Considered by many to be the quintessential risk/reward par-5 in golf, Amen Corner’s exit seems to have provided more reward than risk in recent years. Nonetheless, No.13 manages to find a way to draw up Sunday drama.
It nearly marked the demise of Sergio Garcia’s bid a year ago, when his drive caromed off a branch and settled underneath an azalea bush to necessitate a penalty drop. But the Spaniard saved par, keeping him two behind Justin Rose, allowing for a birdie/eagle sequence to draw them even. (Garcia’s newborn daughter, don’t forget, was given the same name as No.13 – Azalea.)
Phil Mickelson’s third Masters win is remembered for his shot from the pine straw at No.13, firing 6-iron through a 4-foot gap between trees on the way to eagle. Likewise, Arnold Palmer used a 3-wood to set up a 15-foot eagle for his first green jacket.
In addition to the drama it delivers, the 13th is also one of the most picturesque in golf, according to Rory McIlroy.
“I’ve always said that the second shot at 13, no matter where you are on that hole, it’s just the prettiest,” said McIlroy, who needs a green jacket to complete the career grand slam.
“The three bunkers that frame the green, all the azaleas on the left, the tall trees…”
No.13 could be in for a modification in coming years, as Augusta National recently acquired land behind the tee that could add perhaps 50 yards to the hole. That would create a riskier call on the second shot, with the Rae’s Creek tributary standing guard front and right of the green.
Augusta National Golf Club
Hole No. 13 “Azalea”
Par 5 | 510 yards
• The Byron Nelson Bridge is located just off the tee.#themasters pic.twitter.com/sng2sp7090— Golf Transcript (@GolfTranscript) April 4, 2018
AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
Hole No. 13 – Azalea
Par 5, 510 yards
2017 Average: 4.638 (easiest)
2017 Masters: 6 eagles, 128 birdies, 131 pars, 22 bogeys, 5 double bogeys, none higher
