Augusta Golf Course: A Guide to Augusta National Home of the Masters
Augusta National Golf Club: The Masters and The Augusta Golf Course
Kyle Smith returns with the latest in his series profiling some of the world's most well-known golf courses. This time, it’s the ‘Augusta Golf Course’ - which is, of course, the Augusta National, Home of The Masters.
Augusta National Golf Club is located in Augusta, Georgia and is widely known as one of the most beautiful courses in the game of golf.
As seen on TV, this course is always one of the greenest around, has the whitest sand traps, and has the most beautiful flowers, including over 30 different types of Azaleas.
Augusta is widely known for hosting a major championship called the Masters year in and year out
Typically held in April this is a tournament that all fans love to watch and even includes extra festivities prior to the start of the tournament.
This extra fun event includes the Par 3 Tournament prior to the start of the main event. Many memories have been made both on the Par 3 course and the full 18-hole course for decades. Continue reading to learn more about the iconic holes, and historic events that have happened here.
Augusta National: The Most Iconic Holes at The Masters
With this course being so special it is extremely difficult to choose which holes rise above the rest. In fact, each hole has its own unique name and identity, however, there are three holes in particular that I find particularly special.
These holes would be holes 11, 12, and 13, also known as White Dogwood, Golden Bell, and Azalea.
This stretch of holes is specifically called “Amen Corner”, a term coined by Herbert Warren Wind in a 1958 issue of Sports Illustrated.
The 11th Hole at Augus: White Dogwood
A 505-yard par 4, you read that right, a 505-yard par 4, not par 5.
This makes it one of the longest par 4s in golf, but that is not the only reason why it is so difficult. There is a pond in the front left of the green, making it a tough approach shot to an even tricker green.
The 12th Hole at Augusta: Golden Bell
A 155-yard par 3 and is widely considered to be one of the most famous holes in all of golf.
The green is terribly small, surrounded by bunkers in the front and back, and if you miss short you are bound to roll back into Rae’s Creek somewhere no golfer ever wants to be.
Finishing out the Amen Corner is the 13th: Azalea
A 510-yard par 5 and is typically the second easiest hole on the course.
It is essential to any player’s round because there are only five holes left allowing for lost ground to be made up here. It is always fun to watch players try to risk it all on this hole, however, Rae’s Creek runs across the front of the green again leaving any short shots in the water.
Birdies are abundant on this hole, but scores as high as thirteen have been shot here as well.
Although I guess that is where the term Amen Corner comes from, praying that you make it through these three holes alive and with the same ball you started with!
Historic Tournaments at Augusta National
With the Masters tournament being hosted here annually there have been amazing tournaments held here for decades.
Of course, it would not be fair to discuss historic tournaments here without mentioning Tiger Woods’ Masters Championship in 2019.
This was a moment that left the entire golf world in shock and allowed Tiger Woods to reclaim his throne as one of the best golfers in the history of the sport.
Tiger had fallen off in recent years with numerous back problems as well as family problems and the expectations were not very high for him heading into the week. However, some like to think that this is when he performs his best.
He won that week with a score of thirteen under par, beating three others that were tied at twelve under.
As mentioned, this tournament was historic due to the significance of Tiger’s return to golf and proof that he could once again compete at a professional level.
The best piece of this tournament was watching thousands of people following him up the fairway on eighteen as he walked up to the green. I personally think this is the coolest video in all of golf history, and no matter how many times I watch it I am still struck with joy. I highly recommend you watch it.
The final word on Augusta National Golf Course
Augusta National is one of the most iconic golf courses in the history of the sport, with its beautiful scenery, Masters championships, and historic holes.
From the white sand traps, and beautiful flowers, to Amen Corner and Tiger Woods return to fame this course has a history that could be written about for hours. I hope you enjoyed reading this article and stick around for more to come!
