News

In Search of Positive Changes at Augusta National

Published

18 years ago

Apr 11, 2008

This year’s changes at Augusta National are with the patron experience in mind. Tournament coordinator Billy Payne said "Refinements to the golf course and grounds have been made almost every year since the tournament’s inception and this year was no exception".

Since Tiger’s dominating performance at Augusta in 1997, a series of changes to the course by consulting architect Tom Fazio have created a public debauchery. The golf community has criticized tournament organizers for constnatnly changing the course in ways that fail to aligwith the original values of Jones and MacKenzie. With a stated emphasis on enhancing the game for the players and patrons alike, these changes come at holes 1, 7, 9 and 11.

On the first hole, ten yards were added to the front of the back tee decks lending itself to "providing more flexibility in the event of a strong northwest wind" said Billy Payne. At other holes, the primary goals were to enhance patron viewing. In particular, No. 11 has had several trees removed; and at No. 16 a new viewing area will allow up to 2000 spectators to bear witness to events at holes 6, 15, 16, and 17. Changes more directly affecting the course’s playability come at 7 and 9. Both have had work done to the greens, sited for agronomic reasons, adding a few extra options for pin locations.

In the last 10 years, Fazio’s attempts to ‘Tiger Proof’ and ‘Protect Par’, have added well over 500 yards to the course; greens have been altered and bunkers reshaped. Jack Nicklaus told golf digest "I think they’ve ruined it from a tournament standpoint". "Gone, according to Nicklaus, is the second-shot philosophy favored by Jones and any realistic hope of an average-length player winning a green jacket" wrote Bill Fields.

When speaking about Bobby Jones we undoubtedly tell a tale of diversity and steadfast honour. Much more than a golfer we remember Jones as a lawyer, a business man, an engineer, a writer, a father and a legend. Yet when talking about the course on which he gracefully left as his legacy to the golfing world, our conversations of modern day have been focused criticisms. Even if justified in many cases, we the media often forget to embrace the good of Augusta.

Of all people, Jones was an advocate for making the game more accessible in all aspects. That is what Augusta is attempting to do this year for the patrons at No.1, 16 and even at 11. Also holding true to this value, this year a new junior pass initiative will allow kids ages 8-16 to be admitted to the grounds for free, when accompanied by an adult.

Some criticisms of course alterations over the years have gone so far as to make comparisons to plastic surgery gone wrong. It is seemingly forgotten that knives can not transform the sole. Augusta’s face may change, as will those of the players who grace the fairways, but the underlying values of the game that Jones and MacKenzie poured into the land surrounded with Georgia Pines will not be forgotten by the patrons.

It’s a celebration of Amen Corner’s 50th year this week, which gives me hope that when talking about Augusta National the topic of choice will be one with a positive tone. Whether it be watching the tee shots over Rae’s Creek, the drama at the 13th, or when we watch that final putt on 18, let’s take a moment to honour the values taught to us by Jones and MacKenzie.

News

GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

Published

1 day ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.

As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.

Let’s get to the gifts.

Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.

Buy here.

STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.

Buy here.

Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.

Buy here.

OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!

Buy here.

Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.

Buy here.

World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.

Buy here.

FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.

Buy here.

Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.

Buy here.

Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!

Buy here.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 OccuNet Classic

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

With the PGA Tour across the border in Canada this week, GolfWRX Tour Photographer Greg Moore stayed stateside and headed to the OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National Bank in Amarillo, Texas.

It’s always interesting to see what the guys are playing on the KFT, and this week certainly hasn’t disappointed so far, with some incredible wedge stamping on display.

Check out links to all our albums below.

General Albums

2026 OccuNet Classic (KFT) – Monday #1

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

Luke Potter’s custom Cameron putter – 2026 OccuNet Classic (KFT)

News

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: Scotty Cameron GOLO 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

Will Schube

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @HuskerFlyer is sharing a Scotty Cameron GOLO with a BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition shaft. While the putter is certainly enviable, the Augusta-inspired shaft is equally noteworthy.

From the listing:

Scotty Cameron Golo 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition Scotty Headcover 34″ $375

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules.