Few players have had a bigger impact on Augusta National than Jack Nicklaus, whose six green jackets are a record that still stands today. The course has been a huge part of his career, but that hasn’t stopped him from speaking up about changes he didn’t agree with over the years.
Few players have had a bigger impact on Augusta National than Jack Nicklaus, whose six green jackets are a record that still stands today.
The course has been a huge part of his career, but that hasn’t stopped him from speaking up about changes he didn’t agree with over the years.
More recently, he questioned some design choices, but those comments weren’t as pointed as what he said two decades ago when the course underwent major lengthening.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Nicklaus criticised the decision in clear terms.
“They’ve ruined it from a tournament standpoint,” Nicklaus said. “Augusta is a big, big part of my life, and I love it.”
Jack Nicklaus’s prediction about Augusta National’s rule change that never happened
Augusta National is famous for holding onto some of the most unique and old-school traditions in golf.
In many ways, it’s those rules that help give the place its distinct character. But there’s one rule Nicklaus thought would be changed a few years back – and it hasn’t happened yet.
During an interview at the 2019 Memorial Tournament, Nicklaus said:
“I think they will probably change that shortly, I would think.”
“Maybe I’m speaking out of turn but the cell phone has become fairly common with every tournament.
“I think you should ask Jay [Monahan] and ask the guys at the PGA Tour if the cell phone has become a problem, or has it become something that’s so much of everyday life, that people have learned how to respect it and use it properly.
“You used to take a picture with a cell phone and made a click, right?
Tiger Woods winning his fifth Green Jacket was proof to many fans that you don’t need your mobile phone to enjoy golf in its purest form.
Every Augusta National Masters rule that’s strictly enforced
There’s no running permitted at Augusta National, and sitting on the grass is strictly off-limits. Patrons are also banned from bringing in any food or drink from outside the gates.
Players are restricted to hitting only one ball per shot during practice rounds, adding another layer to the club’s long list of rules.
Even commentators have found themselves under scrutiny. Gary McCord, for example, was handed a lifetime ban after his 1994 comment during a live broadcast: “I don’t think they mow these greens, I think they bikini wax them.”
The strict regulations are part of what gives Augusta its unique atmosphere. And despite some calls for change, including Jack Nicklaus’ suggestion that the cell phone ban might be lifted, there’s been no indication that this particular rule will be relaxed anytime soon.
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Category: General Sports
