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What are your thoughts about aging champions playing at Augusta?

I mention Billy Casper, whom I was privileged to see in his prime, as the obvious case in point. Last year he shot a 106 in Round 1.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

But playing this year are other past greats who didn't break 160 for two rounds last year: Tommy Aaron (161), Gary Player (167), and Charles Coody (171). Heck, even Fuzzy Zoeller shot 162.

Personally, I've gone back and forth about this, so I ask you folks: What are your thoughts?

Not sure about Casper playing, but if he does play it'll be sad to see him shoot over 100 again.

As for the past champs, it's a part of what the Masters is all about and I have no problem with them playing, even if they have no shot to win. They've done so much for the game and the event that they deserve to go out on their own terms.

I have to believe the perk of the past champions being able to play as long as they want was cancelled because of Gay Brewer in 2001. On the Thursday we just happened to be on the 9th green as he was playing up. Those of you who have been to the Augusta National know that the hill from the bottom of the 9th crosswalk to the green is 3 times as steep as it looks on TV. He could just barely get up. His face was all red and his caddie helped pull him up the last few steps by handing him the handle of a club.

You could hear rumblings in the gallery "I wonder if he will quit here". He played on.

I don't remember what he shot but the next year the lifetime playing privilage was modified.

Yes I have mixed feelings. I so much prefer going on Thurs and Friday over Sat and Sunday just to see the past greats.

But at the same time you want to remeber them in their prime.

I think the lifetime playing privilages should be granted for the Wed. Par 3 tourn. for sure but Thurs through Sun???? Maybe have them play from the members tees and let them use carts??? I don't know.

We have to remember this is a different, very special tournament that should follow the traditions that Bobby Jones and Cliff Roberts wished for. Is there an easy answer.

A good example is the first hole. Last year even Jack and Gary had trouble getting up the hill. This year, some seniors won't even come close. Hole 4 will require a driver.

I'm sure the Masters will come up with a solution that pleases all.

brianf

.............Honorary starter?

The past champions should be invited to the par three competition only. A MAjor is a Major and if you can not expect to break 80 ,play somewhere else. I have too much respect for Jack and Arnie to enjoy watching them shoot 85.They want to be remembered for shooting 67 to win not 76 to miss the cut.

I think that most of the older past champions would take 76 and run likeat Augusta. Especially now, with all of the changes that were made. Simp

I don't think he playing it anymore. I read an article and he said something about just wanting to play the course one more time.

Billy Casper is not listed in the tee times released today (masters.org).

I seem to recall there were 103 "invitations" sent out, the last being the special invitee to the 36 y.o. golfer from Thailand. That 103 includes all past champions. I just glanced at the groupings, and I see 30 threesomes.

103 less 90 (3 times 30) leaves 13.

OK, let's find the missing 13.

A few quick ones: besides Jack and Arnie, Doug Ford......who else is not teeing it up? Byron Nelson is another non-playing invitee. Tommy Aaron is also on the sidelines. Seve no longer comes at all? Gay Brewer is on the grounds but not playing, and neither is Bob Goalby. Jack Burke, there's another. Four more....unless I am missing guys who have WD. Did Elkington pull out again?

Gary Player and Charles Coody ARE playing.

Who else is not amongst the past champions? 3 more of the 103 are not teeing off Thursday.

I havent looked at the pairings, but I think Ryan Moore just had hand surgery.

Moore is not listed.

Two more.

invitees not playing:

Nichlaus, Palmer, Casper, Aaron, Balasterous, Ford, Nelson, Goalby, Burke, Brewer, Elkington, Moore

Actually, I hope it never changes. It is part of Masters tradition, and many might enjoy seeing the old Champions, one more time. if only for two days.

We will have our Hacker's Masters tomorrow for any over 60 hackers who care to play. I think we have 10, so far. Not to worry though,, we will never get on TV, but you can bet we have one fine time when the weather is as nice as it is. Hope they hit the wellpump at sundown and give the course a drink. Kinda dry here in Georgia right now.


Enjoy the Masters and the beauty of the course. It will be a fine tournament, once again. Best to all at GR!

I like the idea of the senior winners playing from the members' tee boxes and driving carts. However, if they do something like that, they would have to have all the seniors bunched together in their groupings separated from the normal competition. Their scores would still count just the same, they would just be isolated. I like the idea of having the seniors all start out each Thursday and Friday around 7 AM or however the earliest possible time is. Let them have their fun without getting in the way of the real tournament that's going on. That kind of strategy would work very well. When I was in high school, at our tournaments all the coaches would get together and play in foursomes with carts, but they would start on a part of the golf course that they knew no kids would be on. They had their fun without getting in our way. Same type of thing could easily work at the Masters.

I like seeing the past champs play no matter what. I guess I'm old fashioned that way...