Augusta National Reveals Two Major Changes to Course Setup Ahead of 2022 Masters

The 2022 Masters Tournament is set to begin on the 7th of this month. Known for making modifications at their golf course, the Augusta National has brought two new changes as a challenge for the golfers. 

According to the official website of the major, the Augusta National has made considerable changes on No. 11 and No. 15. 

White Dogwood, aka the 11th hole, is considered the second most difficult hole in the history of Masters, and to make it even harder, the yardage of the hole has been added and is currently 520 yards. Previously, the White Dogwood had a total of 505 yards. Furthermore, the tee box has been moved to the left. 

Meanwhile, the Augusta officials decided to add more yards to the second easiest hole of Augusta, the 15th hole named Firethorn. The par-5 15th hole now is 20 yards longer in contrast with its old 530 yards. Furthermore, the recontoured fairways will be something to look forward to on both the cup. 

What difference do the new changes bring to 2022 Masters? 

Dr. Alister MacKenzie had designed the course while keeping the ideas of both Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, the founders of the Club. Although keeping it to its original version, more modifications have been made on holes to make it more challenging for the golfers. 

Read more: How Many Green Jackets Does Tiger Woods Have? A Glimpse Into His Masters History

With the new changes, risks would be higher if the players miss the left side at the 11th hole. The water and the trees pose a threat to this challenging hole. 

Meanwhile, the difficulty on the 15th hole would be if the golfer misses to the left. Then, the golfer may have to take a longer approach around the long pine trees. 

History of the Masters

The legendary amateur champion Bobby Jones and banker Clifford Roberts founded the Augusta National Golf Club.

The Augusta National Invitation Tournament began in 1934 as an annual event at the Club. The tournament was named The Masters in 1939, as per Robert’s suggestion. The quality of the event led to making it an official major championship.

Unlike other majors, only the golfers with the invitations can participate in the event. Furthermore, Par 3 contest is held every year a day before the tournament as a family event.

The legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus has created history by winning the most events with six wins. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods has won five times at the Augusta.

Do you think the golfers would face many difficulties at the modified 11th and 15th holes?

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