Consensus is hard to find. But almost everyone agrees the 13th hole at Augusta National is one of the world’s great par 5s.
The role it plays in determining the outcome of the Masters each April certainly contributes to its fame, especially as players encounter it on the second nine on Sunday with the wall of pines and azaleas blooming down the left side and the four spectacle bunkers monitoring play from behind the green. Thirteen is the “amen” part of the prayer players say at Amen Corner, the redemption following the crucible of confession and repentance at holes 11 and 12. “Azalea,” as it is named, is a grace that can offer a birdie or even an eagle if played well, and the promise of a historic run to victory.
Greatness in architecture, however, cannot be based exclusively on image or a bright spotlight shone four days a year. There is something elemental about the hole’s design, something more enchanting about the way it beckons players to hit certain shots and take chances.
Dom Furore
Length was never the point of the hole, or at least long length wasn’t. In fact, the key to the hole’s allure has always been that it isn’t long for a par 5. From the time Alister MacKenzie laid it naturally onto the ground at the low side of the Augusta National property using a natural creek to protect the left side and the front of the green, the hole played less than 500 yards. That only changed in the early 2000s when the club began adding new tees to keep approach yardages consistent with historical norms.
The goal at most par 5s is to prevent players from easily reaching the green in two shots. The magic of Augusta National’s 13th is predicated on the assumption that players will hit the green on their second shot, or at least try to if they have the nerve and the right lie, all the while knowing that failure might be catastrophic.
It is this tantalizing and psychological tug of war between knowing the deed can be done—and perchance gaining one or even two strokes—and wondering if it’s the right play that makes Augusta National’s 13th irresistible theater and one of the most strategically fascinating short par 5s in the game of golf.
The 13th is THE Hole at Augusta National.
Watch here to learn everything there is about this dazzling, gut-wrenching par 5.
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
