Nicklaus and Palmer blast Augusta course changes

JACK NICKLAUS and Arnold Palmer have both spoken out about the changes made to Augusta National for next month’s Masters.

Five new tees - at the first, fourth, seventh, 11th and 15th - mean the course has been stretched to 7,445 yards since last year.

“I think they’ve ruined it from a tournament standpoint,” said Nicklaus. “Augusta is a big, big part of my life and I love it. That’s why I hate to see them change it.”