David Toms’s controversial words in 2006 still resonate with golfers all these years later.
“To me, it’s still a place where the players walk around on eggshells, not knowing if they are in the right place,” Toms saidduring a conference call. “They’re worried about their cellphone being on, having to stop by the hut on the way in to scanyour ticket, making sure you only have one parking pass andsomebody else doesn’t get in there.
“It’s the only place all year where the players don’t feel likethey’re the most important thing there,” Toms said. “That’s theway I see it, and I don’t think I’m the single opinion on that.”
It’s a feeling contestants at the Masters still can relate to. There are rules at Augusta National and they must be obeyed – or else.
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For this Masters Survey question, we asked, where at Augusta National do today’s pros feel the least comfortable, or, as Toms once said, where you feel like you’re walking on egg shells?
“It’s amazing everywhere.”
Keegan Bradley during Friday’s second round of the 2014 Masters at Augusta National.
“Whenever you’re around the clubhouse you’re really watching what you’re saying and doing.”
Harris English prepares to play his second shot on the 11th hole during a practice round ahead of the 2021 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
“A little bit everywhere because it’s such a perfect place and you feel like you are going to do something you’re not supposed to do. It’s in the clubhouse where I feel the most nervous that I might mess up.”
Tony Finau plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of The Masters. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
“When I was there for the first time, it was literally everywhere. Now, it’s just the lunch area. The last time I went I felt the most comfortable and I think it is just being there enough to not have to feel like you can’t do anything wrong.”
“I feel least comfortable standing over the second shot at 11.”
Tommy Fleetwood plays his shot from the fourth tee during the second round of The Masters golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
“The members I’ve spent time with have made me feel comfortable. I will say the first time I walked into the clubhouse was one of the most intimidating experiences.”
Jim Furyk wait to putt on the 17th green during the first round of the 2011 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2011 in Augusta, Georgia.
“At the front gate. I saw the same guard for 20 years, but he still asked me for my I.D. He knew who I was and I knew who he was. It was the one place you wanted to be very proper. Yes, sir and no, sir. But I never felt uncomfortable at Augusta National.”
“12th tee or anywhere in the clubhouse. I don’t know why, but I get nervous that I’m going to break a rule.”
Billy Horschel talks with his caddie on the No. 13 green during a practice round ahead of the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports)
“Not in the locker room but probably in the clubhouse. You feel like where can I go, where can’t I? I know we can go most anywhere but I hate being told that I can’t, so, I don’t even go in a lot of areas.”
Viktor Hovland plays his shot from the 18th tee during the first round of the 2022 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
“In the clubhouse, but it’s pretty cool. Not that I’ve been there too many times but the first time it’s a little strange being there. The more I’m there, the more people are very welcoming.”
“The 12th and 18th tee. It’s hard to pull a club if there’s wind at 12 and 18 is very narrow.”
Zach Johnson lines up a putt on the 2nd green during the second round of The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Michael Madrid/USA TODAY Sports)
“There was probably a point as a young pro there where I felt like I was walking on egg shells. But every individual I’ve met there – whether they work there or are members – are just good people. I don’t feel like I walk on egg shells anywhere except for maybe first tee jitters. I think that’s just a tribute to how they do things.”
Apr 6, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Kevin Kisner and his wife Brittany watch their son Robert putt on no. 6 during the Par 3 Contest at The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
“I don’t feel that way anymore. I’ve been over there enough and know enough of the guys. Once you know the rules, if you don’t disobey them, you’re fine.”
“Inside the clubhouse. Anytime you’re indoors minus the caddie house.”
Collin Morikawa looks on from the second green during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“I think the first year I was scared about where I needed to park. I ended up driving into the Champions lot by accident so that was a good start. I’ve felt comfortable since I got through my first Masters.”
“The 12 tee. That should be unanimous.”
“My first go-round it felt like a museum. It wasn’t bad but just something that took getting used to.”
Adam Scott waves to the crowd after receiving the green jacket after winning the 2013 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in 2013. Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
“I know what (Toms) means but probably the first tee on Thursday. It’s the most nervous I get in golf.”
Jordan Spieth plays from the fairway on the second hole during the final round of The Masters. (Photo: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports)
“Anytime I’m in the registration area. I know where to go in the clubhouse but in that area I never know for sure whether I’m allowed to have a hat on or not. Probably the media center would be second.”
“When you’re there as a participant your head is on a swivel.”
Kevin Streelman reacts after chipping in for eagle on the second hole during the third round of the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
“Somewhere inside between the locker rooms and the main dining areas. It just feels enough uncomfortable and you’re expecting to do something wrong and trying not to upset somebody.”
Justin Thomas chips onto the no. 13 green during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports
“Probably whenever I’m there not for the Masters. During Masters week, it feels more laidback. I feel like I can pull out my phone and it’s not the end of the world. When I’m there any time other than the Masters, I’m pretty nervous.”
Gary Woodland reacts to his putt on the second green during the second round of the 2021 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
“Anytime you walk in the clubhouse, you’re nervous. I’m always careful that my phone is on silent or vibrate. You don’t want to do anything to piss anyone off. I love going there so I’m extra careful that I take my hat off and do things the right way.”
“Going through the main clubhouse. The one time I did it, I felt lost.”
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