The Masters is known for having iconic hole after hole at Augusta National, with flowers associated with all 18.
But entering 2023, there were a couple of tweaks. And the hole that will looked the most different is No. 13 (that would be Azalea!).
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The par-5 hole will now be 35 yards longer, which was done in order to prevent players from using their strength and technology to get within a wedge’s length on their second shots. The tee box also got raised up eight yards.
So what does it all look like now? Good question. Thanks to our friends at Golfweek, we have some great views of the progress that led up to the new version of the hole:
The work began last summer
🚨🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨🚨
‘Significant Changes’ to No. 13 at ANGC
“The fact that players are hitting middle to short irons into that hole is not really how it was designed”~ Chairman Ridley, April 2022#TheMasters #Masters2023
(📸 ©18JUN2022 David Dobbins/EurekaEarth) pic.twitter.com/SfLns8AxSU
— Eureka Earth® (@EurekaEarthPlus) June 21, 2022
It is Finished… 💚⛳️
Augusta National has finally extended the 13th hole. 🌺
No. 13 – Azalea – Par: 5
1934 yardage: 480
2022 yardage: 510
2023 yardage: ???(📸 ©19NOV2022 David Dobbins/EurekaEarth)#EurekaEarth #NotDrone #Tetelestai #IYKYI pic.twitter.com/K229zPGtNX
— Eureka Earth® (@EurekaEarthPlus) November 22, 2022
Look at it now!
The view from Augusta National's new 13th tee box.
(Photo: @TheMasters) pic.twitter.com/LlJXkHekax
— Riley (@rileyhamel_) March 31, 2023
The new tee on the 13th @TheMasters Augusta National Golf Club it’s going to be so much fun watching the players handle this hole from the tips!! Cannot wait for Thursday @GettySport pic.twitter.com/hMcjxJ6ruZ
— David Cannon (@Cannonball63) April 2, 2023
Why did they do it?
Having studied historical documents associated with the par-5 13th, [tournament chairman Fred] Ridley also emphasized what was paramount.
“There’s a great quote from Bobby Jones dealing specifically with the 13th hole, which has been lengthened over time, and he said that the decision to go for the green in two should be a momentous one,” Ridley said.
“And I would have to say that our observations of these great players hitting middle and even short irons into that hole is not a momentous decision.”
