The key holes at Augusta

You’ll no doubt have seen plenty of Masters previews over recent weeks so we thought we’d do something a little different and focus on where the Green Jacket will be won or lost come Sunday evening. So sit back, relax and enjoy our key holes at Augusta…

Hole 1 (Tea Olive)

This is anything but a gentle opening. At 445 yards it is by no means the longest par-4 that the pros will face on tour, but it demands respect. Add the fact you’re playing in The Masters on one of the most exclusive golf courses in the world, and it’s enough to make the most cool-headed of golfers tremble at the knees. A dogleg to the right, a large fairway bunker at 300 yards and an uphill approach to an open green with no protection from the wind – take your par and run to the 2nd tee. We won’t even mention Ernie Els’ six-putt from three-feet a couple of years ago...

Hole 12 (Golden Bell)

Let’s pretend you know nothing about Augusta for a second….if you look down the scorecard and see a par-3 measuring 155 yards off the back tees you’ll immediately circle it as a key birdie opportunity. In reality, swirling winds, a narrow green with a bunkers front and back, and Raes Creek make the 12th one of the hardest short holes in golf. If you don’t believe us then Google how Jordan Spieth fared on the final day in 2016.

Hole 15 (Fire Thorn)

A true risk and reward hole. The final par-5 at Augusta has historically been ranked as the easiest hole on the course with birdies aplenty. At 530-yards this is one of the shortest par-5s on the calendar but with water guarding the entire front of the green, a bunker on the right and a downward slope over the back, it has all of the protection it requires. If you’re in the hunt come Sunday afternoon then the 15th is a must birdie.