Augusta National is Getting Lengthened for The Masters This Year

It’s almost that time. Just over a month away from the first major of the year, and Augusta National is getting some adjustments prior to the start of the tournament. It’s still gonna be the familiar golf course everyone loves, but it’s getting some changes that’ll hopefully make things a bit tougher down the stretch. After the scoring record was broken when the tournament took place in November, I think they got tired of players breaking the course. So badda bing, badda boom.

We all know the back nine is where the money is, and that’s where the course changes are coming. Although the changes aren’t too significant, they’re enough to alter the way the holes are approached as well as how they’re played. Factor in those tough flagstick locations and you got all the drama you need come Sunday afternoon.

No. 11 | White Dogwood:

The tee box has been moved along with the removal of some trees along the right side of the fairway. This should give players more room to work with. Hopefully we’ll see some more aggressive tee shots now. This must be their way of saying they want more birdies on that hole.

No. 15 | Firethorn:

Probably the hole with the most changes. The tee box is now an extra 20 yards back which makes going for the green in two a lot more interesting. Depending on your drive it might not be an option. Come the weekend, going for the green on No. 15 might mean a lot more than it has in the past. And an eagle could shift the momentum of the entire tournament if the circumstances are right.

No. 18 | Holly:

Nearly 15 yards have been added to the tee box without the hole itself changing the total yardage of the finishing hole. This will probably adjust second shots, and how players come into the green. Because it’s the last hole, this is gonna make things more interesting regardless, even though the changes are fairly minimal.

In total, I like what they’re doing to the back nine of the course. As good as these golfers are, it’s a lot of fun to see the golf course do a number on them. Hopefully these changes plus some tough flagstick locations are enough. I guess we’ll see in a month.