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- Hideki Matsuyama’s historic Masters win
- Augusta Rooted in Racism and Sexism
After the historic win of Minella Times in the Grand National ridden by the wonderful Rachel Blackmore, the first woman jockey to win the race in history. This week sees more history being made in the world of sport as Hideki Matsuyama became the first Asian born golfer to win The Masters. This has been extremely important given the recent anti-Asian racism in the US and the controversies surrounding Augusta National Golf Club (the venue for the Masters) over the years. This week on Pub Convos let's talk about golf, The Masters and Augusta National Golf Club.
Golf:
The aim of the game is to complete the course in as few strokes as possible, by getting the golf ball into the hole. Most courses will either have 9 or 18 holes. Each hole will also have a par rating, which is a benchmark number of strokes that is required to complete the hole. Each hole must consist of a teeing ground and a putting green. The teeing ground is the start of the hole and the putting green contains the actual hole. The natural terrain in between the two points is what make golfing challenging and exciting. For example, a water hazard, tall grass, and sand bunkers Golf clubs come in all shapes and sizes. Drivers and Woods are used to tee off (start) and usually can carry the ball the furthest distance. Irons are used to hit middle distance shots and Putters are used to putt the ball a short distance into the hole. Famous golfers you might know: Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Danielle Kang and Rory McIlroy.
The Masters:
One of the most prestigious golfing tournaments in the world, held annually in Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia, US First played on March 22nd, 1934. The current format of The Masters is 4 rounds of an 18-hole course. A cut-off is done after the 2nd day and only the top 50 players proceed to the final 2 rounds. The field normally consists of around 100 players and it is invitation only based on criteria set by the tournament. The Green Jacket is awarded to the winning player and signifies an honorary membership at Augusta National Golf Club in addition to a cash prize of nearly $2 million in 2021.
Augusta National Golf Club and its Diversity Problem.
A private golf club where membership can only be obtained through invitation. Notable members include Warren Buffett, Condoleezza Rice and Bill Gates The club historically denied membership to African Americans. Co-founder of the club, Clifford Roberts famously said and I quote “As long as I’m alive, all the golfers will be white and all the caddies will be black.” Only in 1990 that the first African American was admitted as a member of the club. Furthermore, the club only admitted its first female members in 2012 and only established the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship in 2019.
Whether you are an avid fan of golf or know nothing about it The Masters tournament is steeped in golfing history and is fantastic to watch. However, this does not hide the fact that there is much to be done in diversity and developing the sport. Hideki Matsuyama’s win hopefully pushes this one stroke forward which brings diversity above par.
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