Would you give Camilo Villegas an Invitation to the MASTERS?

[bueller]

NO! he has to earn a spot

[Metalhead]

I can't believe the responses to this....He does not deserve to play the Masters! Ames earned his way and so should anyone who goes...

[matt411]

Doesn't the masters give invites to foreign born players all the time. Like didn't aaron baddeley (sp?) get one a couple of years ago? also shingo maybe? I know they didn't play on the pga at the time, I was just wondering.

[ben III]

Yes! I became an instant fan, he definitely will make some fireworks on that course! I'd sure kick a few old timers out to see Cam. The fireworks, that's what it's all about!

[Konklifer]

I thought Augusta gives out special exemptions to foreign players. If so, then yes. He is great for the game and fast becoming a fan favorite. He does need to start making those 3 & 4 footers though.

 

That said, if we're talking a special exemption, outside of the norm, then no. He'll be there eventually.

[poppyhillsguy]

I think I would give Greg Owen an invite first then Villegas.

[wholeinwon]

Can't he technically get in if he is in the top 50 of the World Rankings when this weeks come out?

 

He's what 63rd now...and with a T-3 at the Players can he make the jump to 50?

 

The kid should get an invite...he deserves an invite and imo will be an invite.

[stickman]

No, I wouldn't. He should have to get in like any other player regarless of how cool his game is to watch . I think he will end up getting in because of Chris Dimarco's Injury, or Kenny Perry's injury. He might also get in with a Ames WD.

[martineli69]

Well, I think the he's answered the question to if he can compete or not with the big guys... he's had some good finishes in some REALLY good fields like the Doral and The Players... here's and article that comes right into topic...

 

STORY ABOUT VILLEGAS

 

Quote: "No, I wouldn't. He should have to get in like any other player regarless of how cool his game is to watch . I think he will end up getting in because of Chris Dimarco's Injury, or Kenny Perry's injury."

 

I think it shows a lot that he made the most out of that opportunity and he fell just a few dollars short of being in the top 10.. don't forget he finished T3rd behind #3 in the world and in front of many GREAT players...

 

lets keep them coming....

[peteman29]

No. He can't compete with the real big boys and Augusta is going to be too much for him to handle

 

What?? He's proven he can compete with anyone on tour. He's still quite young and is learning how to put an entire tournament together. The kid has major game, and unless you are his Sport's Psychologist, how do you know that the Master's would be too much for him to handle?

 

Some of these point blank statements just crack me up. :)

 

It was an opinion, not a statement.

[Golfchicago]

From a business point of view, it would be a smart pick for Hootie. He is obviously very popular. I like the kid a lot. Not everybody earns his or her way into the tournament. I would have no problem with Hootie using an exemption on him.

[CoreyLaker]

The Masters isn't some local Muni open where the tournament hosts can invite their cigar smoking, beer swilling buddies to come and play. This is THE premier event on Tour every year, and they should not cheapen it's meaning to get in by extending him an invitation.

 

Just my $.02

 

bmac

[Golfchicago]

The Masters isn't some local Muni open where the tournament hosts can invite their cigar smoking, beer swilling buddies to come and play. This is THE premier event on Tour every year, and they should not cheapen it's meaning to get in by extending him an invitation.

 

Just my $.02

 

bmac

That's a bit over the top with the analogy. I really don't see how the event is "cheapened" by inviting him. How is it cheapened?

[wholeinwon]

How would an event be "cheapened" by inviting one of the most popular players on tour?

 

Your right this is THE PREMIER EVENT...and Camillo has proven he is a PREMIER player...

[martineli69]

The masters has extended and invitation to Tonchai Jaidee... I think he is a good player and it will be nice to see him compete against the best in the world.... The masters will invite players at their own personal opinion and I still think that they should extend one to Camilo... Just my two cents... I'm sure he will be in the field next year, so no worries...

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

He is a good, yet un-proven player. They should tot invite him based upon his style, white slacks, orange shoes and belt. He is flashy for sure, but maybe a flash in the pan. Who knows?

 

When did the Masters quit inviting all PGA Tour winners from the previous year and switch it to the money list selection process now.

[taylormadefan]

Well theres a big problem here. If you invite camillo, your making a big mis-justice to Watson and Holmes. Holmes had a win on the Tour! How about Oberholser he has a win aswell. I think he gets in if they all get in. If not we'll be seeing a big problem amongst the rookie class!

 

I think that's the best point that's been raised all day, Oberhosler and Holmes should be in before Villegas. The two tournaments they won (FBR and ATT Pebble Beach) weren't exactly pushovers either. They should get invites before Camillo.

[USNHack]

Well theres a big problem here. If you invite camillo, your making a big mis-justice to Watson and Holmes. Holmes had a win on the Tour! How about Oberholser he has a win aswell. I think he gets in if they all get in. If not we'll be seeing a big problem amongst the rookie class!

 

Oberholser will get in if he maintains his position in the top ten on the money list. But I agree with you in that Villegas is a card holder on the PGA tour and should fall under the guidelines in place otherwise, where would you draw the line on who's in who's not?

[the_krulatz]

I must say....he's definitely got the length to knock it around Augusta and keep up with most anyone. However, giving invitations to players who have not technically meet the requirements set forth by the higher authorities in the game of golf seems to be somewhat wrong. In fact, I don't think Villegas may think he would deserve it if he was merely given a spot. I think he would play much better golf if he earned it. So I'm saying I wouldn't like to see the committee give him an invitation, for his sake.

[ce_me_golf]

No. He can't compete with the real big boys and Augusta is going to be too much for him to handle

 

That's a ridiculous statement in light of his performance this year especially at thhe Player Championship, which features the toughest field in golf.

[ce_me_golf]

I must say....he's definitely got the length to knock it around Augusta and keep up with most anyone. However, giving invitations to players who have not technically meet the requirements set forth by the higher authorities in the game of golf seems to be somewhat wrong. In fact, I don't think Villegas may think he would deserve it if he was merely given a spot. I think he would play much better golf if he earned it. So I'm saying I wouldn't like to see the committee give him an invitation, for his sake.

 

That's also one of things I like about the game of pro golf; everything you get YOU EARN.