A Special Masters Ball.

[LobWedge]

10 years ago, Hootie Johnson, chairman at Augusta National, made what I think was a very good suggestion. He felt that they had made all the alterations possible to the course but if the players continued to hit further, then he proposed introducing a special Masters ball.

I think his suggestion had a lot of substance because I think golf is a mix of past and present and if the future of tournament golf wants to enjoy the comparisons of what Tiger did at St. Andrews compared to Nicklaus ad so on, then something has to be done. I am however not saying that normal golfers must play with a special ball but lets get all of the pros past and present on a level field.

Golf is the only sport where a professional player can bring his own ball to a tournament. I think all of the ball companies would lose out but for the protection of the traditions of the game, lets follow the lead of all other professional ball sports.

I know restrictions were set on equipment and balls but advancements in technique and athleticism are creating problems for the old favourite courses. A special ball would mean these courses would be protected from the modern player. The other sports have also been able to continue playing at the same unchanged venues. Johnson was worried that some day Augusta National and the likes of St. Andrews could no longer host the Majors.

[Zeph]

A "Masters ball" would be silly, but it's not unlikely that they will regulate the future development of the balls.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by LobWedge

Golf is the only sport where a professional player can bring his own ball to a tournament.

Golf is the only sport where the ball is personal equipment not shared amongst others.

Ball distance is governed by the Overall Distance Standard. Driver distance is governed by regulations. But you aren't going to stop guys from hitting it farther, and the winning score(s) at The Masters aren't in danger of hitting the -20 mark.

There's a reason the "Masters Ball" hasn't been mentioned since Hootie Johnson.

[LobWedge]

Yes but what about the traditional courses becoming obsolete?

[iacas]

Originally Posted by LobWedge

Yes but what about the traditional courses becoming obsolete?

Oakmont is still a pretty stern test, is it not? Hell, the U.S. Open is going back to Merion for crying out loud.

I couldn't care less about "traditional" courses becoming obsolete. Where is it written that major championships and 90% of PGA Tour events can only be played on "traditional" courses?

I play a fair amount of my rounds at Whispering Woods and the course isn't even 7000 yards from the tips but offers a heck of a challenge (some short par fours shave the yardage without really being drivable).