Changes Shorten List of Contenders

By MERCER BAGGS
Managing Editor, GolfChannel.com

Even the optimists have reservations. Those who cling to the hope that they can actually win the Masters Tournament have within them the understanding of a Realist.
 
“I wouldn’t say that I’m not able to win the golf tournament,” said Jim Furyk, “but it’s more difficult now than it was 10 years ago.”
 
Ten years ago, Augusta National measured 6,925 yards, just as it did 62 years prior, when the tournament was first played and won by Horton Smith.
 

Over the years, club officials have made innumerable alterations to the course. But it wasn’t until the 1999 competition – two years after Tiger Woods won with a record 18-under total – that length was added to the overall count. It was just 60 yards then, as well as a “second cut” of rough. Three years later it was another 185 yards. The next year, another 20. And now, for this week’s edition, the 70th overall, there is an additional 155 yards, bringing the new total to 7,445.
 
“Since the first Masters in 1934, this golf course has evolved, and that process continues today,” said Hootie Johnson, club chairman at Augusta National, in a statement. “As in the past, our objective is to maintain the integrity and shot values of the golf course as envisioned by (architects) Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie.”
 
Augusta National, golf’s green Mecca, is now golf’s Green Monster.
 
“Where it used to be kind of the most fun of all the majors,” said Ernie Els, “it’s becoming the hardest now.”
 
If the conditions are firm, said four-time winner and defending champion Tiger Woods, “that golf course is probably the most difficult golf course you’ll ever play.”
 
Distance-wise, six holes have been stretched for this year: the par-4 first (435 to 455); par-3 fourth (205 to 240); par-4 seventh (410 to 450); par-4 11th (490 to 505); par-5 15th (500 to 530); and par-4 17th (425 to 440).
 
“I don’t mind them lengthening the golf course,” 2003 champion Mike Weir said. “But, I don’t think they should have rough; I don’t think they should have all the (new) tees that they’ve put in; I don’t think they need all of the trees where they put them.”
 
In addition to the additional distance, some fairways have been narrowed, more pine trees planted, and certain angles of attack completely eliminated.
 
“Most of the premium was on iron shots and short game. I think that has changed,” said two-time champion Bernhard Langer. “It’s still a great tournament, but it’s a different golf course.
 
“I heard them say that they want it to play like it used to play. I don’t know if they’ve done that.”
 
Langer believes that the changes are “playing right into the hands of the longer hitter.” Fellow two-time champion Jose Maria Olazabal thinks the big boppers "will have the hugest smile from ear to ear.” And they’re not alone in their belief. In fact, there are few who would bother to disagree – even the bombers.
 
“It eliminates a lot of guys,” Woods said about the recent changes.
 
The short-but-straight Fred Funk, the man who survived to win the 2005 Players Championship, harbors no delusion of grandeur for this week.
 
“No,” he said flatly when asked if he could win.
 
“There are probably 25 to 30 guys playing long enough to have a chance. Of those 25 to 30 guys, there’s probably five or six who have the mental ability to win. And out of those five or six, there’s just one who’s going to win.”
 
That one, Funk believes, will be Woods.
 
“If they want Tiger to win every year, then they got it with the changes they’ve made.”