TLDR:
- Past champions at Augusta National Masters are a reminder of how golf used to be.
- Old boys like Ian Woosnam and Mark O’Meara lament the shift towards power in the game.
In a world where professional golf is dominated by power hitters, past champions at Augusta National Masters serve as a joyous reminder of how the game used to be. Ian Woosnam, the Masters champion in 1991, is one such player who still relishes his annual visit to the tournament. Woosnam, now retired, showcased a different style of play compared to the modern professionals by using shorter clubs to navigate the course. This highlights a lost art in the game, as players in the past were required to hit longer irons compared to today where power dominates.
Mark O’Meara, another former Masters champion, echoes Woosnam’s sentiment, noting that the emphasis on power has changed the dynamic of the game. Despite their reservations about the current state of professional golf, both players still enjoy returning to Augusta National each year for the tournament. They appreciate the traditions and camaraderie amongst past champions, such as playing in the par-3 event and attending the champions dinner.
While the game of golf has evolved over the years towards power and distance, players like Woosnam and O’Meara serve as a nostalgic reminder of a different era in the sport. Their appreciation for the history and traditions of Augusta National Masters keep them coming back year after year, despite their reservations about the current state of professional golf.