Masters officials considering changes to Augusta’s 13th and other holes
Augusta National and Masters Tournament chairman Billy Payne addressed rumors that the club may be lengthening the 510-yard par-5 13th hole by purchasing some land behind the 13th green from neighboring Augusta Country Club. There appears to be something in the works for the hole, known as Azalea.
“We create plans looking into the future when we believe the shot value of certain second shots, principally, has been impacted by how far the ball is now traveling,” Payne said.
“As a consequence No. 13 is one of those holes we are studying. We have made no decision whatsoever. Plans are underway to be considered. That is one of many holes we now have under consideration.
“… We think there are multiple options where we could increase the difficulty of the hole and restore the shot values, only one of which deals with extending the length.”
. @TheMasters chairman Payne says length is one consideration for 13th change, long par-3 4th and 455-yd par-4 5th also looked at #Masters
— alan blondin (@alanblondin) April 6, 2016
Augusta National & @TheMasters chairman Billy Payne says no set plan for 13th but things are being considered to maintain second shot value
— alan blondin (@alanblondin) April 6, 2016
The 13th played as the easiest hole in the 2015 Masters, yielding 20 eagles, 141 birdies and just 32 bogeys or worse.
The club now has some options with the 240-yard par-3 fourth and 455-yard par-4 fifth holes because it gained control of land around the adjacent Old Berckmans Road. “Those are a couple of the holes we now have under consideration,” Payne said.
Alan Blondin: 843-626-0284, @alanblondin
This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 5:56 PM with the headline "Masters officials considering changes to Augusta’s 13th and other holes."