Overview of Augusta National Golf Club
One of the most storied golf courses in the world, Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Master's Tournament in April, an event that brings the best golfers in the world to play on this historic course. Augusta National has become famous for its lush, rolling fairways, towering pines, and overall beauty. The course is incredibly challenging and requires every golfer to play their best just to break par. Augusta National is a must-play for any golf fan for the experience alone. Be sure to check out the iconic Amen Corner and the treacherous 12th hole before leaving. For more information about the course, check out our full guide on Augusta National Golf Club.
History of Augusta National
The course that is now known as Augusta National Golf Club was built in 1931 by a group of golf and business leaders in Georgia. The group's intention was to build a course that would attract both local and national interest, and they succeeded by hosting the inaugural Master's Tournament in 1934. The tournament was originally planned to be a one-time event, but due to the overwhelming success and attention it received, the decision was made to keep hosting it annually. The membership of the club has been elusive throughout its history, with only a few of its members publicly known. Due to the private membership and exclusivity of the club, visitors are not permitted inside Augusta National Golf Club, except during the annual Master's Tournament. With the wide acclaim of the course and the tournament, though, it has been featured on television several times, providing the rest of the world with a glimpse of the beauty of the course.
Notable holes at Augusta National
- Par 3 - 6th Hole: This short par 3 is one of the most iconic holes at Augusta National. At just 99 yards, it is easily reachable for even the best golfers. However, the water surrounding the green makes this a very difficult hole.
- Par 4 - 10th Hole: This is one of the most well-known holes in golf. The 10th hole at Augusta National is a par 4 that is known for its narrow fairway and adjacent water hazards.
- Par 5 - 13th Hole: This hole has one of the most memorable tee boxes in golf. It is one of the most famous holes in golf, both due to its beauty and its difficulty.
- Par 3 - 16th Hole: This is the final hole of the Master's Tournament. The 16th hole is a tricky par 3 that plays uphill between the trees, making it very difficult.
Challenging aspects of Augusta National
- Length of the Course: The length of the course is one of the most challenging aspects of Augusta National. Even the shortest holes are well over 100 yards, and most are over 300 yards. The long length of the holes, coupled with the extremely lush conditions, make each shot extremely difficult, even for the best golfers in the world.
- Clearance of Trees: Augusta National has many trees lining the fairways. While this is not too abnormal for a course, trees at Augusta National are extremely close to the fairway. Golfers will often have to clear the trees by a foot or less with their tee shots to having a chance at reaching the green.
- Elevation: The elevation of the course is another challenging aspect of Augusta National. Most holes have a good amount of elevation change, making the holes more difficult than they would be otherwise. The elevation also makes the course more scenic, with many holes having great views of the surrounding landscape.
Professional golfers who have won at Augusta National
- Jack Nicklaus: Nicklaus is one of the most successful golfers in history. He has won the Masters Tournament a record six times, including his first win at Augusta National in 1963, when he was just 21 years old.
- Arnold Palmer: Palmer is another golf legend who has won the Master's Tournament multiple times. He won at Augusta National three times: 1957, 1960, and 1962.
- Phil Mickelson: A more recent legend, Mickelson has two wins at Augusta National: in 2004 and 2013.
- Tiger Woods: Easily one of the most famous golfers ever, Woods has won at Augusta National four times: 1997, 2001, 2002, and 2005.
Tips for playing Augusta National
- Practice Your Short Game: Augusta National is a long course with long holes. Beginners are often overwhelmed by the length of the holes, so they try to reach the green with every shot. However, it is best to use the tee shot to set the ball up for the next shot. This minimizes the chance of a bad shot leading to a poor score. - Stay in the Moment: Augusta National is a very challenging course. It is easy to get caught up in bad shots, but it is important to stay in the moment. If a bad shot is hit, the best thing to do is move on to the next shot.
- Be Patient: The greens at Augusta National are often difficult to read and very fast, making it easy to three-putt. It is important to be patient and avoid rushing the putts and putters.
Augusta National Golf Club is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world. Home to the Master's Tournament, golfers have the opportunity to experience a piece of golfing history every time they step onto the lush green fairways. With its towering pines, pristine ponds, and pristine fairways, Augusta National provides an unforgettable golfing experience. From the famous Amen Corner to the treacherous 12th hole, Augusta National provides a challenge no matter the skill level. From the professional to the novice, Augusta National is the place to be for any golfer looking for a memorable experience. Whether it's your first time playing the course or your hundredth, the beauty and challenge of Augusta National never fails to impress.
