Why the Masters Is Both the Easiest and Hardest Major to Win (2024)

Why the Masters Is Both the Easiest and Hardest Major to Win (1)

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Some things and some people get older and meaner with age.

Augusta National is older and a lot meaner than it used to be.

Spent enough time there in the days of Jack and Gary and Fuzzy, walked no less than 200 holes there, got to know that glorious track a bit, and it is glorious.

When you step footon the grounds for the first time, you know you are at golf's Mecca. It is like they say—a place like no other. If you're fortunate enough to be there before the crowds, it is quiet, beyond beautiful and hallowed.

You sense all the great players who have walked the fairways. You know the great moments, the stunning and amazing collection of incredible shots at opportune times.

There's an old saying that you don't go to Augusta to find your game; you better have it with you when you get there. It was true back then and still true today.

The Masters has long been considered the easiest and toughest major to win.

It is the easiest because the actual number of players truly capable of winning is typically 20 to 30. It is the easiest because it is the only major played at the same site.

It is the hardest because of the demands of this course. Used to be that a player could survive from the tree line. That is no longer the case.

Used to be a guy could stage an incredible back nine charge. Remember Nicklaus' back nine 30 in 1986? Not sure anyone can shoot 30 on that nine these days.

This Augusta track, with the changes made after 2005, is longer, meaner, and certainly a thorough examination of a player's game.

Short game is paramount. It has always been that way.

Back in 1978 Jerry Pate made me hit some putts on the practice green. Suddenly I knew firsthand what slick was.Then Pate issued this challenge:

"I'll take you and put you on every green in regulation, let me pick the spotyou putt from, and you won't break 90 out there!"

Jerry knew what he was talking about, and to this day I tell folks about that. When you see the greens in person, you know you'd lose the challenge easily.

The greens areAugusta's foremost defense. It's always been that way and always will be.

Now the fairways are tighter and the golf course is longer in retaliation to the technology for golfballs and clubs.

The wind at Augusta is the foremost variable. When it blows, things can get very, very dicey. When it's down, Augusta can still be had.

It will be that way when Jack and Arnold hit a couple of drives early Thursday morning to open the tournament.

Enjoy.

Why the Masters Is Both the Easiest and Hardest Major to Win (2024)

FAQs

Why the Masters Is Both the Easiest and Hardest Major to Win? ›

The Masters has long been considered the easiest and toughest major to win. It is the easiest because the actual number of players truly capable of winning is typically 20 to 30. It is the easiest because it is the only major played at the same site. It is the hardest because of the demands of this course.

Why is Augusta National so hard? ›

The biggest issue for players at Augusta is that you cannot hit the ball into the greens with your normal trajectory for 72 holes… you must alter your trajectory to control your landing angles so the ball stops quicker, or you can get the ball on the proper shelf.

Why is the Masters the most prestigious? ›

Any golfer who wins the US Masters is automatically invited to play in the other 3 majors, making the US Maters not only prestigious, but also vital to the careers of many golfers. The US Masters was the first major golf tournament to host a 72-hole, 4-day game.

Why is Masters such a big deal? ›

The tournament is unique in that it is the only major tournament conducted by a private club rather than a national golf organization like the PGA. Originally, the Masters was the only tournament to use two-man pairings during the first two rounds.

Why is Augusta 12 so hard? ›

The combination of swirling winds, a small target and Masters pressure provide the challenge. Players who could usually drop a 9-iron shot into a pickle barrel at 150 yards send shots all over the area from the 12th tee. “Doubt” is the enemy and wind causes doubt.

How much is a membership at Augusta? ›

The Augusta National membership fees are relatively low for a club of its reputation. The initiation fee is estimated to be in the range of $40,000 - $200,000, but the official figure is unknown. And the yearly dues are assessed at “a few thousand” dollars annually, in the field of $7,000 to $10,000.

Can normal people play at Augusta? ›

Probably the most common way that people get to play golf at Augusta National is by invitation via one of the club's members. While its membership roll is not public, Augusta has in the neighborhood of 300 members and most are allowed to bring guests on select days of the season to play.

Who has memberships at Augusta? ›

Among those with membership access includes Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, billionaire Warren Buffett, multiple CEOs of major corporations, a bevy of politicians, powerful investors and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (who was one of the first female members back in 2012).

Why do people like the Masters? ›

Excellent concessions. The Masters is known for its affordable concessions, and they live up to the hype. The pimento cheese sandwich is a fan favorite, and it's hard to go wrong with an Azalea co*cktail. The prices might be cheap, but the fare is still high quality.

Why is the Masters so revered? ›

The Masters is one of the best sports events in the world. Some of what makes the Masters so great is the quirky traditions found only at Augusta National. From cheap food to strict rules and a bizarre lack of animals, it is a tradition unlike any other.

Are Masters degrees worth it anymore? ›

Increased earning potential

Often, these advanced skills come with the perk of a higher salary. Plus, the degree can open doors to new opportunities, like getting promotions or bonuses, which means even more money. Earning your master's degree is a smart move because it helps provide long-term financial stability.

Is having a Masters degree impressive? ›

Those with a master's degree often possess specialized knowledge that those without a degree may not know. As a result, a master's degree program can help make you an industry expert, resulting in increased credibility and respect in your area.

Has an amateur ever won the Masters? ›

Tiger Woods competed in two Masters tournaments as an amateur. No amateur has ever won the Masters, but a few from yesteryear came very close.

Is Tiger Woods a member of Augusta? ›

But just because Tiger isn't a member now, doesn't mean he won't be able to join in the future. As far as hopefully known, there are only three professional golfers who became. full members of Augusta National.

How much does it cost to play a round at Augusta? ›

How much does it cost to play Augusta National? Membership is strictly invite-only, and the club limits its members to around 300 per year with the initiation fee thought to be around $40,000 and annual fees of between $2,000-$5,000. Green fees for both members and guests is believed to be $525.

Why is it called Amen Corner? ›

The area became a popular spot for sidewalk preachers, and the shouts of “Amen” heard there led the area to become known as “Amen Corner.” Whatever the long ago origins of the name, the words “Amen Corner” have long become synonymous with golf's most iconic three-hole stretch above all else.

How hard is it to play Augusta National? ›

Augusta National Golf Club is of the most exclusive and best-known golf clubs in the world, and the host to the only Major played at the same course every year - The Masters. To play the iconic course is on every golfer's bucket list but realistically we all know that the likelihood of a game there is near-impossible.

Is Augusta National a tough course? ›

Augusta National Golf Club is not the toughest golf course, but it is one of the most iconic. That's not to say that the course doesn't have its difficult parts though.

What is the hardest part of Augusta National? ›

Augusta National hardest holes:
  • 1st. 11th hole, par 4: +0.303.
  • 2nd. 10th hole, par 4: +0.299.
  • 3rd. 4th hole, par 3: +0.284.
  • 4th. 12th hole par 3: +0.270.
  • 5th. 5th hole, par 4: +0.266.
  • 6th. 1st hole, par 4: +0.238.
  • 7th. 18th hole, par 4: +0.230.
  • 8th. 14th hole, par 4: +0.165.
Apr 9, 2024

How hard is it to become a member at Augusta National? ›

Membership. Augusta National Golf Club has about 300 members at any given time. Membership is strictly by invitation: there is no application process.

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