WATCH: Masters champion Craig Stadler and PGA player Kevin Stadler are the first father and son to play in the same Masters tournament.
Golf is a game of integrity, respect, discipline and hard work, important values to many. It is through discipline, hard work and perseverance, that players earn the privilege of attending the Masters. No golfer can get there by writing a cheque, or trading a favour. Having to work for the privilege makes the opportunity to play in the Masters so much more valued. Those that make it have struggled through disappointment and persevered for this delayed gratification.
The clearly stated expectations of the players have been the same for years. Even as many changes have occurred in our world, this traditional high standard of respect, integrity and behaviour remains something loved by golf fans around the world. It provides players and spectators alike the opportunity to show how capable they are of meeting these expectations and living with old-fashioned honour.
The members of the Augusta National Golf Club don’t really care whether other people like their decisions to keep things the same. They are firm on what matters for the game. It seems to be working as many golf fans actually stop their lives to make time to watch the Masters. Fans are present, in the moment, watching and loving the tournament and all its ritual.
Another way in which this tournament differs from so many others is that the more experienced players guide and teach the new ones. Veterans literally “hand down” tips. Canadian Mike Weir played a practice round with newcomer Graham DeLaet because he wanted to help a fellow Canadian player. DeLaet said in an interview,
That’s ONE of the cool things out here – that guys kind of pass things along. You go to a regular tournament and guys kind of keep things secretive. But, for whatever reason, out here you kind of pass the torch along.”
Of course you do – because it is the right thing to do and that is what the Masters is about –so much more than just winning.
Lastly, the tournament is family-oriented. Many golfers bring their families with kids caddying for their dads in a certain portion of the tournament. Why would golfers bring their families? Perhaps to let their kids see the ritual and respect that covers the entire event. If you go to the Masters as a spectator, you put a chair down to watch and no one touches your chair for the whole day, whether you are there or not. People walk calmly by and respect your property.
There is so much to love about this tournament and to learn from it: strong values, clearly defined expectations, ritual, perseverance, earned privilege, family-involvement, and respect for all. Augusta didn’t set out to make the Masters “special” – it has become special though their values and more, their consistent ACTIONS to meet those initial values.
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