By mustang6560 on 3/30/11

I know we keep talking about The Masters. But, what other tournament is there to cover? The Shell Houston Open? The Kraft Nabisco Championship? The Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic? Exactly my point.

In the run up to The Masters, I'll do my best to cover non-Augusta National golf news. Just don't be surprised if you see multiple stories about topics relating to The Masters.

Even though The Masters is still one week away, Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell, two of Twitter's great sons, got into a little trouble by posting videos from the grounds of Augusta National. Steve Ethun, spokesperson for The Masters, issued this warning about cell phone usage:

Players are asked to not use their cellphones [anywhere] on the property.

Apparently, yfrog and twitvid won't let me embed videos, so I am forced to link you to the videos instead of embedding them right here.

Graeme McDowell driving down Magnolia Lane

Graeme McDowell over looking Augusta National

Ian Poulter walking through club house

This raises an interesting issue. Should the players be able to share behind the scenes pictures and videos from Augusta National? The Masters has built its reputation on prestige and exclusivity and Twitter threatens the brand image they've worked so hard to build. If everyone gets to see behind the curtain, then the allure and mystery of the place is ruined, right?

Some may make that argument, but I am of a different opinion. Watching Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter walking around the grounds only makes me more curious. The videos they are posting don't substitute for a personal experience. I still long for the day I get to experience Augusta National for myself.

I understand The Masters has to manage its brand. But, I hope they allow the players to post some videos and pictures from their personal experience.



photo source