As the host of the first Major of the year, Augusta National has become an iconic course in the world of golf, but how has it changed recently to make The Masters more of a challenge?
A lot has changed since Augusta National opened its doors in 1932 and first staged The Masters in 1934, and of late there are almost annual tweaks made to keep up with distance gains and modern club and ball technological advancements.
For 2024 there’s somewhat of a minor change as the par-five second hole – called Pink Dogwood – has been lengthened by 10 yards by the tee box being moved back and to the left.
The second is now the longest hole on the course at 585 yards – in what’s a rare change to that particular hole and nothing as headline-making as some of the other recent alterations.
The 13th tee box
(Image credit: Getty Images)
One of the most eagerly-awaited moves came in 2023 when Augusta National made a landmark change to the famed 13th hole after buying land from neighbouring Augusta Country Club.
The tee was moved back a full 35 yards and elevated eight yards, all with the aim of making the hole a true risk and reward par five – as scoring averages had dropped dramatically with the distance modern pros hit the ball.
By reducing the chances of players being able to boom a drive over the dogleg, the changes made it harder for players to simply overpower the 13th – especially if conditions were soft.
The changes really brought the hole back to the test Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie had initially envisioned.
Par 3 course revamp
Also a new change, just in 2023, was a that the par three course was given a bit of a facelift in order to give “an enhanced viewing experience for patrons” according to Augusta National.
Designed by Jones acolyte George Cobb at the end of the 1950s, the stage for the annual Par Three Contest on the eve of The Masters had some significant changes.
Trees were removed and rerouting of the first five holes made “to make for wider corridors for patrons to move around and to open the viewing options” said the club.
New resurfaced greens were also introduced with different grass to the club’s traditional one, which would act as a “testing ground” for possibly including new grasses on the course proper.
The 11th, 15th & 18th lengthened in 2022
In 2022, Augusta National…
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