The American Spectator

Reader Mail

(Page 2 of 11)

br> -- Mike Zimmerman br> Milwaukee, Wisconsin /p>

Mr. Henry has written a wonderful piece here. His pithy descriptions of the cast are particularly delightful. However, I think he comes down a jot hard on what he feels is the new atmosphere at Augusta. Since the course was updated several years back, the Greencoats have not had sufficient data to properly judge the revamped arena. The course has played pretty soft most of the years since the changes. This was, by my observations, only the second tournament where they were able to find out just how much golf course they have. Even so, the rain Saturday prevented its full treachery from being revealed. Nonetheless, Mr. Paine and his cohorts now must realize that Augusta is safe from plunder for at least a few decades.

With new technology reined-in pretty well by the U.S.G.A. and R&A equipment rules, Mr. Henry and I can probably be assured the Grand Old Gal will never become Breckinridge Park in our lifetimes. Thirty miles per hour is not merely "some wind." Conditions on Sunday were supremely difficult, particularly on the two drama centers, 13 and 15. With a little tinkering here and there, and the ability to throttle up and down depending on conditions, I think The Masters will be better prepared to supply the Sunday roars regularly in the future.

We have, after all, been pretty spoiled over the last twenty years with tournaments that are ageless in their drama and wonder. I remember being disappointed when guys like Charles Coody won back in the '70s. However, when Coody made a hole in one at the par three event this year, with his two grandsons caddying, I realized the God of Golf has a different concept of time and place than I. Good things always come to those who wait...patiently.

p>Nice job, Mr. Henry, br> -- Guy Green br> Saint Paul, Minnesota br> P.S. Ben Wright's "oafish comments to a female reporter" were simply a quote from Big Mama Carner. The disgrace belongs to the priggishly P.C. reporterette and CBS, not to Ben. Solution? Ask Hootie. /p>

I believe Mr. Henry is saying just as much about today's coverage of golf when he compares the charm of the Nicklaus-Watson era to the Tiger-or-nothing disease that permeates today's TV golf.

In 1991, CBS had The Master, Frank Chirkinian, at the controls, and you would see more golf shots in a one-hour CBS Saturday show that you see in the 3-hour CBS marathons of today (NBC is a little better in my eyes, but their depth of talkers is shallow).

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