Augusta Georgia: Opinions:Hootie Johnson cheapens Masters 07/07/02

Hootie Johnson cheapens Masters

Web posted Sunday, July 7, 2002

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Letter to the Editor

When Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones founded the Masters, it was all about tradition. The purse was, for many years, much less than most tournaments. The prize was the coveted green jacket and the lifetime invitation. Now, Chairman Hootie Johnson has sent a letter to some older champions saying they can no longer compete.

He did not have the courage to send a letter to my favorite player, Arnold Palmer, even though he did not have a chance to win. Mr. Palmer showed a lot more class than Chairman Johnson by announcing his retirement from the Masters because, in his words, "I didn't want to get a letter."

If Mr. Roberts was alive, I feel sure he would send Chairman Johnson his letter. Because of Chairman Johnson, we will not be able to see some of the legends of golf in Augusta again. Chairman Johnson has cheapened the Masters to the point that maybe the winner next year will win a green T-shirt.

Jim Newman, Augusta