Ranking Every Hole at Augusta National

By: Kieran Clark | Fri 07 Apr 2023

The Masters holds a special place in the hearts of golfers because we return to the same venue when springtime comes round. Even if we have never been there, we all feel like we know and understand Augusta National as we have seen all the shots and can recognise the breaks on the greens.

Sadly, I haven't been to Augusta - (I just want to buy one of those big green coffee mugs) - and it's rather unlikely that an invite will be coming to play this legendary course. But you have to hold onto your dreams.

However, like us all, I consume the Masters obsessively and have my favourite holes to watch. Take a look at my thoughts below - and see if you concur with my impossible effort to rank all 18 of them!

12th, Golden Bell, Par 3, 155 Yards

It doesn't get any better than this. You could sit behind this tee all day (or just binge the Amen Corner coverage) and see the entire field try and overcome the terror of this wonderful short hole. We have witnessed so many disasters happen in this quiet little corner of Augusta, with that constant threat of danger making it thrilling to watch each year.

13th, Azalea, Par 5, 545 Yards

Augusta National

Objectively, this is among the finest par 5s in golf, but its nuance had been diminished by modern distances, hence the expensive addition of a new tee in 2023 that brings strategy and decision making back into play. The setting of this hole is just incredible and it has presented several of the most unforgettable moments in tournament history.

15th, Firethorn, Par 5, 550 Yards

Critics would question the severity of the green here these days, but much like the 12th, the second shot (or even third shot) is packed with jeopardy. It's also such an iconic visual to see players take this on. Eagles can be made on this par 5, but disaster lurks too, with that volatility reflective of what makes Augusta (and the Masters) such a compelling spectacle.

16th, Redbud, Par 3, 170 Yards

Such a tranquil little hole that has been the site of considerable drama through the decades, whether it be Jack Nicklaus' lengthy putt back in 1975 to deny Miller and Weiskopf or Tiger Woods' legendary holed chip 30 years later. Also, given the nature of the green and the pin positions, we have seen many a hole in one made here. Tremendously fun to watch.

2nd, Pink Dogwood, Par 5, 575 Yards

The first par 5 - and it's hard to beat that second shot as the course opens up looking down to the green that is framed by bunkers with a narrow entrance. What about Louis Oosthuizen's albatross back in 2012? This is the hole where Sunday charges from the pack begin.

3rd, Flowering Peach, Par 4, 350 Yards

For those who love short par 4s, this is a fabulous design that has stood the test of time. There's no doubt that modern green speeds has the surface here bordering on the gimmicky on occasions, but who doesn't love to see the world's best golfers tested in this way?

10th, Camellia, Par 4, 495 Yards

One of the most beautiful holes at Augusta National, the visuals here are outstanding, the right-to-left slope from the tee, that huge bunker short of the green, and the testing surface itself. Historically, one of the most difficult on the course - and is definitely among the most memorable.

6th, Juniper, Par 3, 180 Yards

This downhill par 3 boasts an extraordinarily sloping green that allows for some undeniably tricky pin positions during the week, but what stands out visually most of all is something unrelated to that - namely the appearance of the hidden spectators at the bottom of the hill who players can't see from the tee!

8th, Yellow Jasmine, Par 5, 570 Yards

You just have to love the par 5s at Augusta - and while this may be the least exciting of the bunch, it still offers up birdies and eagles for those who can make it up the hill in the requisite number of strokes. The mounds around the green here are fascinating and certainly sprinkle intrigue on the hole.

9th, Carolina Cherry, Par 4, 460 Yards

Due to the impact of the weather and a two-tee start, this was actually where six-time champion Jack Nicklaus ended his Masters career in 2005. The dramatic tilt on this green from back to front makes it hugely distinctive and offers some creative shots and putts - and it prepares us for the majesty of the second-nine.

14th, Chinese Fir, Par 4, 440 Yards

Sandwiched between the two revered par 5s, the 14th goes under the radar, but how could you not relish that green and the pin positions that give players the opportunity to funnel their approaches towards the flag like Phil Mickelson did for an unlikely eagle during the third round in 2010?

5th, Magnolia, Par 4, 495 Yards

A long, at times brutally difficult par 4, the green on this hole is an extraordinary design and makes for some unique putts. While it naturally doesn't grab headlines, it's a pivotal part of the course to navigate successfully and could be the most underrated on the property.

18th, Holly, Par 4, 465 Yards

That iconic walk of champions is something we embrace seeing each April, but aside from select moments (like Sandy Lyle in 1988 or Phil Mickelson in 2004) it often seems like most of the excitement came earlier on the back-nine. Indeed, what separates this closing hole from other majors is the absence of grandstands - which definitely adds charm.

11th, White Dogwood, Par 4, 520 Yards

Among the most challenging holes at Augusta and the start of Amen Corner, the 11th is generally played defensively by the field, which doesn't make for the most engaging of viewing, but we shouldn't forget Larry Mize's holed shot in 1987 or Nick Faldo's two playoff victories on this green.

1st, Tea Olive, Par 4, 445 Yards

A difficult opener that for decades television rarely showed, the 1st is a solid, if unspectacular start to the course, with the ominous fairway bunker on the right side being the standout characteristic. That said, it would be extraordinarily cool to be on that tee and hear the understated "fore please" welcome offered by the starter!

17th, Nandina, Par 4, 440 Yards

Famously, Eisenhower's Tree was the standout feature on the penultimate hole before an ice storm felled the once presidential obstruction. Without that, the 17th appears to be fairly non-descript - albeit for Augusta National, that still means better than most!

7th, Pampas, Par 4, 450 Yards

Since it was extended dramatically and new trees added, the 7th is a hole that seems considerably less interesting than it otherwise could be, although the visual over the second shot towards the green framed by bunkers and the dominant leaderboard in the background is relatively distinctive.

4th, Flowering Crab Apple, Par 3, 240 Yards

Long par 3s are generally a bit of a slog - and this feels very much like Augusta's equivalent. There isn't much that sticks out about this hole or makes it memorable - but it can sink the hopes of contenders, as Phil Mickelson discovered back in 2012!