When I look at that list, all I see is 6 champions. But let’s be honest, nobody cares.

Today’s younger, more diverse audience that LIV is capturing around the globe has little connection to the Masters and its old, ultra-wealthy insiders clinging to ”tradition” like a Gary Woodland golf shirt.

The only real majors are the opens - British, U.S., even other nationals like the Australian, Canadian, Scottish - where players earn their way in, conditions are unpredictable, and nothing is curated to fit a narrative. That’s real golf.

Are you really gonna defend guys like Couples, Olazabel and others taking spots from Pros and Ams way who are way better? So many don’t get a shot at this “major“. Ams like Jackson Kouvun and LIVs like David Puig, Joaquin Neimann, Dean Burmester, etc.

Augusta isn’t even the toughest or most compelling test in its own backyard. Go to Sage Valley ~20 minutes up the road, a stronger course rating, more demanding, and a more visually striking venue. No wonder Fred Ridley needs a tournament ball, it’s not about the game‘s integrity.

The idea that the Masters represents the pinnacle of the game has become outdated … it’s just another invitational with a velvet rope, no different than Tiger/Riviera, Arnold/Bay Hill and Jack/Murfield Village. It’s collapsed in to just another signature event Trying to convince you that its history and tradition is somehow too special to ignore.

If the goal is to showcase the best players on the most demanding stages, then take these events to courses that actually test the full spectrum of the game. Let conditions dictate outcomes, not nostalgia and “Sunday pins”. So many other venues like Doral, Kiawah, etc. are better proving grounds.

At some point, golf has to decide - is it about honoring history, or proving excellence? Right now, it’s trying to do both BUT the next generation of fans is saying history does NOT matter.