Jack Nicklaus has achieved more success at Augusta National than anyone else in the history of the sport.
With six Masters victories to his name, Nicklaus and Augusta National are synonymous with one another.
However, Nicklaus has still been very outspoken about Augusta National in the past.
What is the one golf rule you would change if you had the opportunity?
He criticized the design of the second hole recently but that was nothing in comparison to his comments 20 years ago.
Nicklaus openly criticised the Augusta National hierarchy after they lengthened the golf course in 2006.
“They’ve ruined it from a tournament standpoint.
“Augusta is a big, big part of my life, and I love it,“ Nicklaus said.
“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.“
Nicklaus has made the odd prediction here and there about some changes he expects to see made at Augusta.
The rule Jack Nicklaus predicted Augusta would change for the Masters
Augusta National is well-known for having some of the quirkiest and most old-fashioned rules in the game.
In a way, their list of somewhat antiquated rules and regulations are what makes the place so special.
However, Augusta has one specific rule in place that Nicklaus incorrectly predicted they would change back in 2019.
“I think they will probably change that shortly, I would think,” said Nicklaus.
“Maybe I’m speaking out of turn but the cell phone has become fairly common with every tournament.
“I think you should ask Jay [Monahan] and ask the guys at the PGA Tour if the cell phone has become a problem, or has it become something that’s so much of everyday life, that people have learned how to respect it and use it properly.
“You used to take a picture with a cell phone and made a click, right?
“Doesn’t make any noise anymore.
“I understand, somebody going up and saying, ‘Oh, hey, Joe, how’s it going? Oh, excuse me, you go ahead and putt, I don’t want to bother you.’ I understand that. I think that’s bad.
“But the actual use of the cell phone within something now, it’s part of everyday life. I understand exactly what’s going on here and I respect that but I think that times have changed.”
Lee Trevino once blasted Augusta National officials for their rule on cell-phones.
However, it’s clear to see that they won’t be changing their stance on the matter anytime soon.
Augusta National’s strict list of rules at the Masters
There is no running allowed at Augusta National, while sitting down on the grass is strictly forbidden.
Patrons are not allowed to bring in food or drink from outside the Augusta National gates either.
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Meanwhile, players are only allowed to hit one ball from tee to green during practice.
Commentators are held to extremely high standards as well.
Gary McCord was once banned for life from Augusta National.
When commentating live at the Masters in 1994, he said: “I don’t think they mow these greens, I think they bikini wax them.“
He was told to never come back.
The lengthy list of rules and regulations at Augusta National only adds to its mystique.
And there is no sign that Jack Nicklaus’ prediction about Augusta changing their cell-phone policy will come true anytime soon.
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