What all of the Major championships have in common is a desire to find the best golfer in the world at that time. To root out the best ball strikers the courses are set up to play more demanding than the majority of events held throughout the year. Firmer playing surfaces, more severe greens and pin placements make it vital for players to shape their shots and control the distance of their irons.
The truth is that for a tournament to become a Major would now involve the decision of many people. The players themselves, the governing bodies of golf, the sponsors, the media and the public would all need to play a part in awarding such a title.
The TPC at Sawgrass fulfils many of the criteria of a Major. With the largest purse of any event, moving the tournament to May could fill a gap between the other Majors. A new state-of-the-art drainage system, and the change of time of year should bring it in line with the requirements of a Major by playing harder and faster. Attracting one of the strongest fields in golf, it is also one of the most popular with the spectators. However the implications on what it would have on the Grand Slam of golf, and the past champions at Sawgrass are what could prevent the TPC from ever achieving Major status, and time will tell whether the history of golf can be changed once more. eat GOLF! is happy to accept the TPC for what it is. Like the Ryder Cup, the World Golf Championships or the Volvo Masters, it is a classic tournament held on a great course with a premium field and an event not to be missed.
About the artist
Born June 8, 1921 in St. Paul, Minnesota, LeRoy Neiman is best known for his brilliantly coloured and stunningly energetic images of sporting events and leisure activities. Infusing the artistic styles of ‘action painting’ with ‘social realism’, Neiman has acquired many awards and citations throughout his life. In recent years illustrators, photographers and filmmakers have taken over the role of story tellers, and it is refreshing to find an artist daring to challenge the established assumptions of modern art history. His striking portrayal of real life situations is perhaps what makes his art loved by millions of people throughout the world.
“For me,” says Neiman, “communication is what it’s all about. Art is simply the means by which it happens. It’s something that just passes through me and on to them.”
