Jack Nicklaus: "That is hardly Augusta National at its finest or most challenging."

In today's first round of @TheMasters, what little bit of golf I saw after the rain was like throwing darts. There was no wind to speak of, the greens had no fire in them, and everywhere the ball hit just stopped. That is hardly Augusta National at its finest or most challenging.

— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) November 13, 2020

Rising extra early to fulfill his Honorary Starter duties, Jack Nicklaus later watched the 2020 Masters opening round and didn’t care for what he saw of the rain-delayed golf. When play was suspended due to darkness, 50 players were under par, potentially shattering the single round record of 38.

Nonetheless, it’s a surprising criticism given the rain delay, the already soft state of the course and in a month when it’s normally finding its seasonal agronomic footing. It undoubtedly is not playing as the club might hope, but the bar should be a touch lower this year and I don’t think many will care.

Anyway, here is the Honorary Starter’s ceremony in the virtual dark. (Big holiday bonus to the emergency umbrella-holder for Chairman Ridley and his perfect lid.)

This morning Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player continued the Honorary Starter tradition that began in 1963. #themasters pic.twitter.com/sDC20f1avp

— The Masters (@TheMasters) November 12, 2020

A special caddie for a special Masters. #themasters pic.twitter.com/SXfI6CtAAc

— The Masters (@TheMasters) November 12, 2020

After the first ceremony, Nicklaus and Gary Player went to the media center for their annual confab. I don’t have access to the transcript but as Christine Brennan writes, she asked about Nicklaus’ presidential endorsement and Donald Trump’s refusal to concede the 2020 presidential election.

The foul mood’s origins are coming into sharper focus.