IT TAKES SKILL, nerve and a slice of luck to be crowned Masters champion and there are some key holes to conquer along the way.
The par-three 16th – Redbud (170 yards)
This 170-yard hole can be a heart-breaker or a title-maker. Come up short and you will end up in the water, go long and there are spacious bunkers lying in wait. Tiger Woods produced one of the greatest shots in golf when he chipped in here in 2005 before beating Chris DiMarco in a play-off. Woods’ shot pitched 20 feet to the left of the pin before setting off on its destined course, teetering on the edge of the cup before falling in, to raucous applause.
The par-four 18th – Holly (465 yards)
Imagine the mindset of a Masters leader standing on the tee at the 72nd hole, seeing an uphill dogleg right leading to a two-tiered green protected on either side by a duo of potentially dream-ruining bunkers – this is truly where champions are crowned. The course’s final obstacle is named after the native evergreen trees that abound there and the 18th hole has been known to leave players as red-faced as the berries that adorn them.
The par-four ninth – Carolina Cherry (460 yards)
One of several holes with an elevated, sloped putting surface, two greenside bunkers are there to capture wayward shots on the devilishly difficult approach. You can land it on the green and find yourself back on the fairway, with the hill punishing shots lacking depth, but hit it too far and you could face a daunting downhill putt.
Amen Corner – Holes 11, 12 and 13 (1,170 yards)
If you make the turn at Augusta in good shape, the next nine holes will determine if you are a winner or an also-ran. Holes 11, 12 and 13 are known as Amen Corner, and it is a notorious stretch.
It was labelled as such by author Herbert Warren Wind almost 60 years ago, as he looked to explain the exciting nature of the trio of holes in a classic phrase. Last year’s champion Adam Scott went two under on Amen Corner across his four rounds, with two birdies and 10 pars.
The 155-yard 12th requires ultimate precision to avoid the water in front of the green, and also the accompanying bunker.
