Camilo Villegas and the Masters

Greetings ...

Like many others, I was hoping that Camilo Villegas would finish high enough to earn a Masters invitation.

Yes, it's true that Augusta National could still invite him via the special category of "International Player not otherwise eligible".

But do you know what would be BETTER?

What would be better is if Augusta National Chairman Hootie Johnson were to hold a press conference on Monday, during which I would hope that the following would be announced --

(1) "Beginning with the 2007 Masters, Augusta National will invite those players who are among the Top 10 and ties in each of these events during the previous year - the US Open (previously Top 8 and Ties), the British Open and PGA Championship (previously Top 4 and Ties in each).

(2) "Beginning with the 2008 Masters, Augusta National will invite those players who are among the Top Five and ties in the previous year's Players Championship.

(3) "Beginning with the 2007 Masters, Augusta National will invite those players who are among the Top 50 on the PGA Tour Official Money List, at the conclusion of the previous calendar year.

(4) "Beginning with the 2006 Masters, Augusta National will issue a special invitation to at least two American players, as well as to at least two International players, if they are not otherwise eligible by any of our numbered invitational criteria.

"And finally ...

(5) "Beginning with the 2006 Masters, Augusta National will invite those players who are among the Top 15 on the PGA Tour Official Money List, at the conclusion of the tournament contested two weeks prior to the Masters."

With regards to (5) - GUESS WHO THAT WOULD INCLUDE!

Let's hope for the best!

Thanx-A-Lot, Frank-0-Sport

Greetings ...

Maybe it won't happen - but it's always nice to dream!

Right now, the most important web-link in golf is this one ---

Official 2006 Masters Tournament Invitees List

When Augusta updates the page, and we see Stephen Ames' name along with the others who made it in, then the whole world will know.

Thanx-A-Lot, Frank-0-Sport

Apparently, there's another way for Villegas to get in. But it's not up to him. This one falls on Hootie and his boys:

Mr. Johnson: Invite Camilo Villegas

Nice post. I would love to see Camilo play in the Masters and I hope the special invitation will be extended to him. The ball's in Hootie's court now.

Post 18 minutes ago, Thailand-born player Thongchai Jaidee has received the foreign player invite and Camilo Villegas has been left out. Here is the article:

http://msn.foxsports.com/golf/story/5449894

Greetings ...

Well, that's alright. Camilo will get a nice two-week break now since he's not playing either Augusta or BellSouth-Atlanta. He is guaranteed a spot at the Heritage Classic (Top 20 on the PGA Tour Money List after BellSouth-Atlanta). Be interesting to see how he handles Harbour Town's shorter yardage and small greens.

Also, he's a definite lock for the PGA Championship, and with each strong finish, chances for qualifier byes, if not automatic invitations, to both the US Open and British Open get better.

Thanx-A-Lot, Frank-0-Sport

It's definitely unfortunately, but rules are rules. Like Erik said, he knew what he had to do to get in, and he didn't quite get there. He has still played awesome, and we will see him much more in the future.

I would have loved to see it, but there is always 2006.

Rules AREN'T rules when it comes to Augusta. They can do whatever they want...

It's a bummer, it's be good TV, and certainly help attract a 'younger' crowd.

I have a feeling this isn't his last year playing, so there is always next year. ;)

Hootie ain't the type of guy that would make this happen. He didn't dig women, he certainly won't be diggin a Colombian with long hair and flashy colors. And he probably doesn't want to see anybody doing the "Yoga Lunge" to read his meticulously manucured greens

Yeah, Yoga Lunge is funny. What'll be even funnier is the first time I see some chop try it out at my local muni.

Yoga Lunge = L.A. speak for squat

I could've used San Francisco speak and call it a "Pilates stretch"

All those changes will be made right after they open the course to the public.LOL