Augusta National’s 13th hole, more meters, harder, more decisive

Azalea, the famous hole 13a par 5 with a ‘dog leg’ and a strange stream (Rae’s Creek) that meanders down the left side of this hole at National Augusta, is now a reality after completing its transformation and its ‘redesign’. This is the great novelty of 87th edition of Augusta Masters, first Grand Slam 2023.

In one of the most iconic corners of the field, its appearance has changed after the decision of those responsible for the club to make changes to this part of the route. The hole, which is only 510 yards (466 meters) long, the circuit’s good hitters have found a formula to easily overcome the ‘dog leg’ and bring their ball in one stroke to a place where they can find the green two with an 8, 9 iron or even the pitching wedge.

Even players who don’t get far from the tee can enjoy comfortable shots with their irons in search of eagle, which in the case of the final day on Sunday could be decisive. But this, from this week, will be very complicated.

The idea of ​​Augusta National is to delay the tee from the hole by eating the dirt on the adjacent golf course. Nothing more said and done. So, about 50 yards (46 meters) were gained in an area that is part of the 9th hole fairway of the Augusta Country Club, a nearby course to the headquarters of the Masters. Augusta National got that land to grow. It’s for money. In 2002, this same hole was altered, moving its tee back about 25 yards (23 meters).

After Augusta National closed the course in May 2022, as it does every year due to heat and maintenance, work began on the 13th hole, which was the third easiest in the last edition of the Masters. Aerial photos from June showed tree trimming and irrigation, apparently in preparation for the installation of a new tee.

According to the Golf.com website, where they reviewed these changes, the 13th hole can now measure 550 yards (503 meters). That is, on a drive 300 yards (274 meters) from the new tee, it may not be enough to get the ball in a position with a direct angle to the green. This is the big change therefore for this 87 Masters.

After the renovations on holes 11 and 15 for the 2022 edition, the 2023 edition will have another novelty. The Eureka Earth account published a photo of a drone showing the analyzed works.

Augusta National does not provide past details of this type of action but the images speak for themselves and this week’s events as well.

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