I spoke about sports being played in empty stadiums because of the Chinkvirus — which I can sorta understand, because by their very nature and architecture, stadiums cram people together in their seats.
I do not understand why Augusta National is holding their postponed tournament without spectators, though.
Since our initial announcement to postpone the 2020 Masters, we have remained committed to a rescheduled Tournament in November while continually examining how best to host a global sporting event amid this pandemic. As we have considered the issues facing us, the health and safety of everyone associated with the Masters always has been our first and most important priority.
Throughout this process, we have consulted with health officials and a variety of subject matter experts. Ultimately, we determined that the potential risks of welcoming patrons and guests to our grounds in November are simply too significant to overcome.
Even in the current circumstances, staging the Masters without patrons is deeply disappointing. The guests who come to Augusta each spring from around the world are a key component to making the Tournament so special. Augusta National has the responsibility, however, to understand and accept the challenges associated with this virus and take the necessary precautions to conduct all aspects of the Tournament in a safe manner. We look forward to the day when we can welcome all of our patrons back, hopefully in April 2021.
I don’t think that the problem is as bad as they make it sound — assuming that there even is a problem by the time the tournament begins — but Augusta National has always been a sensible kind of operation (except when they allowed women to become members, that is), so there it is.
I for one always watch the Masters on TV — I can’t remember ever missing it. Even when I still lived in Seffrica I’d stay awake through the night to watch Player and Nicklaus and Palmer grappling with the course.
Playing Augusta was once a Bucket List item, but no more: I’m too old, and my golf game, always kinda shit, would make me a laughing stock if I did somehow manage to get to play there.
I’d still like to drive a fast-ish car around Spa Francorchamps, though; not in a race, but maybe on a Track Day.
I’m not too old for that. Especially in one of these:
Kim,
I do admire your taste in fine motorcars. I can see myself in a tweed jacket, hat and leather gloves, tooling around on a brisk fall afternoon in that Caterham. I’d be off to the range or perhaps to the local for a pint or two with some chums. Ah, it is to dream ….
I can almost guarantee you the network will muck this Masters up, Kim, on their own! Seems like you’ve already given up, based on the Club’s private approach on specs! What’s next? SEC football? Batter up! Oops, wrong analogy! LOL
A former employer and member of Augusta National said those who visit always leave disappointed in their game. Paraphrasing “If you don’t hold Augusta sacred, you don’t love golf and probably aren’t invited to play . If you hold Augusta sacred you attempt to play your best round and screw the pooch”. This was followed by an analogy of a beautiful woman and premature ejaculation. That being said he did say the few people he invited all wanted a second chance.
Never stop dreaming. Just because you stall in the first turn at Spa Francorchamps doesn’t mean you can’t finish the course.
Depends on whether Max Verstappen is behind you or not.
Also, it would be a considerable feat for me to leave the course more disappointed in my game than I already am.
I don’t know. It may be fun to watch athletes only kneel to line up a putt.
A friend had a Lotus 7, I asked to have a go, I got in and was stuck, (I,m a big bloke), it took 3 other guys to get me out, they’re not very roomy. I never did drive it.
Kim, I’m more than positive that a Caterham-7 rental could be arraigned from one of the local “garages” – and while you’re there, why not pop across the border and have a go at The Ring, too. Just think, the two greatest road courses in the world just a short drive apart.
Finding out exactly how fast I would be willing to take the Eau Rouge corner would be a good time.
Spectators at the Masters are jam packed into the best viewing areas. The place looks huge on TV, but in reality it is about the size of my local municipal course. As they made it longer, they backed up the tees so much it is hard to get around in some places. The holes run right next to each other for the most part, which they do a great job of hiding on tv. No way to “social distance” there. It is nevertheless a bucket list place to go just for how beautiful it is.
Spa is a fabulous place, but viewing a race there stinks. Huge portions of the track have no viewer access, and heaven forbid they cut down a damn tree to make things easier. It is a very fast and imposing track, and much more hilly than it looks on TV. You would definitely want something with a roof there.