There’s a reason the Masters is revered as one of sport’s finest events. In a world of hyper-commercialisation, golf’s most iconic major is intentionally different.
It remains in a very exclusive club in modern sport. Think the Olympic Games and Wimbledon for example. Sure, sponsors exist, but they’re not plastered everywhere you look. The emphasis is on the sport and the stories tell themselves.
It’s also been that way at Augusta National for nigh on a century now. It’s just how Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts intended. It’s the reason those who might not follow golf all year round tune in for the most special of tournaments. It’s the Masters.
But during Wednesday’s par-3 contest, the annual curtain raiser before the main event gets underway, the Masters did the one thing it vowed not to do: turn it into a celebrity circus. From Kevin Hart mucking about as Bryson DeChambeau’s caddy, to NFL star Jason Kelce hogging the limelight as the action unfolded.
On the surface, it sounds like a pointless thing to get worked up about. After all, it’s just a bit of fun, right? But that’s exactly why this should be considered a problem.
The par-3 contest is one of the rare moments fans of any sport get a true insight into the lives of their favourite athletes. Take Frankie Fleetwood’s (son of Tommy) viral interview after sending his shot into the lake during last year’s par-3. Or Poppy McIlroy (daughter of Rory) unknowingly sending Augusta into raptures by sinking a 15ft putt.
Moments of unscripted authenticity in an increasingly manufactured sporting world. Compare that to Kevin Hart’s toe-curling monologue (because, of course, he’s mic’d up by the broadcast partners) before rather pathetically sending a ball into the drink a mere 20 yards off the tee. That’s why it matters.
This isn’t to say these things can’t exist in golf, or even sport on the whole. Take the Million Dollar Slam we saw at this year’s Australian Open as the perfect example. It was inventive, light-hearted and perfect for the Australian Open. That is where it belongs. Imagine trying that at Wimbledon? It would be like sticking an elephant into a horse race.
It’s the same with the Masters. And this should be the last time we see it bow down to celebrity and influencer culture.