Tom Watson to join Jack and Gary on Masters 1st tee ?

[KRAMER1997]

Reed, Bubba, and Sergio will be honorary starters in the year 2050.

[Lagavulin62]

> @KRAMER1997 said:

> Reed, Bubba, and Sergio will be honorary starters in the year 2050.

 

 

Just not at Augusta. In 2050 with 670 yard drives and no more land to buy the good ole boys will have to give it up to the new TPC course setups, which will feature hole number 12, a 476 yard par 3, all carry to a tiny island green, surrounded by double decker Fedex grandstands. Most pros will go with a soft 8 iron. Zach Johnson Jr. probably using a hard 7.

 

[KrazyTrain18]

Crenshaw would be my choice.

[mizuno player]

T. Watson I believe will be added. Not in the next few years though.

 

Crenshaw might get it due his likability. Plus his last win was so emotional.

Faldo not sure about him. Probably deserves it.

As with anything AGNGC does this will be interesting to watch unfold.

 

[Titleist_PT23]

Based on overall record, I think Watson and Faldo are just as deserving as Phil (eventually). Phil is the obvious other choice in the Tiger era. But all three (Watson, Faldo, Phil) are all in the next tier behind the current guys and Tiger.

 

I'd say "no" to the two-time Masters only guys like Crenshaw, Olazabal, Langer, etc.

[rangersgoalie]

Fuzzy and Watson

Seve bloody marys

[dalehead]

> @LICC said:

> > @gvogel said:

> > Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw and Jose Maria can handle the duties after Jack and Gary, and until Faldo is ready. Much later, Phil and Tiger if they are able.

>

> Why bother? They would go from legends of the game to pretty good players (Watson is a great but not at the Nicklaus, Palmer, Nelson, Snead, Player level).

 

You need to watch the video of the Duel in the Sun.

[tiderider]

fuzzy, sergio and woosnam ...

[dalehead]

> @agolf1 said:

> Based on overall record, I think Watson and Faldo are just as deserving as Phil (eventually). Phil is the obvious other choice in the Tiger era. But all three (Watson, Faldo, Phil) are all in the next tier behind the current guys and Tiger.

>

> I'd say "no" to the two-time Masters only guys like Crenshaw, Olazabal, Langer, etc.

 

Why not two-time winners? The original honorary starters, Jock Hutchinson and Freddy McLeod won zero Masters between them.

[Titleist_PT23]

> @dalehead said:

> > @agolf1 said:

> > Based on overall record, I think Watson and Faldo are just as deserving as Phil (eventually). Phil is the obvious other choice in the Tiger era. But all three (Watson, Faldo, Phil) are all in the next tier behind the current guys and Tiger.

> >

> > I'd say "no" to the two-time Masters only guys like Crenshaw, Olazabal, Langer, etc.

>

> Why not two-time winners? The original honorary starters, Jock Hutchinson and Freddy McLeod won zero Masters between them.

Sorry, I only know the history to as far back as what's listed above. Just seems like at some point you are going too far down the totem pole.

[grm24]

> @LICC said:

> > @gvogel said:

> > Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw and Jose Maria can handle the duties after Jack and Gary, and until Faldo is ready. Much later, Phil and Tiger if they are able.

>

> Why bother? They would go from legends of the game to pretty good players (Watson is a great but not at the Nicklaus, Palmer, Nelson, Snead, Player level).

 

LOL! Really? How many players have won at least 39 times on the PGA Tour with more majors (8) than Watson?

[LICC]

> @dalehead said:

> > @agolf1 said:

> > Based on overall record, I think Watson and Faldo are just as deserving as Phil (eventually). Phil is the obvious other choice in the Tiger era. But all three (Watson, Faldo, Phil) are all in the next tier behind the current guys and Tiger.

> >

> > I'd say "no" to the two-time Masters only guys like Crenshaw, Olazabal, Langer, etc.

>

> Why not two-time winners? The original honorary starters, Jock Hutchinson and Freddy McLeod won zero Masters between them.

 

That was 60 years ago. Since 1980 it’s only been the legends of the game. This isn’t a next in line honorific. I’m fine with Watson but the others mentioned just aren’t there. Won’t happen.

[Titleist_PT23]

> @LICC said:

> > @dalehead said:

> > > @agolf1 said:

> > > Based on overall record, I think Watson and Faldo are just as deserving as Phil (eventually). Phil is the obvious other choice in the Tiger era. But all three (Watson, Faldo, Phil) are all in the next tier behind the current guys and Tiger.

> > >

> > > I'd say "no" to the two-time Masters only guys like Crenshaw, Olazabal, Langer, etc.

> >

> > Why not two-time winners? The original honorary starters, Jock Hutchinson and Freddy McLeod won zero Masters between them.

>

> That was 60 years ago. Since 1980 it’s only been the legends of the game. This isn’t a next in line honorific. I’m fine with Watson but the others mentioned just aren’t there. Won’t happen.

Part of the problem is compared to the current two and Arnold, there's really nowhere to go but down. The only guy that stands there is Tiger.

 

I get that Tiger needs to tee off with someone. And Phil has three wins at Augusta. But I feel like he's in a pretty similar class to Faldo. Arguably both are below Watson.

[LICC]

> @agolf1 said:

> > @LICC said:

> > > @dalehead said:

> > > > @agolf1 said:

> > > > Based on overall record, I think Watson and Faldo are just as deserving as Phil (eventually). Phil is the obvious other choice in the Tiger era. But all three (Watson, Faldo, Phil) are all in the next tier behind the current guys and Tiger.

> > > >

> > > > I'd say "no" to the two-time Masters only guys like Crenshaw, Olazabal, Langer, etc.

> > >

> > > Why not two-time winners? The original honorary starters, Jock Hutchinson and Freddy McLeod won zero Masters between them.

> >

> > That was 60 years ago. Since 1980 it’s only been the legends of the game. This isn’t a next in line honorific. I’m fine with Watson but the others mentioned just aren’t there. Won’t happen.

> Part of the problem is compared to the current two and Arnold, there's really nowhere to go but down. The only guy that stands there is Tiger.

>

> I get that Tiger needs to tee off with someone. And Phil has three wins at Augusta. But I feel like he's in a pretty similar class to Faldo. Arguably both are below Watson.

 

There definitely is a gap. In the next ten years there are several players with the potential to accomplish Watson-level or Player-level success: Koepka, McIlroy, and Spieth in particular. We will see how they do.

[gvogel]

> @LICC said:

> > @scruffynick said:

> > > @LICC said:

> > > > @gvogel said:

> > > > > @LICC said:

> > > > > > @gvogel said:

> > > > > > Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw and Jose Maria can handle the duties after Jack and Gary, and until Faldo is ready. Much later, Phil and Tiger if they are able.

> > > > >

> > > > > Why bother? They would go from legends of the game to pretty good players (Watson is a great but not at the Nicklaus, Palmer, Nelson, Snead, Player level).

> > > >

> > > > Some might debate that with Watson at 8 majors, and Player of the Year more than a few times.

> > >

> > > I could see Watson at most. The others you mentioned, not really. The Masters hasn't always had ceremonial starters. It has skipped for years at a time when there weren't players that fit the role ready to do it. Since 1980 there has been Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. I don't see Crenshaw or Olazabal or Faldo as being right for it. Maybe Watson, maybe not.

> >

> > Curious why not faldo..... Won it 3 times and was the man to beat for best on a decade. Couldn't think of a better choice in the future

>

> Oh please. To go from Nelson, Snead, Arnie, Jack, and Player to Faldo?

>

>

>

 

Why not Faldo. It is an international tournament with international winners. Faldo won 6 majors, last I looked, and 3 were Masters.

[dalehead]

> @LICC said:

> > @dalehead said:

> > > @agolf1 said:

> > > Based on overall record, I think Watson and Faldo are just as deserving as Phil (eventually). Phil is the obvious other choice in the Tiger era. But all three (Watson, Faldo, Phil) are all in the next tier behind the current guys and Tiger.

> > >

> > > I'd say "no" to the two-time Masters only guys like Crenshaw, Olazabal, Langer, etc.

> >

> > Why not two-time winners? The original honorary starters, Jock Hutchinson and Freddy McLeod won zero Masters between them.

>

> That was 60 years ago. Since 1980 it’s only been the legends of the game. This isn’t a next in line honorific. I’m fine with Watson but the others mentioned just aren’t there. Won’t happen.

 

I get your point but the group of legends available for the honorary starter job is pretty small. There's Watson, then, maybe, Faldo. He makes it on his record but he was never a big fan favorite. Maybe Ray Floyd. That's about it. Maybe the best scenario is Watson joins Jack and Gary for the next few years until Phil hits his later 50's and can step in for Gary or Jack.

[mocokid]

> @LICC said:

> > @gvogel said:

> > Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw and Jose Maria can handle the duties after Jack and Gary, and until Faldo is ready. Much later, Phil and Tiger if they are able.

>

> Why bother? They would go from legends of the game to pretty good players (Watson is a great but not at the Nicklaus, Palmer, Nelson, Snead, Player level).

 

TW has more major wins (8) than Snead, Nelson and Palmer. Disagree, He is a great, highly respected successor to the Jack, Arnie Gary trio. Look before them they had Fred McLeod and Jock Hutchinson I think, not all time greats by any means.

[mocokid]

> @KRAMER1997 said:

> Reed, Bubba, and Sergio will be honorary starters in the year 2050.

 

Those 3 will be real warm, fan friendly, happy symbols of Augusta's hospitality I'm sure. Newly installed ANGC co presidents Peyton Manning and Kate Upton can do the intros.

[Shilgy]

> @LICC said:

> > @agolf1 said:

> > > @LICC said:

> > > > @dalehead said:

> > > > > @agolf1 said:

> > > > > Based on overall record, I think Watson and Faldo are just as deserving as Phil (eventually). Phil is the obvious other choice in the Tiger era. But all three (Watson, Faldo, Phil) are all in the next tier behind the current guys and Tiger.

> > > > >

> > > > > I'd say "no" to the two-time Masters only guys like Crenshaw, Olazabal, Langer, etc.

> > > >

> > > > Why not two-time winners? The original honorary starters, Jock Hutchinson and Freddy McLeod won zero Masters between them.

> > >

> > > That was 60 years ago. Since 1980 it’s only been the legends of the game. This isn’t a next in line honorific. I’m fine with Watson but the others mentioned just aren’t there. Won’t happen.

> > Part of the problem is compared to the current two and Arnold, there's really nowhere to go but down. The only guy that stands there is Tiger.

> >

> > I get that Tiger needs to tee off with someone. And Phil has three wins at Augusta. But I feel like he's in a pretty similar class to Faldo. Arguably both are below Watson.

>

> There definitely is a gap. In the next ten years there are several players with the potential to accomplish Watson-level or Player-level success: Koepka, McIlroy, and Spieth in particular. We will see how they do.

 

What good would Watson-level success do them? Didn't you say a few posts back he was not good enough to be an honorary starter?

[LICC]

> @Shilgy said:

> > @LICC said:

> > > @agolf1 said:

> > > > @LICC said:

> > > > > @dalehead said:

> > > > > > @agolf1 said:

> > > > > > Based on overall record, I think Watson and Faldo are just as deserving as Phil (eventually). Phil is the obvious other choice in the Tiger era. But all three (Watson, Faldo, Phil) are all in the next tier behind the current guys and Tiger.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I'd say "no" to the two-time Masters only guys like Crenshaw, Olazabal, Langer, etc.

> > > > >

> > > > > Why not two-time winners? The original honorary starters, Jock Hutchinson and Freddy McLeod won zero Masters between them.

> > > >

> > > > That was 60 years ago. Since 1980 it’s only been the legends of the game. This isn’t a next in line honorific. I’m fine with Watson but the others mentioned just aren’t there. Won’t happen.

> > > Part of the problem is compared to the current two and Arnold, there's really nowhere to go but down. The only guy that stands there is Tiger.

> > >

> > > I get that Tiger needs to tee off with someone. And Phil has three wins at Augusta. But I feel like he's in a pretty similar class to Faldo. Arguably both are below Watson.

> >

> > There definitely is a gap. In the next ten years there are several players with the potential to accomplish Watson-level or Player-level success: Koepka, McIlroy, and Spieth in particular. We will see how they do.

>

> What good would Watson-level success do them? Didn't you say a few posts back he was not good enough to be an honorary starter?

 

You don’t really read all the comments I see

[buckeye440]

Saying Faldo is not good enough is a joke. 6 majors is a ton (top 10 if were not including Vardon and Jones). At the end of the day, it is up to Augusta National people to make the decision.

[cdnglf]

> @buckeye440 said:

> Saying Faldo is not good enough is a joke. 6 majors is a ton (top 10 if were not including Vardon and Jones). At the end of the day, it is up to Augusta National people to make the decision.

 

Agreed. Phil is the second best player of his era; Faldo is no worse than the third best player of his. Similar to Sarazen, Snead, Nelson, and Player.

[scruffynick]

> @LICC said:

> > @scruffynick said:

> > > @LICC said:

> > > > @gvogel said:

> > > > > @LICC said:

> > > > > > @gvogel said:

> > > > > > Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw and Jose Maria can handle the duties after Jack and Gary, and until Faldo is ready. Much later, Phil and Tiger if they are able.

> > > > >

> > > > > Why bother? They would go from legends of the game to pretty good players (Watson is a great but not at the Nicklaus, Palmer, Nelson, Snead, Player level).

> > > >

> > > > Some might debate that with Watson at 8 majors, and Player of the Year more than a few times.

> > >

> > > I could see Watson at most. The others you mentioned, not really. The Masters hasn't always had ceremonial starters. It has skipped for years at a time when there weren't players that fit the role ready to do it. Since 1980 there has been Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. I don't see Crenshaw or Olazabal or Faldo as being right for it. Maybe Watson, maybe not.

> >

> > Curious why not faldo..... Won it 3 times and was the man to beat for best on a decade. Couldn't think of a better choice in the future

>

> Oh please. To go from Nelson, Snead, Arnie, Jack, and Player to Faldo?

>

>

>

 

He's won 6 friggin majors....so oh please, in my eyes he's ahead of Nelson. He's won the masters 3 times so in my eyes worth being a starter in the future

[bscinstnct]

Not sure what happens with Watson.

 

But TW and Phil out there one day will be something.

 

 

 

Maybe Rory and Rickie start winning green jackets and are the next gen after

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.golfchannel.com/news/your-favorite-pga-tour-players-old-guys-face-app

 

 

 

[Soloman1]

LOL!!

[gvogel]

> @Soloman1 said:

> LOL!!

 

 

Good stuff!

[LICC]

> @scruffynick said:

> > @LICC said:

> > > @scruffynick said:

> > > > @LICC said:

> > > > > @gvogel said:

> > > > > > @LICC said:

> > > > > > > @gvogel said:

> > > > > > > Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw and Jose Maria can handle the duties after Jack and Gary, and until Faldo is ready. Much later, Phil and Tiger if they are able.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Why bother? They would go from legends of the game to pretty good players (Watson is a great but not at the Nicklaus, Palmer, Nelson, Snead, Player level).

> > > > >

> > > > > Some might debate that with Watson at 8 majors, and Player of the Year more than a few times.

> > > >

> > > > I could see Watson at most. The others you mentioned, not really. The Masters hasn't always had ceremonial starters. It has skipped for years at a time when there weren't players that fit the role ready to do it. Since 1980 there has been Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. I don't see Crenshaw or Olazabal or Faldo as being right for it. Maybe Watson, maybe not.

> > >

> > > Curious why not faldo..... Won it 3 times and was the man to beat for best on a decade. Couldn't think of a better choice in the future

> >

> > Oh please. To go from Nelson, Snead, Arnie, Jack, and Player to Faldo?

> >

> >

> >

>

> He's won 6 friggin majors....so oh please, in my eyes he's ahead of Nelson. He's won the masters 3 times so in my eyes worth being a starter in the future

 

Faldo is no legend. Won’t happen.

[Hawkeye77]

Click bait I guess.

[idrive]

> @OldTomMorris said:

> > @idrive said:

> > Is this something you read or wishful thinking?

> >

> > My preference would be to see one of the winners from years past hit the 1st shot. Oldest 1st. Have to be at least 20 years from winning.

> >

>

> Watson is a two-time Masters champion ('77 & '81).

 

Yes, I'm aware. Perhaps I should have elaborated.

 

For starters I understand the Masters tradition with their three honorary starters. My suggestion much like throwing out the 1st pitch at a Baseball game is to have one starter/first ball hit guy. Take the oldest winner and have him hit the ball. Next year the next guy in line and so forth until reaching the more than twenty years ago winner and then start over.

 

It was just a thought.

[RobertBaron]

Faldo is more than deserving. Just doesn’t seem old enough yet.