In the sport of golf, we admire golf courses because of their breathtaking beauty, cunning strategy and dramatic challenge. We even rank them for their toughness and greatness.
With golf’s first major, The Masters, starting on Thursday April 11, it’s safe to say we all think about Augusta National.
The Masters is the youngest of the four majors, but it has among the richest history and tradition of all the tournaments. Augusta National is an intrinsical part of it; golf courses everywhere like to tout they're the best in the world. But, ultimately, there's only one course the best golfers in the world call the best, and that's Augusta National Golf Club.
And within every special golf course, there is always a signature stretch of holes, whose mention is always associated with that particular course. Augusta is not the exception, there the signature stretch is called ‘Amen Corner.’
Specifically, the second shot at the 11th, all of the 12th, and the tee shot at the 13th hole at Augusta are Amen Corner.
If Augusta National is like the main cathedral of golf, Amen Corner is the altar. Playing on it, is a breathtaking moment taken out of a movie picture. Take for example Keegan Bradley; he said he was "star-struck" when he first arrived down Magnolia Lane, according to David Westin of the Augusta Chronicle:
“When you walk up the 11th fairway and you see 12 and 13, it’s shocking, the first time. And I just think that everything that people say about it is true. It’s got a magical feel to it almost, and that’s the part of it that I think you need to put aside when you’re playing the tournament.”
And like that, you could find many others, saying how it is to play not only at Augusta, but the Amen Corner. But still, you would ask yourself, what it is with these three holes that make that stretch so special and full of history?
Prior to 1958, those three holes just another corner in might Augusta, but they always seemed to figure prominently in the outcome of The Masters, finally got their now world renown name in 1959.
But then, a now famous turn of events that happened in those holes at The Masters that inspired legendary Sports Illustrated writer, Herbert Warren Wind, to christen it with the Amen Corner name in his article on April 21, 1958.
Technically speaking, Wind defined Amen Corner as being comprised of the second shot at 11 through the drive on 13. Here is the excerpt from his article:
"On the afternoon before the start of the recent Masters golf tournament, a wonderfully evocative ceremony took place at the farthest reaches of the Augusta National Golf Club down in the Amen Corner where Rae's Creek intersects the 13th fairway near the tee, then parallels the front edge of the green on the short 12th and finally swirls alongside the 11th green."
If you look for where Wind got his inspiration, you’ll find there is some debate about the true source. Where you won’t find debate is on the impact it’s had since in the holes that remain today as one of the toughest and most revered in golf.
Here is a quick description at the three holes:
No. 11 - White Dogwood
Amen Corner begins with this 505-yard par-4, the most difficult hole on the course. A good tee shot is absolutely crucial here. Drives will need to be a minimum 300 yards if the pros want to clear the hill on this slight dogleg right. From there, players will be left with roughly 200 yards into this green, which is protected on the left and back sides by Rae's Creek. A sand trap guards the right side, and while leaving your approach short and right may look appealing, a large hump will likely make you curse your decision to play it safe. Ultimately, the middle of the green is the safest place to be regardless of pin placement.
No. 12 - Golden Bell
Generally considered the most famous par-3 in all of golf, Golden Bell may be a measly 155 yards long, but its every bit as challenging as hole 11. The wind and water are what will have the pros pulling there hair out here. Off the tee you'll see everything from a 6 iron all the way up to a 9 iron being brought out. It all depends on what the wind is doing at the time. Once a club is selected, pros will have to get every ounce of accuracy out of it because this narrow green has three strategically placed bunkers protecting it, and players must also negotiate Rae's Creek. A good shot will have players joyously strolling on Ben Hogan Bridge en route to a potential birdie.
No. 13 - Azalea
Take one look at number 13 and you'll see why it's named Azalea. Tee-to-green there is an estimated 1,600 of the shrubs along either side of this hole. Players will find this short 510-yard par-5 reachable in two shots as long as they're aggressive enough. Ideally, the pros will find themselves middle right off the tee. From there they'll have a straight shot at this raised green, which is surrounded by a creek and four bunkers—a classic risk/reward opportunity. A quick trip over Byron Nelson Bridge and you've now experienced the greatest three holes in all of golf.
Now you see why, whether you are a seasoned golf fan or just getting started, when you watch The Masters this weekend, you will surely place special attention to Amen Corner and just visualize the magic of playing on it.