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Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 4, 2022 Jordan Spieth of the U.S. plays out from the bunker on the 2nd tee during a practice round REUTERS/Mike Blake
Reuters
Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 4, 2022 Jordan Spieth of the U.S. plays out from the bunker on the 2nd tee during a practice round REUTERS/Mike Blake
The prestigious Augusta National Golf Club is currently gearing up for the 87th edition of the Masters tournament. In just a week from now, the trophy will either be clinched by a new winner or a former champion.
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From Jack Nicklaus’ first win at 23, to Woods‘ return to glory in 2019, the Augusta National has witnessed it all. Fans, however, were left puzzled by a recent update about the iconic golf course.
On Saturday, golf enthusiasts thought that the Augusta National was on its way to script another historical moment. But, reality soon dawned upon them.
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Augusta update leaves fans in splits
Yesterday, the internet was buzzing with April Fool’s jokes and pranks. Golf enthusiasts couldn’t stop themselves from getting involved, either.
One such prank that has been making waves comes from a well-known golf writer, Geoff Shackelford. On 1st April, Shackelford revealed to golf fans that Augusta National was to be announced as Masters’ anchor site until 2086.
Fans were left baffled, with one person saying, “Funny Geoff.” Another fan quipped, “a tradition unlike any other.”
I keep falling for every April Fools joke. I’m too easy
— Jeff Gignac (@gignac_jeff) April 1, 2023
Funny, Geoff!
— Vin Ascioti (@vin34dmb) April 1, 2023
Shackelford wrote in his piece that the Masters’ chairman, Fred Ridley, was set to announce an extension of the tournament at Augusta until 2086. He playfully wrote that the move was inspired by the USGA’s anchor site plan to acquire venues into the 2050’s.
Some fans even played along with his joke. “No word on 2087 yet?,” wrote one fan. “Congrats Augusta National!,” said another.
Soooo… no word on 2087 yet? What's the freaking holdup? 🤔
— Robopz (@Robopz) April 1, 2023
Wow congrats Augusta National!!! Lmfao
— Tomstrodamas (@Tommando33) April 1, 2023
Others caught on to the practical joke early and playfully called out Shackelford under his tweet.
A tradition unlike any other. @GeoffShac and April 1.
— Al Pindara (@apindara) April 1, 2023
Shack for the win…early clubhouse leader for best April Fool’s joke.
— Adam Schupak (@AdamSchupak) April 1, 2023
This year’s tournament is expected to be a highly eventful one. Ever since the organizers announced LIV golfers’ eligibility to play in the tournament, the world of golf has been rife with stories of PGA vs. LIV battle.
As the drama surrounding the Masters and the appearance of LIV golfers at the tournament picks up steam, the April Fool’s prank has definitely brought some much-needed comic relief to fans.
The 2023 Masters promises great excitement to viewers
The PGA Tour-LIV Golf drama is expected to get even uglier during the Masters week. For months, fans wondered if the PGA Tour defectors would be allowed to compete at Augusta National.
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Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 10, 2022 Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy walks on the 13th green during the final round REUTERS/Mike Blake
In December last year, Fred Ridley cleared up fans’ doubts by confirming that golfers meeting the qualifying criteria will be allowed to compete in 2023. The Masters’ chairman revealed that organizers were focused on honoring “the tradition.”
“Our focus is to honor the tradition of bringing together a preeminent field of golfers this coming April,” revealed Ridley.
18 LIV golfers, including 6 former winners, will be competing at the event that starts on April 6. Fans are excited to witness the sparks that will fly when Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, and Patrick Reed take on their former PGA Tour compatriots.
Fans are now excited to see whether a former champion will emerge victorious or a new name will script history. No matter who wins, the event will definitely fuel the PGA-LIV battle. Meanwhile, a LIV golfer’s victory will allow the faction to shut their critics down.
What did you think of the April Fool’s prank surrounding Augusta? Who do you reckon will take home the coveted green jacket this year? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for all the Masters updates as EssentiallySports brings you all the scoop and drama surrounding the year’s biggest golf event.
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Written by
Edited by
Manaal Siddiqui