Tag: Augusta National Golf Club

Why LIV Golf players shouldn’t hold their breath for a new Masters qualification criteria

If a player not already exempt wants a spot in the Masters, it’s up to them to go and earn it, like Joaquin Niemann.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — When LIV Golf’s Joaquin Niemann was announced as one of three players to receive a special invitation to the 2024 Masters, the folks at Augusta National pointed to his three top-five finishes on the DP World Tour this season, including his win at the Australian Open last December.

They also referenced his previous Masters appearances and 2018 Latin American Amateur Championship. They did not, however, reference any of his accolades on the Saudi-backed league.

During his annual press conference on Wednesday ahead of this year’s Masters, chairman Fred Ridley addressed how the club evaluates LIV players and whether a special qualification criteria would be created for those who play outside of the Official World Golf Ranking jurisdiction.

“As you know, we’re on the board of the OWGR. We believe that it is a legitimate determiner of who the best players in the game are,” Ridley said. “There’s been communication that’s been public regarding, you know, the LIV’s application, which it subsequently was withdrawn after some remedial suggestions were made regarding pathways and access to players and concern about some of the aspects of team golf.”

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“But I think in our case, we’re an invitational, and we can adjust as necessary. I mean, a great example is this year Joaquin Niemann was given a special invitation,” Ridley added. “We felt that Joaquin had not only a great record coming up to this year, but after his season, you know, he went to Australia, played very well there, finished fourth in the Australian PGA, won the Australian Open, one of the great, great championships in the world. And we thought he was deserving of a special invitation.”

Once again, no mention of his pair of LIV Golf wins this season.

“Now, historically, and as stated in our qualification criteria, we consider international players for special invitations,” Ridley continued. “But we do look at those every year and we, I will say that if we felt that there were a player or players, whether they played on the LIV tour or any other tour, who were deserving of an invitation to the Masters, that we would exercise that discretion with regard to special invitations.”

Long story short, and much to the chagrin of the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson, LIV players shouldn’t be holding their breath for any new qualification criteria in the near future.

With guaranteed contracts and very little turnover due to LIV’s forgiving relegation system, the chairman noted how it would be difficult to establish a point system that had any connection to the rest of the world of golf because of LIV’s “closed shop” format. That said, as an invitational, the Masters has the ability to give, as Ridley calls it, “subjective consideration” to players based on talent and performance.

“Our goal is to have, to the greatest extent possible, the best field in golf, the best players in the world,” Ridley explained. “Having said that, we never have had all the best players in the world because of the structure of our tournament. It’s an invitational. It’s a limited field, it’s a small field.”

The Masters and Augusta National play by their own rules, and as an independent major, they have every right to do so. Here’s the quiet part out loud: playing 14 LIV events isn’t going to cut it for the green jackets to extend an invite. If a player not already exempt wants a spot in the exclusive field, it’s up to them to go and earn it, like Niemann. It won’t be handed out like a signing bonus.

Professional golf has long been a meritocracy, and it’s no surprise that a club steeped in tradition like Augusta National is sticking to that spirit.

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Watch: Jordan Spieth’s son, Sammy, is following closely in dad’s footsteps at the Par 3 Contest

Future Masters champion in the making? Only time will tell.

If Jordan Spieth’s son is anything like he is, he’s bound to be exciting on the golf course.

Well, Sammy Spieth sure provided the crowd some good highlights during the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday at the 2024 Masters. Paired with Rickie Fowler and Fred Couples, Jordan, his wife Annie and kids Sammy and Sophie were one of the first groups out during the annual competition.

And Sammy even had a couple of his own clubs. And took some swings.

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Spieth, the 2015 Masters champion, helped his son line up a shot on the tee before Sammy, hitting cross handed, blasted a ball toward the green.

The fans loved it.

Future Masters champion in the making? Only time will tell.

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Changes at Augusta National to include underground parking garage, phase 2 of Map & Flag

There seems to be something new every year at Augusta National.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — There seems to be something new every year at Augusta National. In 2024, the highly anticipated high-end Map & Flag opened and the par-5 second hole was lengthened.

Coming soon to the home of the Masters?

“I’m pleased to announce that the second phase of Map & Flag will debut during the 2025 tournament,” said Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said early into his annual Wednesday gathering with the media in Interview Room.

“One final piece of news on facilities I would like to share with you is the commencement this summer of a two-phase project that will significantly elevate the experience of all Masters competitors,” he went on to explain. “Phase 1 will include underground parking and will be operational next year. The second phase of this project will open in 2026 and will feature a three-level state-of-the-art facility, designed to anticipate every need for players, their families, and support teams.”

The Press Building was abuzz with chatter about the underground parking. The exact location isn’t known but it’s likely to be up and running in a year’s time.

The “three-level state-of-the-art facility” could bring to fruition the long-rumored on-site accommodations for players and their families.

“We’ll have more details when we are together next April,” Ridley said.

Photos: All the cute kids at the Masters 2024 Par 3 Contest at Augusta National

It’s not the Par 3 Contest without all the cute kids running around.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — It’s not the Par 3 Contest without all the cute kids running around in their signature white caddie uniforms.

The Par 3 Contest is a Wednesday tradition at Augusta National Golf Club, played on a nine-hole, par-27, 1,090-yard course, which was originally designed by George Cobb and club co-founder Clifford Roberts in 1958.

The field features players entered in this year’s Masters as well as past champions. Some of the key groups include Fred Couples, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth as well as Nick Faldo, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton.

The Par 3 Contest will be on ESPN+ from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. ET and on ESPN from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

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Check out some photos from the 2024 event.

Thursday’s weather forecast at Masters calls for 40 mph wind gusts, heavy rain

Luckily, the weather forecast Friday through Sunday looks picturesque.

In true Augusta fashion, rain will be making an appearance again during Masters week, challenging the world’s top golfers to perform in less than ideal conditions. However, city officials say this year, it could cause issues with traffic.

The National Weather Service in Columbia predicts a 90% chance of rain Thursday, with potential 40 mph wind gusts and heavy rainfall.

“If there’s any day that won’t be normal and we will have to deviate from the plan, it will probably be Thursday,” said John Ussery, assistant director of the Augusta Traffic Engineering Division. “Our biggest concern is if a bad storm comes through and they evacuate the course. Then we’ll have to deal with all of the traffic at a time that we’re not used to dealing with that much traffic.

“We’ll be ready and we’ll have everything prepared and staged, so if we do need to turn things around quickly, either in or out, we can do that.”

Ussery said the traffic division will send out alerts as changes are made.

“If they evacuate the course because of lightning, you don’t have to leave right away,” he said. “They will allow you to sit in the parking lot for a while. So we would recommend that people just go and find their vehicles and then maybe just sit in the car for a while. See if the weather is going to pass on through quickly, and if it is, just kind of hang out where you are. In all likelihood, they’ll let you back in shortly.”

Luckily, the weather forecast Friday through Sunday looks picturesque. Recent forecasts predict sunny skies Saturday and Sunday with high temperatures holding steady at about 80 degrees.

Photos: Masters 2024 Wednesday practice round at Augusta National

Wednesday is also the last day for patrons to take cameras out on the course.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — T-minus 24 hours till the 2024 Masters.

Wednesday at Augusta National Golf Club is known for the Par 3 Contest but until that tees off, players prepping for this year’s main event are on the course for one final practice round.

The National Weather Service in Columbia predicts a 90 percent chance of rain Thursday, with potential 40 mph wind gusts and heavy rainfall.

But the weather on Wednesday is fantastic with some overcast skies with a high of 79 degress expected.

Wednesday is also the last day for patrons to take cameras out on the course. Once the tournament rounds start, cameras are not allowed.

Check out some photos from the course.

Chairman Fred Ridley doesn’t want an 8,000-yard Masters, says Augusta National will support USGA, R&A golf ball rollback

Ridley doesn’t want the Masters to play more than 8,000 yards, but fears that may be the case in the future.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — During his annual media appearance ahead of the 2024 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Wednesday, chairman Fred Ridley said the club supports the golf ball rollback spearheaded by the USGA and R&A in an effort to curb the growing distance problem in golf.

In his opening statements, Ridley talked about how for years the tournament was played at less than 7,000 yards, but noted this year’s yardage had extended to 7,555 yards. He also said one day this week the course could measure more than 7,600 yards.

The most notable comment the chairman made was that he doesn’t want the Masters to play more than 8,000 yards, but fears that may be the case in the future if distance isn’t diminished.

“I’ve said in the past that I hope we will not play the Masters at 8,000 yards. But that is likely to happen in the not too distant future under current standards,” said Ridley. “Accordingly, we support the decisions that have been made by the R&A and the USGA as they have addressed the impact of distance at all levels of the game.”

Last December the USGA and R&A announced they were changing how golf balls will be tested for conformity to reduce the effects of distance in the sport. Starting in 2028, for a golf ball to be deemed conforming and be legal for play, it will be tested using a robot that swings a titanium club at 125 mph and hits the ball on an 11-degree launch angle with 2,200 rpm of spin. The shot can not exceed the Overall Distance Standard (ODS) of 317 yards of combined carry distance and roll (with a 3-yard tolerance).

Currently, balls are at 120 mph with a launch angle of 10 degrees and 2,520 rpm of backspin, so the change increases the robot’s clubhead by 5 mph, increases the launch angle by 1 degree and decreases the spin rate by about 300 rpm.

Nearly every golf ball being sold today would go too far and fail the new test because manufacturers design their balls to go right to the current distance limits. Increasing the test speed by 5 mph and hitting shots at low spin rates and higher launch angles would make all of today’s balls go too far and become non-conforming. Balls that had previously been legal but failed the new test will be removed from the Conforming Ball list, making them illegal for official play starting Jan. 1, 2028.

According to Thomas Pagel, the USGA’s chief governance officer, using golf balls that pass the new test will result in a loss of distance, with the fastest-swinging players being affected the most and recreational golfers being affected the least.

Ridley said he hopes the PGA Tour and other golf tours and leagues will adopt the regulations and join Augusta National in its support of the USGA and R&A’s initiative.

“I certainly hope they will be, were they not it would cause a great deal of stress in the game it doesn’t need right now,” Ridley explained.

He also noted how, even if the regulations are implemented, other aspects of technology within the rules and the physicality and technical ability of the players will allow them to catch up and make up the difference in distance. Ridley doesn’t envision new tees closer to greens and he plans on “holding that 8,000-yard line.”

“We have some more room,” he added, “but we don’t have a lot.”

Distance has been a highly debated issue in golf – both the PGA Tour and LPGA immediately spoke out against the new regulations – and Augusta National’s support of the USGA and R&A’s efforts marks a significant step in the process to curb distance and make the game more sustainable.

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Who will follow Verne Lundquist on No. 16 at the Masters? He’s asking the new CBS Sports bosses

Who will now man the booth on Redbud, the often-pivotal par 3, once Lundquist packs up for good on Sunday?

Verne Lundquist is soaking up every moment as he makes his final appearance as a member of the CBS Sports broadcast team at the 2024 Masters.

With his wife Nancy by his side, Lundquist has been spending time with Augusta National Golf Club members who have become friends. He’s also been reminiscing with Sean McManus, the longtime CBS Sports chairman, who will depart when Lundquist does.

“It’s time. I’m not a spring chicken anymore. And my boss and I talked about it a couple of years ago. By the way, he is retiring at the same time,” Lundquist said during a recent fundraiser in Austin, Texas, for Ben Crenshaw’s Save Muny project.

“It’s emotional. I’m not going to deny that. We’ve gotten close to a lot of the members now and this is a very emotional week for us.”

Lundquist started on the Masters broadcasts in 1984 and has made the 16th hole his home since 2000. His legendary calls have been the stuff legends are made of.

“He’s just the voice,” said good friend and colleague Jim Nantz of Lundquist. “His calls are truly legendary. … Augusta’s a place that I feel like kind of comes to life every April. It’s not just because it’s a gathering of the greatest players in the world and there’s a golf competition, but it’s a week where history, where voices, they come back. We hear them again. We still kind of feel and have front of mind the legends of yesteryear. The Gene Sarazens, they make an earthly visit every year in April. Byron (Nelson), Ben (Hogan), Sam (Snead), of course Arnold (Palmer), there’s one week a year where they come back in our lives, back on our planet.”

But since nothing lasts forever, the question left after this year’s event is who will now man the booth on Redbud, the often-pivotal par 3, once Lundquist packs up for good on Sunday.

The veteran of 40 years insists he doesn’t know, either, but he’s vowed to find out before he vacates.

“I can’t wait to ask the people who are succeeding my boss, who are you going to put a 16?” he said. “I honestly don’t know. I’ve got a couple of pretty good ideas though.”

As for the hike up to the famous tower, whoever does succeed Lundquist will have fewer obstacles to making the calls.

“The climb up the tower. It’s easier now than it used to be, that’s for sure,” he said. “They used to go straight up. Thank god they don’t any longer.”

Who had the worst start ever at the Masters? (Greg Chalmers raises his hand)

The hilarious Australian recounts his first two swings in the Masters: ‘I might vomit at this point’

Every year we hear about dreams coming true for rookie Masters participants. Practice rounds with legends. Awe about the whole scene. Possibly some crystal for an eagle.

But who had the worst start ever? Greg Chalmers has raised his hand as a contender.

The hilarious Australian offers a strong case, as he beaned two Augusta National patrons on the opening hole, one to the head on the opening drive, another with a punch to the shoulder on his second-ever Masters swing.

The Greggie was 27 in his first go-round at Augusta National, set to tee off in the opening round at 8:30 a.m. soon after the honorary group of Byron Nelson and Sam Snead. Chalmers had multiple professional wins in Australia at that point, but the nerves were understandably in play.

As the left-hander tells it, “the enormity of the event was dawning on me as I stood over the ball on that tee shot,” which he caught a bit on the heel, the ball rifling left toward the rope line.

He tells the story better than we can:

Chalmers joined the PGA Tour in 1999, and he went on to win the 2016 Barracuda Championship. In recent months he has qualified for three PGA Tour Champions events and has notched two top-10 efforts in those starts. He’s one of the funniest voices on Golf Twitter, so mash that follow button.

Peter Malnati Masters Rookie Diary: Skipping it and chipping it Tiger-style at 16

In a word, the second nine at Augusta National is magical.

Editor’s Note: Peter Malnati qualified for his first Masters by winning the Valspar Championship last month. The 36-year-old veteran hadn’t won in nearly nine years on the PGA Tour. He’s sharing a first-person account of his experience daily only at Golfweek.com.

For part one, click here.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — In a word, the second nine at Augusta National is magical.

I played it for the first time on Sunday and again on Tuesday, teeing off after a workout, practice and quick lunch, at around 11:45 a.m.

I’m just blown away by the beauty and the puzzle that the holes present. You have two par 5s where you can make a 3 or have a nightmare.

Past champion Vijay Singh was playing in front of me and he was taking his time so I was able to do a thorough study of the greens and surrounds. I tried to pick two hole locations on each green and do thorough work there and then look at the other two places where I thought they might put a hole. A group eventually caught me so I hurried a bit the last three or four holes.

But on 16, I did take a moment to partake in the tradition of skipping a ball across the pond. I used a 5-iron and my ball nearly made it across and into the bunker. In other words, I didn’t embarrass myself with attempt. Then I worked on the front right pin and the back left location, which is where the hole historically is positioned on Sunday. That’s where you see some wild aces as well as the hole for the iconic Tiger chip-in where the Nike Swoosh hung on the hole before dropping in for one of the all-time deuces. I had so much fun practicing there and was amazed how much break there is around the hole. In particular, I was surprised how quick it was from behind that hole.

Just as on Sunday, I piped a drive on 18, which felt great. I wouldn’t go so far as to classify it as claustrophobic, but it’s a narrow shoot to find that fairway.

I know I’m just getting my feet wet at Augusta National but it feels like I’ve been here a long time already. I’m ready to go and for the tournament to start. I’ve got one more day of prep and I plan to take full advantage of it.

Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest I have a feeling may be a highlight of the week. I’m excited to have Alicia caddie for me and for both of my boys to be out there and dressed in their white jumpsuits.

Another day of prep in the morning, and then the Par 3 in the afternoon. Can. Not. Wait.