 years, the course is always in impeccable condition. The layout is fantastic. You will not find food and beverage prices less expensive anywhere.
The patrons are very respectful of the players and the other patrons. Older patrons that have attended the Masters are so accommodating in response to any questions you might have.
The only thing I could think of would be to have some sort of ticket process that would allow people who have not been fortunate enough to attend a way to ensure they get to preview this event live at least once in their lives.
Paul Vicary
The Villages, Florida
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Add an LPGA Masters event.
Don Tollin
Coral Springs, Florida
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Decrease the number of tickets for tournament rounds and add better food options on course.
Mack Bonner
Rutherfordton, North Carolina
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I now (at age 85) wish they would purge their ticket request lists. I was on it for 20-plus years and never got an invite for any day ticket. When I ask around, it seems the same folks get to go every year. I could probably go and walk the course, but at my age, why fight the crowd.
Gig Berkowitz
The Villages, Florida
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All four rounds broadcast on local network television and serve peach pie and peach cobbler and peach milkshakes on course.
Tim Coyne
Pipe Creek, Texas
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Any par 5 must be at least 600 yards. To see these players hit driver and an iron on a par 5 diminishes the game. I can only think that Bobby Jones is turning in his grave, asking himself, “What have they done to this game?”
Robert Floresca Sr.
Wilmington, North Carolina
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None.
Tom Bookmiller
Lake Wylie South Carolina
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Make it easier to get tickets.
Tim Ryan
Cedar, Michigan
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Find a way to give real fans who love the Masters and have never been a better chance of obtaining tickets without having to pay an arm and a leg.
Rod Maguire
Clifton Park, New York
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Stop allowing characters who now try to dominate the Par 3 Contest. The Kevin Hart’s and Jason Kelces are only selling their own brand. The Masters loses luster by permitting such circuses. Billing itself as “(A) Tradition Unlike Any Other” is diminished as this morphing occurs.
Steve Rosenbaum Sr.
Oak Lawn, Illinois
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Nothing. The course is great the way it is.
Gary Newlon
Buford, Georgia
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For the Masters, I would suggest increasing the rough off the fairways.
Michael Engel
Spencer, Massachusetts
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Low amateur plays the weekend no matter what. And add one or two more international, amateur or college champions.
Donn Rutkoff
Oceanside. CA
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I arrived about 1 p.m. on Thursday, only to find all lots closed — even though many cars leaving created open spots throughout. Not sure why they couldn’t allow access.
Finally got into the gates two hours later. For 30-plus years I received my ticket at a PGA of America will call area at the North Gate. Much more convenient than the current South Gate entry. Only there to be near clubhouse and practice area. Very appreciative of the benefit to have access each year as a PGA member.
Due to the no cell phone rule, there should be a method for patrons who get separated unintentionally to reunite. Possibly stations whereby one enters a first name, last name initial to the other person indicating a location to meet. Displays screens would be located throughout the property.
Also, screens displaying the telecast in the lines of merchandise pavilions displaying both the telecast and various merchandise ideas. Good marketing as you wait 10 minutes to shop.
Lastly, they need carts with five to six taking those elderly or handicapped patrons from the merch area to the gate, specifically the North Gate. Same options from gate to parking lots.
Employees outside the gates, too many to count, are simply standing around eyes glued to their cell phones. Big waste of money. Love the Masters — course condition exceptional and 99% of staff very welcoming. Some security personnel a little full of themselves with overly aggressive demeanor but overall a wonderful experience. Thank you.
David Nevatt
Venice, Florida
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Announcers. Change is needed
Stephen Pratt
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
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The First Call invites reader comment. Write to editor Stuart Hall at shall@buffalogroupe.com. If your comment is selected for publication, we will not publish your email address. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.
Front: Masters flag.
Photo: Fran Caffrey / Golffile.