With the Masters underway, there has been a debate about whether or not social media celebrities and podcasters should be a part of the Masters. During the par three contest this past Wednesday, there were many familiar faces involved. Bryson Dechambeau had actor Kevin Hart caddying for him, while former Eagles offensive lineman Jason Kelce was reporting during the contest. All these influencers and celebrities being involved in the tournament is taking away from its classiness and tradition. The par-3 contest is designed to be a fun event before the tournament begins, where players can play a short par-3 course with their families and friends. Even with the fun, relaxed vibe of the contest, the Masters is still a place of tradition, and I think adding these celebrities is taking away from the formal traditions. Another famous tradition of the Masters is that phones are banned from the course. If more and more celebrities and influencers become involved in this tournament, it could take away from that classic tradition. 

Back in 2022, Dude Perfect made an all-sports golf battle video at Augusta National leading up to the masters. The video did great, but when asked about it Fred Ridley, the chairman of the Masters, said he had nothing against Dude Perfect and he likes the videos but thinking back on it letting them film that video probably wasn’t the best decision. 

While some people might agree with the addition of celebrities, I think that they shouldn’t be involved. I don’t disagree with the addition of celebrities to the game of golf, for example, Bryson Dechambeau’s Popular breaking 50 Youtube series where he plays golf courses with celebrities and tries to break 50. But the Masters and the traditions that come along with it are not the place for the addition of celebrities.