Countdown: My 9th Favorite Hole At Augusta National
Welcome
Countdown time! We’re one week away from the Masters so I’m doing a daily countdown of my favorite holes at Augusta National. Not a math guy but according to my calculations, we should wrap this thing up on the Friday of Masters Week. Perfect timing.
18 holes. 18 days. Here’s my 9th favorite.
16th hole, 170 yards, par 3 — Redbud
The 16th has cemented itself as one of the most memorable holes at Augusta. Its pivotal location on the course makes it crucial down the stretch, and its dominant features — the water, the green’s ridge, the bunkers — make this short hole stick in peoples’ minds.
While yesterday’s hole, the 3rd, has been largely left alone through Augusta’s 84-year history, the 16th is nowhere close to its original design. MacKenzie built it similar to the 12th, with the green left and Rae’s Creek right, but Bobby Jones deemed it too easy and eventually brought Robert Trent Jones in to redo it.
Here it is in 1940.
Here, in the 1960s, you can see it’s much more reminiscent of today’s version.
Here’s the players’ view from the tee.
I mentioned it when discussing the 6th hole, but this area of the course, where 6, 16, and 15 converge, is one of the busiest for patrons. The hill left of the 16th provides an awesome stadium-like atmosphere.
That stadium setup makes the walk from tee to green on 16 one of the coolest in golf.
We haven’t even talked about the green yet. The deep ridge through the middle defines this entire hole — you know it well from probably the most famous shot in golf history.
But honestly, that’s not even my favorite Tiger clip from 16. This is.
He kicked the club. At Augusta. He kicked the club.
Jack could’ve made it into the Hall Of Fame simply from the way he played this one hole.
I mean he almost aced it. GOAT stuff.
Phil birdied here to tie the lead en route to finally breaking through and winning his first major in ’04.
Last year, it looked like this could be the final nail in Sergio’s coffin when he missed a short birdie putt to hold serve with Rose. But he of course bounced back and won.
The 16th brings the drama — always has, always will.
My 9th favorite hole at Augusta National = the 16th hole.
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