5 holes that make Augusta National special
4. 18th hole (“Holly”)
Augusta National concludes with a memorable 465-yard par-four where the Masters champion is often determined. The traditional front-left Sunday pin location leaves players with a familiar putt to win the tournament. Mark O’Meara in 1998 and Adam Scott in 2013 made the putt in their Masters victories. Then there’s Phil Mickelson, who provided one of the most memorable images in Masters history with his leap into the air after holing his birdie putt on this green for his first Masters title in 2004.
The 18th hole has a number of challenging features that can present problems for a player hoping to close out the tournament on Sunday. The deep fairway bunkers on the left are easily reachable and make it difficult to go for the green. Drives hit out to the right will go into the trees and make a pitch-out a necessity. The green has multiple tiers that make an accurate approach shot a must. Miss on the wrong tier and players are faced with a challenging two-putt.
Of course, the most recognizable feature of this hole is the throng of patrons surrounding the green on Sunday, waiting to cheer on the next Masters champion as they make the walk up the fairway.
In 2018, 69 bogeys and four double bogeys were recorded at the 18th.
3. 11th hole (“White Dogwood”)
Amen Corner, the critical three holes on the back-nine at Augusta National, begins with at the 11th. This 505-yard par-four is traditionally one of the most difficult holes on the course. Historically, it ranks as the second-hardest hole. Last year there were 20 double bogeys shot here, making it the most difficult hole for the week.
The challenge starts right from the tee shot. A narrow fairway surrounded by pine trees demands an accurate tee shot. The approach shot into the green, with water on the left, isn’t any easier. Miss left, and the player finds the hazard. Leave the second shot to the right, and the player is facing a difficult chip onto the green that slopes heavily toward the water.
As difficult as it is, the 11th has been the scene of some of the most dramatic moments in Masters history. It was here that Larry Mize, an Augusta native, chipped in for birdie to beat Greg Norman in a sudden-death playoff in 1987.