A spotlight on Augusta

Table Of Contents

If St Andrews is the home of golf, then many believe that golf’s version of heaven is Augusta National.

Often regarded as the most revered course in the world, Augusta’s immaculate fairways and greens have history around every corner. 

The home of the Masters, the Masters has risen to become one of the most treasured prizes in world sport and those who are lucky enough to win the tournament will be forever immortalised in history.

The Masters has become synonymous with the green jacket. The prize awarded to the winner of the tournament, the jacket is seen as the holy grail of the sport and is one item of clothing that every golfer would simply love to own. 

So how did Augusta reach these esteemed heights, where did its origins begin and when was the Masters first played? Here is everything you need to know. 

Bobby Jones, Looks to Create His Version of Heaven in a Golf Course 

Bobby Jones is one of all the all time greats of the sport. A multiple major winner, Jones dominated the sport through much of the 1920s and 1930s, however in an era where money at the top end of the game was limited, Jones promptly quit the sport at the end of 1931.

Looking to play the game purely for recreation and to get away from the stresses of running his own law firm, Jones and close friend Clifford Roberts set out on a mission to create a golf course where they could escape everyday life and play within a truly peaceful setting. 

After visiting numerous locations Jones found the perfect location in Augusta, Georgia. Blown away by its potential, Jones famously said, “The long lane of magnolias through which we approached was beautiful. The old manor house with its cupola and walls of masonry two feet thick was charming. The rare trees and shrubs of the old nursery were enchanting. But when I walked out on the grass terrace under the big trees behind the house and looked down over the property, the experience was unforgettable. It seemed that this land had been lying here for years waiting for someone to lay a golf course upon it. The broad expanse of the main body of the property lay at my feet then just as it does now. It looked as though it were already a golf course.”

Using the natural foliage and contours that Augusta provided, Jones enlisted the help of Dr Alister Mackenzie who quickly came on board with Jones and his plans.

Wanting to keep the fairways wide to allow for generous scoring and the rough to a reasonable level, the greens is where Augusta comes alive. 

Fast and with rolling contours, every putt or chip requires nerves of steel and for many Augusta provides a test that no other course comes even close to matching. 

Bobby Jones


From Magnolia Lane to Amen Corner, Augusta is a Course Shaped by History 

One of the best things about Augusta National is that it remains largely untouched since its initial build. 

From the moment of arrival those lucky enough to play at Augusta will descend up to the clubhouse via Magnolia Lane. A road adorned with flowers and foliage, as soon as the players arrive at Augusta there is a real feeling of escape from the real world.

From there the players will make their way past the clubhouse and famous Butler’s Cabin before arriving on the first tee. 

A test and experience like no other awaits but where Augusta truly comes alive is around Amen Corner. 

The most picturesque and peaceful part of Augusta, Amen Corner is made up of the 11th, 12th and 13th holes. 

Located at the far end of Augusta, most of Amen Corner is played without little fanfare and is far away from most of the patrons. The 11th has long been regarded as one of the toughest holes on the course and is a long and demanding par 4. If any player can escape with a par that is a fantastic result. 

The 12th is where the Masters can be won or lost. A short par 3 where the green is hard to hit, the green is protected by bunkers and an enticing water trap. Over the years we have seen numerous players fall foul to its charms, most notably in 2016 when Jordan Spieth hit two balls into the water which would ultimately see him lose the Masters to Danny Willett.

The final hole around Amen Corner is hole 13. One of three par 5s on the course, the hole usually offered up an easy birdie chance but in recent years the hole has been extended and it has become a whole lot harder. 

The green is protected by Rae’s Creek and if an approach isn’t on the money, a player could end up paying the ultimate price.

Augusta is a Course Shaped by History


The Masters a Tournament That Everyone Wants to Win

In order to be considered one of the greatest players in the world it is absolutely essential that a player is able to win the Masters.

A tournament that has been won by golfing royalty which includes Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler there have been numerous iconic moments over the years. 

One golf shot that will forever be remembered is Tiger Woods iconic chip shot from the back of the 16th green back in 2005.

Trailing Chris DiMarco with just a few holes to go, Woods’ chances of victory looked slim but he turned the tournament on its head with a moment of magic.

Landing a chip from the fringes of the green, he hit the perfect spot and saw the ball trickle down to the hole side. With the ball slamming on the brakes, we were left to wonder if it would drop in and after a few seconds it would finally disappear and would send both Woods and the crowd into raptures. 

Another brilliant shot came in 2010 when Phil Mickelson won his third Masters title. Playing the 15th hole, Mickelson hit his drive into the pine straw and found himself behind a tree.

Wanting to go for the green, Mickelson hit a devilish hook shot from the straw. Not knowing if he would slip or hit the tee in front of him, Mickelson’s shot was wondrous and set him up for a birdie and yet another historic win.