The Masters: Top Holes at Augusta National
No. 9, 460-yard par 4 (Carolina Cherry)
Jack Nicklaus’ last major championship happened at the 1986 Masters Tournament. Nicklaus was about to putt on the 9-hole when he heard cheering. Then he told the gallery, which had grown to a significant size, “Why don’t we try to make some noise ourselves?” It was one of the more memorable moments in what turned out to be one of the greatest performances in golf history.
No. 12, 155-yard par 3 (Golden Bell)
Arguably the most famous par 3 in golf, the 12th at Augusta gives the impression it’s an easy shot to the green.
Don’t tell that to Jordan Spieth. Looking for a second straight green jacket in 2016, Spieth held a five-shot lead in the final round. Then came No. 12. After a discussion with his caddie, they both decided it was a “stock shot.” Not really. In his first attempt on 12, the ball bounced off the grass and into the drink. Spieth’s second shot looked just like his first.
At the end of the awfulness, Spieth had a quadruple bogey. His lead evaporated and he found himself three back. If he had parred the 12th, he’d have won back-to-back jackets.
No. 14, 440-yard par 4 (Chinese Fir)
The only hole on the course without a bunker, 14 still isn’t easy to navigate. Trees line the hole on both sides and the green is tricky.
Phil Mickelson earned eagle on 14 in the third round at the 2010 Masters Tournament. The eagle led to a a three-hole stretch that carried Mickelson into the final group Sunday. Mickelson’s great play continued in the final round, leading to another green jacket.
No. 17, 440-yard par 4 (Nandina)
Augusta had to chop down the famous Eisenhower Tree in 2014 after a severe storm damaged it beyond saving. Two bunkers in front of the green can cause issues, but this hole is nothing like it was when Jack Nicklaus dominated it in 1986.
Nicklaus knocked in a winding birdie putt on 17 that led to a 30 on the back nine, a 65 final round, and is 18th and final major.
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