Jack Nicklaus is the most successful golfer in Masters history, so his stinging criticism of the tournament committee back in 2006 must have really hurt the Augusta National hierarchy.
Nicklaus was victorious at The Masters an incredible six times from 1963 through until 1986 and Augusta National really was his playground, so to speak.
Interestingly, Nicklaus predicted Rory McIlroy would win The Masters this year, and he was proven right.
Augusta is one of the longest golf courses in the game now, one where the power-hitters in the game have a huge advantage over the rest of the field.
The Golden Bear would surely have been suited perfectly to the golf course if he were in his prime today.
However, he clearly had a big issue with something that happened to Augusta nearly 20 years ago.
Nicklaus knows Augusta National better than anyone, and back in 2006, he was really unhappy with a big change which was ordered by the chairman at the time, Hootie Johnson.
How Augusta National chairman responded to stinging Jack Nicklaus criticism
Back in 2006, Augusta National was lengthened considerably.
The course measured 7,445 yards – a 155-yard increase from 2005, and Nicklaus was not happy one little bit about the changes.
He very simply said: “They’ve ruined it from a tournament standpoint.
“Augusta is a big, big part of my life, and I love it. That’s why I hate to see them change it. They’ve altered the nature of the course. Bobby Jones wanted a second-shot golf course. They’ve completely eliminated what he tried to do.“
After Nicklaus aired his frustrations, Hootie Johnson was forced to respond.
“We are satisfied the changes . . . are appropriate for today’s game,“ he said. “We met our objective of maintaining the integrity and shot values of the golf course as envisioned by the Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie.“
Johnson was known for curtly replying ‘no comment’ to any criticisms he received about Augusta National.
So for him to come out and defend the changes made proves that he and the Augusta committee really believed in what they were doing.
Hootie Johnson proven right with his prediction about Augusta National in 2006
In response to claims that Augusta National would not be a ‘second-shot golf course’ anymore after the lengthening of the layout, Hootie Johnson shared his opinion on the matter.
He said: “These are the best players in the world and I’m certain they will figure out a way to play the holes that have been changed.“
And Johnson’s prophecy has proven to be absolutely spot on.
| Stats | 20 Masters before ’06 | 20 Masters after ’05 |
| Average score under par | 10.25 | 10.85 |
| Double-digit under par winning score | 11 | 13 |
There is a real argument to be made that the distance the best players in the world hit the golf ball nowadays means that Augusta National plays just like it did 30, 40, 50, even 90 years ago.
The changes made by the Augusta National committee ahead of the 2006 Masters were necessary, despite Jack Nicklaus’ thoughts on the matter.
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