The Masters is without doubt one of the best things in golf, but there are ways that it could be improved...
3 Ways To Improve The Masters
The Masters is arguably the greatest of golf's four Majors but it isn't quite perfect.
Below, we list 3 ways to make the Masters better...
TV Coverage
Of the four Majors, the TV coverage of the Masters is by far the worst.
Each and every year we have coverage of Amen Corner and other featured holes and groups, but for us in the UK full live coverage doesn't start on the opening two days until something like 8pm.
For what is, again, arguably the greatest golf tournament, live coverage starting some six-to-eight hours after play begins simply isn't good enough.
The Field
The USPGA Championship always has the strongest field and the Open and US Opens also have big fields with various different ways to qualify.
There are various different ways to qualify for The Masters as well, but the field is by far the smallest of the four Majors, never getting above 100.
This year's field looks to be the smallest since 1997 with just 86 competitors.
Granted, it has the world's best players teeing it up but the depth of the field simply isn't there.
One qualm for me this year is that Alvaro Ortiz becomes the first Mexican in 40 years to qualify for The Masters. Yes, he won the Latin America Amateur Championship so has fully earnt the right to play, but he isn't even a pro and World Number 58 (and fellow Mexican) Abraham Ancer hasn't qualified.
That's despite Ancer finishing T12th at the Players and inside the top 40 in both of this season's WGCs. Oh, and he won the Australian Open in November, which is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious Opens!
That victory did qualify him for the Open at Royal Portrush though.
It seems wrong that Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam are playing whilst the World No.58 and the Australian Open champion isn't.
Another thing I'd like to see, as well as inviting more pros, would be to invite more amateurs. Currently there are six that get to play from winning various different amateur events but I would like to at least see the World No.1-ranked amateur invited as well.
The Par-3 Contest
It's a great curtain raiser but could easily be played on the Monday for those who have arrived and fancy playing in it.
However, it has become a novelty in recent years with increased TV coverage and players' WAGs and children caddying and playing.
It looks great fun to be a part of but it shouldn't be something that takes place the afternoon before The Masters, where the world's best should be focusing and practising ahead of the season's first Major.
Expand The Masters Amateurs In The Field – Augusta National 2021
The Masters Amateurs In The Field – Augusta National 2021
This year's tournament will feature three amateurs vying…
Expand US Masters TV Coverage 2019 – Times Moved Forward On Sunday
US Masters TV Coverage 2019 – Times Moved Forward On Sunday
Sky have the full rights, but you can…
Expand US Masters Golf Betting Tips 2019 – Post Cut
US Masters Golf Betting Tips 2019 – Post Cut
Who is going to make a move on…
Expand US Masters Tee Times 2019 – Sunday Round 4 Groups
US Masters Tee Times 2019 – Sunday Round 4 Groups
Saturday round 3 details and groupings
For all the latest Masters news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels
-
YouTube Star George Bryan Comes Within Inches Of PGA Tour Start At Qualifying EventThe YouTube star appeared set for a place at the Myrtle Beach Classic, but a near miss on the 18th left him in a playoff, which Matt Atkins won
-
6 Mistakes Golfers Make When Choosing A PutterJoe Ferguson examines how you can avoid some common pitfalls the next time you look to change putters
-
Who Is Justin Thomas’ Wife?The American star married Jillian Wisniewski in November 2022
-
Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The MajorHere are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The MastersWe consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?Find out more on who the American professional golfer is going out with here.
-
Bermuda Championship Golf Betting Tips 2021Who is the GM Tipster backing to win this week in Bermuda?
-
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour TitleJeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
