The Masters vs. The Open

photo credit: Philip Larson   There are 4 Major Championships in the world, The Masters, the US. Open, The Open and the PGA Championship.  The question is, which should be No.1.

The Masters and The Open are the two top contenders.  The Masters is America’s premier golf event, played at Augusta National, the number one ranked course in America.  It’s the only major played on the same course. 

The Open is the UK’s most popular golf event.  It is played on various courses in the British Isles, golf’s birthplace.  Of the four majors, The Open is the oldest, some say, that’s the very reason it should be ranked No. 1.  The debate goes on and may never be decided, maybe it’s best for game if it isn’t .

Pebble Beach vs. Augusta National

photo credit: Eustaquio Santimano   Pick two golf courses in the US. that you would love to play?  Most likely they would be Pebble Beach (ranks 4th in the world) or Augusta National (ranks 3rd). 

Pebble Beach is located on the beautiful Monterrey peninsula on the California coast.  Home of the Bing Crosby Pro Am, Pebble Beach has also hosted the US. Open Championship.  The course offers stunning ocean views and dramatically landscaped fairways for those that can afford the $495. green fees.

Augusta National, on the other hand, offers serenity, impeccable playing conditions and some of the most well known golf holes in all of golf.  The course is not open to the public.  Playing the course is by invitation only.  Georgia’s Augusta National, is home of The Masters Championship.  Which do you prefer?

Tom Watson vs. Jack Nicklaus

photo credit: mihirvaze   Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus were fierce adversaries in some of golf’s greatest matches.  Both men, being fierce competitors, battled weekly against each other throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. 

In 1977 Watson beat Nicklaus for The Masters title and just a few short months later went on to beat him at Turnberry in the Britsh Open.  The dual continued when in 1982, on the 17th hole at Pebble Beach, he sunk a chip from the deep rough to top Nicklaus once more for the US. Open Championship.

On the Golden Bear’s last British Open appearance Watson was his playing partner for the round.  As they walked down the 18th fairway tears were flowing down Watson’s face as the two embraced.  Their great friendship continues but can the PGA Tour ever be the same?