The Masters
Feature Holes...Amen Corner
Amen Corner. It’s the nickname coined by author Herbert Warren Wind in 1958 to describe the 11th, 12th and 13th holes at Augusta National Golf Club—arguably golf’s most famous and picturesque three-hole stretch. Wind used the term to explain where some of the most exciting golf had taken place at the ‘58 US Masters, when Arnold Palmer outlasted Ken Venturi to win the ‘Green Jacket’ with heroic escapes at the feature par-4, par-3 & par-5 stretch. Over the years, this fearsome cluster of holes has provided plenty of drama. In 1937, Byron Nelson surged through the exciting stretch with a birdie and eagle at holes 12 and 13 en route to the claiming his first of five major championships. More recently, Jordan Spieth hopes to defend his title at the 2016 Masters sank in the waters of Rae’s Creek after he bogeyed the 11th and ran up a nightmare triple-bogey seven at the par-three 12th.
HOLE 11
PAR 4, 505 YARDS
White Dogwood
Hole eleven may be the start of Amen Corner, but with a historical average of 4.29—making it the second hardest hole at Augusta—this tough par-4 has ended the dreams of many who were in contention to win on the final day. The hole plays downhill to the green. On approach to the green the fairway has a distinct camber from right to left, which promotes the ball rolling toward the dreaded pond guarding the front and left side of the green. Most players will require a middle to long-iron to reach the green. This hole may best be remembered for Larry Mize’s miraculous chip-in to defeat Greg Norman in a playoff in the 1987 Masters.
Hole 12
PAR 3, 155 YARDS
Golden Bell
Golden Bell is a true gem. Augusta’s 12th hole is one of golf’s most famous par-3s. And the shortest hole on the course offers one of golf’s prettiest settings. With its historical average of 3.28—making it the 4th toughest hole—scoring a birdie here will pick up a shot on the field. But, players will need some luck if they’re to overcome this little beauty in two shots. Varying winds play havoc with the approach from the tee. The narrow green rests between three well-placed bunkers with the daunting presence of Rae’s Creek to carry en route to the hole. At the 1980 Masters, Tom Weiskopf scored a 13 at the 12th hole after he dunked five balls into Rae’s Creek.
Hole 13
PAR 5, 510 YARDS
Azalea
The 13th at Amen Corner is a genuine risk reward hole. From the tee, players will aim to move the ball right to take full advantage of the downhill contours at this sweeping dogleg left fairway. Most players can reach the green in two. A solid shot will be rewarded by a putt for eagle. However, accurate judgment is vital with Rae’s Creek in front of the raised green and four bunkers behind. Japan’s Tommy Nakajima posted an unlucky 13 at the hole in 1975. Nakajima found water off the tee and the water again in front of the green. And then incurred two penalties: first when the ball landed on his shoe after he tried to play it; then, when he and his caddie fumbled his sand wedge and it touched the water.
WATCH: How to Play Amen Corner with Tiger Woods
Video Credit: The Masters
Images by Sam Gole
