When Should Past Masters Champions Stop Playing?

[mvmac]

I voted for the first option but I'm somewhere between the first two. It's tradition and they aren't taking up a spot. As long as they want as long as they are reasonably competitive. I like the unwritten rule @iacas mentioned, miss 5 cuts in a row after 50, time to hang it up.

[Crim]

*When they shoot a 91.*

[Shindig]

While I voted #1, I'm wondering: would anyone change their mind if past champions over 50 who haven't made the cut in five years were put in the final group(s) on Thursday and Friday? If they make the cut, they can then go out at the right spot on Saturday and Sunday. Probably would even make a neat live feed or even cable channel -- watch the past champions!

[SavvySwede]

*When they shoot a 91.*

I think they need to add this to the poll. I didn't think he would do that bad, makes me wonder what I would end up shooting there.

[LeftRightLeft]

In soccer, they do "testimonial" games mixing in current and old players.  Since the field at the Masters is already small, including the past champions on Thursday would be great, kind of like the ceremonial tee shot, but play all 18.   I don't really mind that Crenshaw announced this would be his last and played, but I don't really care to see him on Friday.  Watson could make the cut this year, but he acknowledges he doesn't have a chance to contend.  If you can truly compete, play Friday and see where it goes.  Otherwise, fade gracefully and leave the patrons with nice memories.

[tiger19]

91 for Crenshaw at age 63 is surprising. But he looked really bad in the par 3 yesterday. So I had a feeling he was in for a rough day.

[mvmac]

91 for Crenshaw at age 63 is surprising. But he looked really bad in the par 3 yesterday. So I had a feeling he was in for a rough day.

I don't think Arnie ever shot in the 90's and he played until he was 74.

[65ross]

They won a MASTERS, their call, Look a Tom Watson round today -1. No more discussion needed.

[billchao]

I voted 1. It's their right, and AGNC's policy. Until that changes, I don't see any other reason for them to stop playing.

[iacas]

While I voted #1, I'm wondering: would anyone change their mind if past champions over 50 who haven't made the cut in five years were put in the final group(s) on Thursday and Friday? If they make the cut, they can then go out at the right spot on Saturday and Sunday.

They can't go late late. They'd have to go late-early or early-late.

I voted 1. It's their right, and AGNC's policy. Until that changes, I don't see any other reason for them to stop playing.

A lot of people are saying that, but it's not really accurate. They will strongly "suggest" that you consider stopping play when your level of play gets bad enough. Their policy is that you get to play forever… until you're encouraged not to play anymore.

[billchao]

A lot of people are saying that, but it's not really accurate. They will strongly "suggest" that you consider stopping play when your level of play gets bad enough. Their policy is that you get to play forever… until you're encouraged not to play anymore.

I think they did that to Billy Casper?

That's kind of a lame policy then, to openly state one thing and really want and do another. They should just change the policy to a certain number of MC in a row, like you suggested earlier. Until they do that, I stick by my position.

[newtogolf]

If people always did the right thing #1 is the best answer.  Unfortunately some don't know when it's time to hang it up and that's why I voted #3.

I think AGNC would give the older golfers the benefit of the doubt but if it gets to the point where their poor or slow play ruins the experience for those paired with them or the fans they should be able to revoke the invite.  Given it's already within their power and to our knowledge it's only been used once I believe they will continue to do what's in the best interest of the tournament.

[Rick Martin]

If people always did the right thing #1 is the best answer.  Unfortunately some don't know when it's time to hang it up and that's why I voted #3.

I think AGNC would give the older golfers the benefit of the doubt but if it gets to the point where their poor or slow play ruins the experience for those paired with them or the fans they should be able to revoke the invite.  Given it's already within their power and to our knowledge it's only been used once I believe they will continue to do what's in the best interest of the tournament.

Par 3 contest does well for some of these old timers to be seen and let the golf fans relish the good old days......but a major needs to be left to the top players of the world.

[danL]

If you know you can't compete, in any pro tournament, you shouldn't take the spot of one who can. It matters little how old, or young the player is.

Previous winners don't take anyone's spot.

[b101]

They won a MASTERS, their call, Look a Tom Watson round today -1. No more discussion needed.

This - part of the attraction of the Masters is watching shots like his out of the bunker yesterday

[ghalfaire]

I voted for the first option but I'm somewhere between the first two. It's tradition and they aren't taking up a spot. As long as they want as long as they are reasonably competitive. I like the unwritten rule @iacas mentioned, miss 5 cuts in a row after 50, time to hang it up.

I did this also, voted for option 1 that is, and while I agree with the IACAS proposed rule I doubt it is needed.  Most of these past champions know when to give it up and they do.

[jsgolfer]

The Open Championship previous winners until age 60 are exempt?  I wonder if The Master's will do that at some point.

[Shindig]

They can't go late late. They'd have to go late-early or early-late.

I'm aware that's how it's done, but does it have to stay there if they chose otherwise? Could they divide the rest of the field and send them off Thurs/Fri as if the folks in the other category weren't playing, and put the others as an encore performance both days? I realize breaking from tradition isn't quite something this tournament is known for -- I'm just wondering if they'd be able to do so if they wanted.