For those Augusta National/Masters lovers out there, I would suggest you check out a thesis written by Shane Cooney (University of Guelph, 2006) which has a lot of great charts and analysis that compliment David Sowell’s The Masters: A Hole by Hole History of America’s Golf Classic (2003).
Abstract:
Although the game of golf is deeply rooted in tradition, changes in equipment,
player training, course conditioning and playing techniques have led to professional
players ‘outplaying’ older traditional courses. As players and equipment have improved,
historic courses have been faced with the challenge to remain competitive yet retain their
historic qualities. The Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia is one of the
world’s premier courses, hosting The Masters Golf Tournament since 1934. This study
explores the relationship between the renovations made to Augusta National and players’
scoring during the Masters tournament from 1957 to 2006. Daily scoring average, player
scoring (winner, top ten and the field), stroke averages and rank for each hole were
collected and compared to the course alterations. The course alterations at Augusta
National have influenced the player scoring. The course changes ultimately have
protected par at the expense of the courses historic charm.
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