Monday, March 9, 2009

A Look At Augusta National: #16 - 'Red Bud'


My favorite par 3 in the world...well, when the pin position on Sunday is in the back left. They should make it a state law that the pin on Sunday has to be on the back left. It actually makes for a 'birdie-able' par 3, but at the same time the danger of the water can come into play. Just ask Greg Norman back in '96. During the practice rounds the pros will entertain the fans by deliberately skipping shots off the water and trying to get them to the green.





I still don't care what anybody says...this chip wasn't THAT hard. It wasn't as difficult as it's made out to be. In fact, I was watching this with my old man and told him 'I wouldn't be surprised if he makes this' because everybody know the deal here of how the ball rolls off that slope and almost funnels right to the hole. Don't get me wrong, it was a great shot particularly considering the situation. But, it was a very makeable shot by the PGA Tour standards. I personally prefer this shot:





Someday I believe that the winner will ace this hole on Sunday and win by a stroke or two. Someday.

Par 3
170 Yards

Original Intent:"The tee shot to this hole will be played by the tournament players with a number 2-, 3- or 4-iron, depending upon the wind."- Bobby Jones, in Sports Illustrated, April 6, 1959

Significant Change:
- Stream in front of green transformed into a pond, 1947

Did It Work?

The pond rarely comes into play, and players rarely use long irons on this hole. Tiger Woods hit 8-iron long in 2005 before his dramatic chip-in. Again, getting the tee shot on the same levcl with the hole is the most important task.

History Average Score: 3.16
History Average Rank: 9th

credit: http://www.augusta.com/




3JACK

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