The Masters Tournament, one of the four major championships, is celebrated for its history, excellence, and tradition. This year’s event, coinciding with the Met Gala of the South, Easter Sunday, has seen its share of drama, from player controversies to nasty weather that took out two pine trees and later, our king Tiger Woods, from Augusta National.
Who I want to Win: Anyone but Patrick Reed
This year’s tournament has been rife with drama, especially around the inclusion of LIV Tour players. LIV Golf has disrupted the golf industry by challenging the PGA’s stronghold on players and offering them substantial financial incentives. I firmly believe a LIV golfer winning would keep the conversation around this new force in professional golf evolving. It would also continue to very publicly validate the premise of the organization while potentially leading to even more significant financial rewards for winning golfers on both tours. More likely to be seen by LIV players first, due to the Saudi Royal Family’s level of immense wealth which my fellow female golfer, Kayla, defines as “dolphin money.” My vote is for Phil. (Although, I’m pretty sure I don’t get to vote at Augusta? Kidding sort of.)
A Quick Note on Tradition
Tradition plays a significant role in the Masters, with unique customs like the Green Jacket and maintaining the reputation of having concession stands on par with the GOAT, Costco. However, “tradition” has taken on a darker connotation in golf as it has been linked to deeply discriminatory practices and exclusivity, including at Augusta National. Despite its troubled past, the Masters has been making strides to become more inclusive in recent years. While there is still much work to be done, tournament leadership have at least shown a willingness to change and adapt. Probably so the brand won’t be mercilessly cancelled.
Doing Our Part to Advance the Game
As golf fans, it’s our responsibility to support and encourage these efforts, pushing for a sport that can sustainably attract and retain players. As is the case with most areas of change, it starts at home. I’m not suggesting you need to give up your wide-open tee sheets. Personally, that was a huge factor in joining a private club. I’m referring to helping people see themselves in the game and fostering a more welcoming environment that is attractive to a wider group of players.
Here are some ways we can contribute to making golf more inclusive and accessible:
- Invest in local programs like The First Tee and Special Olympics, which make golf more accessible to a wider audience.
- Offer affordable or free golf lessons to encourage more people to learn the sport and develop a love for it.
- Promote diverse membership and staff, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life.
- Create inclusive events for underrepresented groups like women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities to help grow the sport.
- Support scholarship programs that enable talented young golfers without financial means to reach their full potential.
- Encourage clubs to partner with local schools, introducing golf to students and providing accessible opportunities for participation.
- Promote family involvement through family-friendly events and pricing, making the sport more accessible and attracting the next generation of golf enthusiasts.
- Leverage social media platforms to share stories of diverse golfers, showcase the sport’s growing inclusivity, and promote upcoming events.
- Collaborate with other sports organizations, both professional and non-professional, to learn valuable lessons on inclusivity and develop strategies for reaching wider audiences.
With the amount of downtime this weekend, I’d hope fans found time to take note of some of the changes being rolled out across the industry. I really mean what I said about change starting at home. The game can’t stop evolving, if for no other reason than to help the world be a kinder place by ensuring everyone has the opportunity to grow via the crushing weight that accompanies being an average golfer.
Sending Sunday Funday love to you all on my favorite Sunday of the year!