No no no....they have lengthened Augusta National considerably and also made it more difficult after Tiger’s ridiculous first win by 10 strokes.
But you do have a point about equipment advances since Nicklaus era. Even I play better now with these Titanium drivers & multi material irons. Hahaha. Those small headed wooden drivers were very difficult to hit.
Changes that have been made to the course at Augusta over the years....
http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669422/100-ways-augusta-changed-to-make-the-masters-harder-infographic
I play decent with modern weighted clubs.
I tried to play a round with my dad’s old blades and was all over the place. But he could “feel” the ball better with the blades.
My skill level has not advanced to the point that I can ‘feel’ the ball. I’m more of a ‘swing and pray’ type golfer.