Augusta National question (is this heresy?)

[BruceMGF]

Is it possible that Augusta National could be used for something big-time other than the Masters?  Has it ever been?

No, obviously not for another major.  It's got one every year.  And not a regular tour stop (the Walmart Augusta Classic, anyone?  No.)

But why not the Ryder Cup?  Really, why not?

[Shorty]

Hearsay, perhaps, not heresy,even though some would see it that way.

[Shindig]

Once upon a time (which in this context means 1996), it was being considered to be the golf course for play in the Olympics.

[k-troop]

I think one of the things that makes Augusta so special is the fact that it hosts one tournament a year, every year.  The rest of the year it's completely closed off behind a wall of azaleas, and we can only dream about it's beauty and wonder until next April.

[TourSpoon]

Originally Posted by Shorty

Hearsay, perhaps, not heresy,even though some would see it that way.

I would have to see it as heresy!

[zipazoid]

That's up to the members. I'm sure if they were good with it we would see more tournaments there.

[mtsalmela80]

It would cheapen the whole "Masters" thing by a great amount, heresy for sure.

[Wansteadimp]

Definitely heresy, it also takes away a chunk of home field advantage, top Europeans play there as much as the US players.

[Chilli Dipper]

Is there any possible format that a second event at Augusta National could take the form of that wouldn't be completely overshadowed by the Masters, or be an insult to that tournament's legacy? Certainly, no typical stroke-play event could. One idea that forms in my mind is this: in mid-October, the Augusta National membership invites 16 players deemed to have had the greatest impact on the game of golf in that year for a double-elimination, match-play championship. Let's say the winners of the four major championships, the Players Champion, the European PGA Champion, the FedEx Cup champion, the US and British Amateur Champions, and the players who had earned the most World Ranking points that year not otherwise exempt are all invited.

I think that kind of event would be unique enough, exclusive enough, and warrant enough immediate prestige to justify its existence. It will never happen, and I can't say whether or not I'd actually like it to happen, but it wouldn't be the worst idea in the world if it did.

[Beachcomber]

Augusta National isn't the BCS.  Leave it alone.

[chriskzoo]

August doesn't offer enough risk/reward to host a Ryder cup.  It's a bomber's course and there are few holes that penalize drives that are a little off line. That being said, the amount of birdies would be ridiculous to see.

[zipazoid]

Originally Posted by chriskzoo

August doesn't offer enough risk/reward to host a Ryder cup.  It's a bomber's course and there are few holes that penalize drives that are a little off line. That being said, the amount of birdies would be ridiculous to see.

13? 15?

And I don't see The Masters winner shooting a zillion under par. I think the course would be perfect for a Ryder Cup, especially with those greens. Imagine a downhill 4-foot to win a match.

[Bigtank]

Another issue, is the course is only open for play for a relatively short window every year (compared to the year round golf typical to this area).  Then they begin there changes and upgrades for the upcoming year.

[Paradox]

There should only be one event we see at Augusta National...thats what makes the tradition so unique.

[xxsoultonesxx]

It would be cool, but it would dip in to the mystique of the course, and the Masters experience.

So, yes, heresy.