debut: 1/24/04
16,172 runs
In reply to carl0002
Traditionally, that course was designed masterfully (pun intended). When traditional equipment was used it represented one of the true and best test of a professional golfer at the highest level.
However, with the advent of the plastic ball, frying pan sized titanium drivers, and graphite shafts the course became much easier as that modern gear rendered it a short course. As an example, guys like Bubba Watson were launching it over the trees at #13 on to the fairway which made it an easy hole as eagle and at the very worst, birdie, was in the cards every time. The way that hole was originally designed was just beautiful. It was designed when pros used persimmon drivers, blade irons, and balata balls. It required a slight draw off the tee to put the player in a risk/reward scenario if they were in the fairway. They could use a fairway wood or a long iron (1 or 2 iron) to get to the green in two. However, that required a precise shot as the green is well protected by bunkers and Rae's creek. Only the very best ball strikers could pull that shot off. The player could then lay up and hit the green in 3 - a much more conservative play but much less risk. Almost all the holes at that course have been lengthened to accommodate the modern gear. I'm one of those guys who think that the course is being butchered as a result.
The only thing that reins in scoring these days is to prepare the greens to be lightening fast and the winds and atmospheric conditions from holes 9-13. There is also the enormous pressure of playing for a Green Jacket. That kind of pressure alone will make the best in the world nervous on a regular golf course.
The Masters have a YouTube channel where they uploaded all the final round broadcasts going back to the late 60's. When you get a chance look at some of the final rounds played in the 70's, 80's and early 90's when guys still used persimmon drivers and balata balls. You'll see guys like Faldo using a 1 iron to hold the green on #15. A fcuking 1 iron!!!! Nowadays these guys can't hold a green with a fcuking wedge.