Is Augusta National OVERRATED?

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[@jopo7996]

Is Augusta overrated? Short answer, no. Long answer, nope

[@Chefin2000]

Coming from someone who has Never Played It. 😭😂 lol

[@GP-yc2it]

​@@Chefin2000by your metric very few people outside of tour pros can have an opinion.

[@MC-nb6jx]

Final answer, yes 😉 Joking aside there’s better out there which you can actually play..

[@MutedGrowl]

Anyone who has gone and walked Augusta will tell you it’s underrated.

[@BrianR28]

I think part of the wonder of Augusta is that its the same tournament, same course, same pins every year. So generations of golfers face the same/similar challenges and we are granted iterations of greatness hitting the same shots at same holes with their own unique magic twisted in. Each new tournament is a new chapter in such an epic story. Can't wait.

[@wheelb4973]

I couldn't have said it better . Everytime I watch the tournament I go back through my memory bank and can connect shots that today's' players hit to the greats from many years ago . I also am sure this year will add to that memory bank and as you say the " epic story " lives on .

[@Weshopwizard]

Perfectly stated.

[@calderjack7818]

Just that the modern golfers are finding it shorter due to advances in equipment so not necessarily playing the same shots as Hogan, Snead, Nelson, even Nicklaus Watson etc

[@tylerholt6828]

​@@calderjack7818It's way harder now. Just think of the math. They have made it play longer to accommodate the equipment. That also makes the angle you can be off my smaller. They have to hit tighter windows now.

[@calderjack7818]

@tylerholt6828 what with drivers and equipment that almost hits the ball for you? Try it with old small persimmon heads and thin blade irons

[@mc4240]

I’m sure Augusta is a great course but I think the appeal for most amateurs is that the chance to play there will likely never come, so it holds some kind of mythical power or prestige. You can become a member of or play at (for a considerable cost sometime) most golf courses in the world, irrespective of your ability and/or status. But Augusta is invite only no matter who you are and how much money you have.

[@protestthisyouloser1093]

Same as seminole

[@ajfatca]

this is where it falls for me, would love to play it but I know I cant and never will

[@justdanny9422]

Augusta might not objectively be the best course in the world but it is definitely Top 2 most iconic courses and it’s not #2.

[@mungoarmstrong4306]

Tiger disagrees

[@Bdot1588]

Pine Valley

[@washredskin887]

Perfectly put.

[@Ecm1031]

My wife's grandpa won a contest thru Topps or upper deck, can't remember which one sponsored tiger, and got to play a round with him the Sunday after the '02 ryder cup with 3 others at Isleworth, and after tiger finally loosened up grandpa asked him what his favorite course in the world was....."St. Andrews, the way golf is supposed to be played"

[@edgeprobability]

@@Ecm1031idk why I’m believing an internet stranger, but your details were too specific. Thanks for the story!

[@MrPolford]

I haven’t played Augusta but have been fortunate enough to attend The Masters a few times. If you have ever picked up a golf club, you have dreamt about playing there. No, we aren’t going to play it, but if you were offered a chance to attend a Masters, NFW you pass. So, not overrated.

[@alanmcdonagh3061]

Hey Rick and Guy love the content. Lads ye have to do a break 75 in the beautiful Adare Manor here in Limerick

[@johnnymossville]

First major of the year after a long winter, I will NEVER forget playing a round of golf with my brothers on that day in 1986, going into the clubhouse and Jack is on the verge of making his run. Rushing home, and watching the back nine of one of the greatest sports spectacles in history as one by one the best in the world fell to the power of the Golden Bear. I would LOVE to play Augusta, and don't care if it's the best course in the world or not. Not many other courses have that. The Old Course, Pebble Beach, along with Merion and Oakmont in my home state of PA would be some others I would love to play.

[@someperson3883]

I’ll never forget watching Tiger win in 2019

[@davidkelly8207]

Interesting to hear your comments about The Old Course being played in reverse. The only time I had the opportunity to play The Old Course, I called to put my name into the ballot, and was advised when I called that the following day it was being played in reverse. I recall they said they did it a couple of times a year, as this is how the course was laid out some time ago. I got to play it, and teed off from the first to the 17th, played all the other holes from different tees, just like a normal course, with a changed scorecard obviously, and then finished from the 2nd tee to the 18th. In my mind, I know I’ve played The Old Course, and in truth, I don’t think it really mattered. The only regret was not being able to play the 17th over the corner of the hotel. Additionally, even if I played the normal course, I wouldn’t have remembered the holes as well as the holes at Augusta, as you said in this piece. Good article, and keep the content coming 👍

[@darrownairb-zp2ms]

Thanks Rick. I played Augusta this past October (and stayed in the Eisenhower Cabin) and I agree that there are so many memories which capture the senses. I felt I was walking in a dream. We played the par 3 in the afternoon and I wish I played the main course a second time just to play it in a more purposeful (less dreamy state). While I was par for Amen Corner it had its way with me.

[@ronaldthibeau-ji8ng]

You guys need to come and play Cabot cliffs and Cabot links in Cape Breton Nova Scotia you will be very impressed

[@timothymoorman7437]

I was at the Masters for practice day in the "90's, and it was a glorious experience. Closest thing to a cathedral to golf that I've seen, with towering pines lining the fairways. What you don't see on TV is the absolute pristine condition of the entire course. You can't find a weed! Never a scrap of litter, and all cups for drinks served are identical Masters green. But the course itself is hilly, with much added difficulty overall, but the greens are fast and treacherous on the weekend. Plus the layout is sublime.

[@PoppaFlagrant]

No other golf course in the world creates more overwhelming tension on the back nine on Sunday afternoon. You know the course, you know that the smallest error(s) can cause complete disaster (Greg Norman 1996, Jordan Spieth 2016), and you know that someone can play it flawlessly and charge to lead from nowhere (Jack - 1986). It’s the only major that is played at the same course every year, but you can recollect incredible shots, charges, failures, etc. from any year. It may not be the greatest golf course, but it is THE Greatest Show in Golf virtually each and every year. The first time I went to see the Masters in 2003, the hair on every part of my body stood on end when my foot first crossed the property line going through one of the gates. It’s magical. There is nothing like it in ANY other sport. It NEVER gets old.

[@calderjack7818]

Had the same feeling going through the doors at Graceland

[@tommystirland6715]

The Masters is by far the number tournament to watch. Other than when the Open is at the Old Course.

[@TheMainMan123]

Any Open championship is better than The Masters. I do love watching The Masters but in my opinion The Open challenges every aspect of your game and the Claret Jug is so iconic to win.

[@SimpleFoosball]

@@TheMainMan123The US Open challenges every aspect of your game in my opinion. In terms of weather, it’s the Open Championship, 100%. But the US Open punishes even the tiniest of mistakes. Thick deep rough, lightning fast greens, narrow fairways. It’s “Golf’s ultimate test”

[@SimpleFoosball]

The Old Course is iconic as it is the home of golf, but there are more exciting and challenging courses on the rota

[@TheMainMan123]

@@SimpleFoosball i would put US Open in second place personally and yes I agree with regards to the narrow fairways and deep rough but don’t forget about heavy thick gorse on links courses and if the wind picks up even slightly it just changes the rest of the round interns of distance control and trajectory.

[@RichardPatrick84]

​@@TheMainMan123and deep, deep pot bunkers.

[@wadesanecki7269]

Here in Toledo, Ohio we have the Inverness Club, that has hosted quite a few major championships. It is difficult, but not impossible to play a round there. We also have the Ottawa Park public course as well. Built in 1899 and designed by S.P. Jermain, it hosted the inaugural U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in 1922. When Ottawa Park opened, it was the 1st public course west of New York City. And while it's yardage is way short by today's standards, (5,000 yards) playing this course gives you a feel for the way golf was played over 100 years ago, and August National was little more than an overgrown weed patch. The Public Links Championship was held in such high regard that the winner of that tournament received an invitation to play in the Masters. It was a sad day when the USGA discontinued this championship, and it's storied past.

[@ryanrichardson9915]

I want to play Royal Portrush. Fell in love with that course during the Open. I had never seen it before. And the people of Northern Ireland seem like my kind of people. I love Irish Whiskey too, so...

[@michaeldehart648]

Worked at the Masters in 1969 when in high school. The BEAUTY is still there, and is unmatched, hole for hole, by any other course in the world. Yes, I 've seen quite a few in my 73 years. No, you don't see mountains, etc. You see the course, hole by hole. THAT is what you are there for, after all!!! Majestic, plain and simple. Full stop.

[@kiwislop2077]

Rick! This channel is screaming out for a trip down under next UK winter. NZ golf scenery is insane and Aus courses are some of the best. Think of the views!

[@cameronhurst9432]

Played Royal Portrush last year on a family trip to my parents homeland. My brother and I practically alone on the course in May. I was in heaven. I had never seen anything so natural and beautiful. Even if I had just walked it without swinging a club, it'd be the most stunning walk I'd ever been on. Can't wait for The Open to return in '25.

[@MaysO069]

Golf especially for people like myself a weekend warrior and sometimes a quick 9 during the week, is more about the atmosphere and the experience than the course itself as I am not that great and a course like Augusta would just humiliate me. But it being Augusta it would be the coolest thing ever to play it. But you take Augusta "the course itself" transplant it to my local club would it be the best in the world based solely on architecture? Probably not. On the other hand I see something like Paynes valley and imagine playing that with the boys and though it's not iconic and anyone can go just seems like it would be so much fun. The course the scenery just seems to suit my eye.

[@TheShoopdaddy]

Growing up playing Tiger woods video game I know Pebble and the old course by heart. And Augusta yes from watching the masters. The thing about Augusta is it’s never played like it is during the Masters. Trying playing a tour course weeks before or after event and it won’t be your favorite after you see your score

[@petermcgill1315]

A mate got to play on the Monday (media lottery?) after the tournament years ago. When scaling our steep 9th hole, he mentioned “this incline is the same as the 18th at Augusta… But for me it would have to be one of the links courses in the Open rotation. Any one of them.

[@allahalibaba9063]

Augusta is beautiful and so is Memorial Muirfield by Mr. Nicklaus. As for my self having not played a lot of golf course, one that sticks in my mind was Pala Mesa East San Diego...the Back 9 is like another world...Great course...

[@jeffvitek6989]

I would love to play Cypress Point Club!

[@wheelb4973]

I was fortunate enough to work at The Honors Course built by long time Augusta National member Jack Lupton who is now deceased . I can remember some great stories he told about Bobby Jones and the story told about how he told him that the bridge across Rae's creek at the 12th would look great with the rock look like the bridges at St. Andrews . The word was Mr. Jones had it done when the club was closed during one summer and sent Mr. Lupton a note saying the new bridge looked great and hearing from others that a bill came along with it . Everybody listening just laughed .

[@23x31]

I played Augusts 3 times. Twice in 1980 and again in 1983 thanks to my uncle who was in business with a member. Different course then and I would imagine nowhere near as pristine as it is today. Although by far the most fabulous golf experience I've ever had. In 1983 shot 78 from the back tees.

[@JamieStuartnz]

When are you coming to NZ to play Te Arai, tara iti, kidnappers and kauri cliffs? You must be due a trip south of the equator soon.

[@francissampson]

I went to a practice round on a Monday in 2008 , and I realize I don't know the right people to be able to play the course , but I just enjoyed walking the grounds . It a beautiful piece of property . Not to mention the ridiculous low prices for food on the course , as far as 2008 goes .

[@rodisham]

I’ve been able to go to the Masters a few times. It’s an incredible fan experience. An enjoyable tv moment from a few years ago was Dechambeau’s self-build-up as to how easy the course was for a player like him. Jack was interviewed that week and was asked what he thought. He smiled and said the course had its own ways of providing challenge. Then DCB made a mess of it that week. It was great.

[@jerryrichard1857]

Don't need Mountains or Oceans in the background at Augusta, the course is the focus and it is that beautiful. When I was there, I took pictures of the grass at my feet, it was like a carpet!

[@Hunter-zp5hd]

One course that’s rarely talked about but probably one of the best in the world is Bandon Dunes. If you guys ever get a chance to go there, do whatever you can to go.

[@frankkoolosko4255]

I grew up in the Hamptons right by Shinnecock Hills. It’s the course that a lot of the pros say is their favorite course.

[@John64125]

Be curious how Rick rates Carnoustie. That’s the one I remember fondly (sort of)! It’s the toughest I’ve ever played but is it the best? It doesn’t have the views the guys talk about but it’s a fantastic golf course.

[@chris_rotolo]

I would love to see you golf wolf creek golf club in nevada. It's stunning.!!

[@steveadkins9456]

Great course

[@abrahamtomahawk]

Just checked that website you mentioned. Royal Dornoch at 13 (just after Augusta). Get in!

[@blackislebeef]

Royal Dornoch is my absolute favourite, such a phenomenal course.

[@Everythingis22]

What I expected vs what I experienced when I went, I would say that Augusta is actually underrated.

[@markjenkins2262]

Played Cape Wickham on King Island off Tasmania. Just the best course. Am sure it would be in the top 5 for everyone if it wasn’t so remote.

[@danielterry382]

Augusta National was a Nursery in the 30"s when it was bought by a Group including Bob Jones. The trees that are there most planted as Jones did the supervision. There is no view of a Beach or an Ocean or distant mountain ranges. It is a manicured piece of land that took a long time to make it what people see on Tv. The Masters is about Tradition/consistency.

[@lairdgordon3424]

Play Royal Melbourne its the course thats Augusta would like to be

[@snagginbirdies1006]

Augusta definitely has a special feeling to the entire property. I have never played it, only been to the Masters. I think one thing about it that would really bum me out is not being allowed to play the Master's tees and having to play way forward at the members tees. I would really like to play the Old Course someday. It just seems like it would be surreal the entire round. I have played courses that hold PGA events like TPC Sawgrass and they were just difficult nice courses, excellent experience but doesn't seem to be anything like Augusta or the Old Course. Shadow Creek was BY FAR the best course I've ever played. That had a special feeling to it for sure.

[@vinylrulesok8470]

My dad was lucky enough to have played Augusta but he rarely mentioned it. But he always went on about Ballybunion

[@MadRS]

I think there are some great courses around Australia and New Zealand that don't get a fair mention. Royal Melbourne, when it is in perfect condition easily competes (in my mind beats) with Augusta. If your talking about spectacular surroundings then courses around Queenstown, NZ have some of the best views and fantastic layouts. I like the links style courses, hard and fast with more natural features rather than over worked areas. Augusta isn't the best course in the world, in my eyes by a long shot but it is the best known and most iconic courses world wide. I could sketch the entire course just from memory without have ever stepped foot on the property. The only hole I struggle with is the 5th. I think it's the short Par 4 with the pine tree that is close to the fairway on the right and the small landing area on the left of the green with steep run off left and long.

[@ahmedmushtaqlodhi]

If we talk about the layout and just the course itself, it may not be the best course out there. But here we are not just talking about the real estate itself, its all about the rich heritage and history attached to courses like Augusta or the old course. The feeling of being in such a space will supercede all other aspects.

[@longballist]

Royal Dornoch best. Toughest is Carnoustie. Most memorable Jasper Park Lodge. Most fun Jubilee St. Andrews. So many good courses. Doonbeg, Royal County Downs, Flint National, The National(Toronto), Brora.

[@micah6615]

I think Augusta national means so much to most people because growing up with their grandfather or father watching the the pros play Augusta the announcing everything just brings back great memories of being a kid and playing junior golf and whoever your favorite player was beating him on that 18th hole by one

[@divindave6117]

When it comes to playing ANG, I would take a 2nd mortgage on my house to be able to play there just once.... but there is a kicker. I would only want to play there either right before or right after the Masters, when it's in the best condition and all it's glory. I gamble to say that most other folks who would give their left nut to play there feel the same.

[@Ballroot84]

It's shocking that Rick hasn't played RCD yet. You need to play it 😂

[@user-vl7di3xr2u]

I'm a traditionalist, and I'd suggest that the best links courses would be better than Augusta. It's a personal opinion, but I've played 4 of the courses on the Open rota, and would prefer to play the others before I played Augusta.

[@steveadkins9456]

Exclusivity and conditions separate Augusta. I've played the Old Course, TPC Sawgrass, and Bay Hill, as well as a smattering of other notable courses. As an average Joe, Sawgrass was the best course I've played, as Rick eluded to regarding Augusta, because I can picture every hole on that course in my head. I was a fan of the course before I ever took the time and spent the money to play it. Bay Hill and the Old Course provided the best experience. Both amazing courses, but the history, the people, the feelings all made those courses amazing as well, they just felt more personal.

[@mikehumphrey7413]

Hi to the Rick Shiels Golf Show, you need to Play Royal Melbourne in Australia. Mike Humphrey

[@hadler42]

I’ll never forget the feeling when standing on the 1st tee at St Andrew’s. Just thinking of all the history on that ground, the people who have hit from this spot. That’s a feeling no other golf course will give me. You will never get that with Augusta (unless your Rick)

[@garretttaylor2672]

We need to get you on Oakmont.

[@GP-yc2it]

Are you making a case?

[@garretttaylor2672]

@@GP-yc2it Negative. Just responding to Rick's statement he has not played Oakmont. It is an experience in golf history

[@Stakex]

Speaking of overrated.... I got to play two rounds at Oakmont in the PA Amateur a few years ago. Despite the history and prestige, the layout is surprisingly dull, to the point where I don't even remember a few of the holes. I wouldn't count it in my top 10 courses in terms of layout, and I haven't played many super prestigious courses.

[@garretttaylor2672]

@@Stakex Tell us your scores...

[@garretttaylor2672]

I guess my thoughts on Oakmont really emphasize the history. When you look out from the clubhouse it certainly is not a breathtaking view. Is the layout spectacular? As much as it can be on property that is split by the PA Turnpike. But the winners of the majors: Hogan, Nicklaus, Miller, Els, DJ and even Cabrera (he won Augusta). The clubhouse? Spectacular. Rick or the co-host mentioned lifting the Old Course out of St. Andrews and whether it would maintain its reputation (all else aside). You take Oakmont to any other urban location with a larger footprint for the course, and I think your opinion changes?

[@larsstehr597]

I have no desire to play Augusta. Would much more prefer Cypress Point and Pine Valley in the US, and maybe Royal Birkdal, Royal Lytham, Royal County Down and The Old Course in the UK.

[@Demolego1980]

I think there’s a fair few big factors that make up what people feel is “thr best” Tradition, history, exclusivity, location, scenery, atmosphere, condition, clubhouse and how well you play. All those factors will be in different order for everyone and that’s why without playing Augusta we can’t judge. People who’ve played it will of course say it’s the best because that’s the expectation. If you said “yeah I’ve played it, bit of a goat track really, up and down hills and greens were impossible to putt on”. People would lose it. They want to hear “it’s the best and I shot XX off the back tees a day after the tournament”. I would say my favorite courses would be Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong (scenery is amazing) The lakes (Sydney, Aust) and NSW (Sydney, Aust). I’ve played all of those 3 multiple times and the layouts are what I liked the most about them. You can say it’s your home course. It’s what you like. We all just feel the need to bake courses people have heard of for credibility

[@wayneyoung146]

Augusta is like our Bathurst 1000 car race It’s like the best of the best come to playoff for the ultimate goal

[@TheThreatenedSwan]

I don't really care about the prestige or bragging rights, so I'd rather play somewhere more exotic like Monterey, the Western Cape, Hawaii, or Ireland. Also the pines of Georgia are very familiar

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[@derekjancart215]

You need to play Oakmont Rick. Preferably during U.S Open settings.

[@klausschraud7303]

St Andrews, Pebble Beach, my two favourite

[@Bigmikenorthern]

It’s because of the exclusivity of AGN and courses like Cypress Point make it a want to play course. If I had to choose one of the two I’d pick CP!!

[@tessp100d4]

Let’s us not forget Cypress Point for the conversation.

[@rheffner3]

Every golfer in the world would want to play Augusta National as their first choice. Nothing else would come close. Nothing. I went once for the Masters and it is one unbelievable place. I had the chance to go in 1986, stay in the Eisenhower cabin and play the course on Monday as it was set up for the final round. Like an idiot I passed up that opportunity (I was getting married the next week and my wife went nuts when I said I was going. So I didn't.). Of course the stupidest thing I have ever done.

[@frederickdouglass7517]

As far as watching golf on a particular course Augusta National is my #1 but it I think if I could play any course in the US it would be Pine Valley.

[@davidmorgan6000]

Call me crazy, but growing up in Los Angeles and attending the open a couple dozen times, it's always gonna be Riviera for me!

[@LA_i6]

Augusta although it's perfectly maintained and beautiful it is a creation of marketing genius. It is a synthetic walled garden. It is like Disney world. Read up on how they created the mystique. The guy that dreamed it up blew his head off on the par 3 course.

[@theycallmehoipilloi5495]

If I could play anywhere and didn't have to pay the green fee, Pebble Beach or maybe Cypress Point. Maybe the Old Course because it would be like going to Jerusalem to me, in a golfing sense only.

[@gasperstarina9837]

Have to agree the old course itself actually dissapoints many people who play it for the first time

[@Paul-qk7yd]

I've played Augusta 8 times...If you don't think Augusta has scenery, you obviously haven't played it while the flowers are in bloom. It's so spectacular that you can't concentrate on the golf...I've also played National Golf Links and it's great, but no comparison. Do you think Pine Valley has "ocean or mountain " views? No other course has Augusta's history - not even close.

[@seamusrooney1820]

Get over to RCD, its only a hop across the pond, been No.1 on Golf Digest for years

[@johngaltjkt62]

Thoughtful response

[@jeffreyjones1721]

I liked what you said, and I think the answer is hidden in it. You don't have the views of St Andrew's or Pebble Beach or.... So many of them do. But, Augusta you have the streams and the bridges and the perfect sand and grass and white buildings and azaleas. So much contrast, and all that trapped inside the pine trees. You're locked in a little golf garden of Eden. The others your mind may wander to distant oceans or faraway canyons, but at Augusta it's just golf in golf heaven. You've left the rest of the world behind and gone to a golfers version of Disneyland. It's a magical escape.

[@jordanharding4841]

As much as Augusta is a bucket list course for a lot of golfers. My biggest problem with it is the secrecy. Take bay hill for example, I’ve watched rick play there a few times, we get some “secrets” from the gentleman that runs it. We see holes that Rick struggles with, we Rick play some great shots. We can relate it better as a viewer. I’d still take a round at Augusta if anyone’s offering though 😃😂

[@tehhuddleboard7515]

Pine Valley or Cypress Point are harder to get on and are better golf courses. There’s also several holes at Augusta most people couldn’t tell you much about, like 5, 7, 14 or 17.

[@tehhuddleboard7515]

@@PFunkChang It’s not. Relative to CP and PV, Augusta was easy to get on. They have lots more members.

[@tehhuddleboard7515]

@@PFunkChang Pine Valley, Old Course at St. Andrews, Royal Melbourne West, Merion, Muirfield, Royal Dornoch, Sunningdale Old & New, Kingston Heath. Does that qualify me to have an opinion? Or does yours matter more because you’ve played at a local muni?

[@tankeater]

Playing a course backwards sounds like a logistical nightmare!!! Tee to green, then back 2 tees EVERY HOLE?!?!?! Critical thinking gentlemen.

[@delphic464]

The Old Course is set up to be played in reverse without any sort of "logistical nightmare." Watch Rick's video from a couple years ago to see it. St. Andrews was designed and built in a time when there were zero other options to play golf elsewhere. Greens share multiple holes (that you play to from different tees), options to play in reverse, or 9 holes, or the orignal 12 holes from the 1700's.

[@wowsadowsa]

Literally I’ll never play Augusta, but St. Andrews seems even more fun to walk, play, and interact with. I wouldn’t call Augusta overrated, but I’ll take a scenic ocean view like Bandon Dunes over tree-lined fairways all day.

[@todesque]

Is the cathedral of Notre Dame overrated?

[@ryanrichardson9915]

Very few??? It's the most abundant answer I've ever heard when asked to Tour Pros.

[@jayjo675]

One of the reasons that pros don't think Augusta is the best course is due to the layout of most holes. Most pros play a fade, mostly due to changes in equipment and due to the high fade being more controllable and easier to hit targets on the fairway based on shot dispersion. Augusta benefits those who draw the ball. Holes 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15 are either right to left layouts or they have other characteristics that benefit those who can draw the ball, so tour pros are forced to club down to draw the ball or risk pulling it short or going long if they use their driver due to the technology of today's drivers. Proof of this is how well lefties have done, the course is perfectly set up for lefties and we have seen how well they have done in the Masters more so than any other Major tournament.

[@ajfatca]

I dont think a course should be considered the most amazing just because its impossible to get a ticket to the tournament and no matter how much money you have you will never play it.

[@enemyvirus]

Its exclusive, that's why its deemed to be the best. You can actually play the old course, you can actually play Pebble Beach. You can't normally play Augusta.

[@Thegeneralms1]

No other course spends the amount of money as Augusta National. I’m willing to bet they spend twice as much as the next best course. Hell they only play golf on the course 4 months out of the year. That place is unreal.

[@capiche7396]

Nicklaus said if he had one last round to play it would be Pebble Beach.

[@davidbentley4731]

I guess I must be a course architecture nerd. Augusta is excellent but doesn’t hold a candle to Pine Valley, Royal County Down, Royal Melbourne and some of the newer amazing tracks. It feels like it lacks a bit of the architectural genius element that other courses seem to have. Maybe I’m just saying this to be cool though.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Seems to me that the architecture at Augusta is part of its greatness. All they talk about is precise shot making and needing to 'miss' in the right spots, and course knowledge being critical to navigating your way around the course. It's always been a risk/reward track, and that obviously brings with it the dramatic and heart-thumping finishes we've seen so often. Then there's Rae's Creek weaving its way around the course as well, in a very strategic design. I think it's a fantastic layout, but there's no doubt that the history of the tournament is why the majority of amateurs put it at the top of their list to play (mine too).

[@alexandermiller8909]

I think MacKenzie would disagree regarding the architectural genius, considering that he was the primary architect behind both Royal Melbourne and Augusta National.

[@jz4461]

@@alexandermiller8909 There's not another course out there that's been tinkered more than Augusta National, and any change to that course is primarily with The Masters in mind. I'd bet most golf architecture fans would agree that Royal Melbourne is far more like it was in Mackenzie's time than Augusta National is.

[@alexandermiller8909]

@@jz4461 I agree with you on that. I think his architectural genius and the essence of his original vision for the course still persist today despite the numerous changes over the years though.

[@Oldlard]

It's iconic. It's exclusive. It's famous. But if the masters was never played there you would probably never have even heard of it and it would not make your top 100.

[@adamseidel9780]

And if the Yankees never played at Yankee Stadium it wouldn’t be important to baseball either… but it is.

[@VetteWay2Fast]

TPC Sawgrass is my favorite to watch

[@stemtostern7611]

For people that have never been to Augusta you would be pretty disappointed in what you see there. It's a course set in the middle of the run down section of the town of Augusta which surrounds the course. I asked my wife's relative to go see the course and they wondered why I was excited to go see it. I told them this was the GOAT for golfers. Well? OK! We can drive down there, which we did. I asked well were is it? Right there to your right. What? Where? Right there they said.. We kept on going around the complete course not seeing anything but a 20 foot high green fence which it surrounds. WTH? We stopped at one gate where I thought I could look though. No can do. They made it so Rubes like me can't peer in there. If you don't have a ticket to get in there don't even bother going to see it. IMHO describe it after seeing a lot of YT video's of the place. It's like going to Disney World of Golf. Every thing is Fake. When you hear the birds in the background calling on TV are piped in on TV there are no Birds or squirrels . You won't see squirrels because they trapped them all out, there are none. I can't say that I blame them, with all that amount of Money there I would have it that way also. Like if I owned the Playboy Mansion I sure as hell wouldn't have anything but the top shelf working there.

[@haroldfarquad6886]

Perhaps the only more coveted round is at Shadow Creek in Vegas. But any golfer worth their salt would choose Augusta 8 days out of the week.

[@freebootercinema9157]

"Whar in th' whirled be this Owgusta? Arrrrr!"

[@davidmcmanus2464]

Augusta looks a tricked up course to me, too many slopes on greens that unfairly punish good shots. The venue etc looks amazing and all that history.

[@MC-nb6jx]

Its main defence is tricked up greens.. Why don’t they grow some rough??🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Truequalityedits]

People like what they can’t have. Augusta knows their exclusivity attracts wonder and excitement.

[@richardargent2304]

Rather play pebble beach if had the choice

[@kenbrown2808]

here's the deal: there are two metrics that make playing a course a great experience. one is if it is a great course to play, and I include great scenery in that. the other is if it is a course that is a great privilege to play. both of these are very subjective. for me, so far, Starthyrum has been my greatest round. lovely course, a long trip to get there, and I had lovely people I was playing with. would augusta be better than that for me? quite possibly not. I don't follow professional golf. so I don't have the whole hero worship of championship courses going on. so to me, walking in Tiger's footsteps would not be an experience worth pursuing. to be entirely honest, rating a sausage roll with Rick and Guy would probably rank higher for me than playing Augusta. as I said before, if PGA was filmed in the style of Break 75, I'd be more likely to watch it.

[@davidemery1461]

Rick saying that so many of the holes are memorable is a vital point.

[@GP-yc2it]

The course/tournament was better when there was no rough.

[@loganjackson675]

I think much of it is the history and that it’s always hosted the same, legendary tournament. It’s almost like why going to a game at Fenway park is always put at the top of baseball fans bucket lists despite being objectively not the greatest venue for viewing experience, and it’s never put on players favorite places to play who have played there often. It’s an old stadium so the accommodations for fans and players, seating options, locker rooms, views, etc are all inferior to many modern stadiums. But if you step into Fenway the first time, you’re immediately aware that you’re in the building where Ted Williams played, Babe Ruth started his career, Big Papi beat the Yankees in 04, etc. You can’t tell the history of MLB baseball without Fenway Park just like you can’t tell the history of golf without Augusta. I’m sure it naturally loses some of the mystique when you play there a handful of times. Not that it’s taken for granted, but most golf fans watched it with their dads and grandpas at 10 years old and have never even attended, let alone played it, so it’s still got that almost legend or mythic quality to it

[@averagejoe845]

Ask Pros what their favorite tournament is, and many will say The Masters. The course has a lot to do with that, the history is another and the experience in another.

[@tbenedict6335]

Yes

[@cameronwhyte2496]

In my opinion, it isn’t overrated, but it isn’t underrated either. Every golfer knows how good a golf course it is, and how much they’d love to play it.

[@jameskeyser5124]

As an American Augusta is my #2 the old course is my #1

[@tobagostreetpolicestationc561]

It’s a TV set first, course 2nd

[@johncorman8715]

It would be nice if we could see Augusta played by a non-tour pro so we could see it as if we were playing it. I recall Rick telling us what it was like but not showing us. I'd guess from that that they have a prohibition against making videos of the experience. The club's exclusivity and tightly controlling rules are more than a bit off-putting, but of course I'll watch The Masters anyway.