Of all the questions in this year’s Masters player survey, “What’s the worst thing about playing Augusta National” might have produced the most common response.
Some form of “nothing is bad about the place” or when it’s over/leaving was the top answer on the board.
That included feedback from the likes of Sam Burns, Corey Conners, Adam Scott, Tony Finau, Trevor Immelman, Zach Johnson, Justin Thomas, Gary Woodland and Will Zalatoris.
Jack Nicklaus found nothing to complain about the course itself, but did note the traffic around the club is no bueno, and he gets no argument here.
But those who took the question at face value – even if Augusta National is your version of a masterpiece, there’s a pimple on the Mona Lisa, right? – were able to nit-pick at the course.
So what’s the worst thing about playing Augusta National?
Keegan Bradley reacts after putting out on the third hole during the third round of the 2016 Masters in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo: Matt Slocum/Associated Press)
The stress. The tickets. Everyone wants to come and people forget how nerve-racking this is. It’s the Masters. It’s a major.
Tommy Fleetwood tees off on the eighth hole during the second round at the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo/Matt Slocum/Associated Press)
I’m being picky choosing anything but rounds take a long time.
Jim Furyk and caddie Mike “Fluff” Cowan walk the ninth fairway at the 2017 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via AP Images)
The tee shot at the 11th. It changed so much. They added so much length and altered the angle. It’s different. I have memories that range from over 25 years and that golf course went over three different phases over that time and each is significantly different.
The first tee shot in the tournament is one of the scariest feelings. I always feel like the fans are holding their breath and I feel like you’re on a stage that is really elevated.
Billy Horschel lines up his putt on the second hole during the third round of the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Adam Cairns-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports)
I don’t know if there is a bad thing. Maybe early in my career I would say the feeling of walking on egg shells but after playing so many now and knowing more of the members and getting to know them and the love and joy they enjoy in golf, I can’t say there’s one thing bad about playing in the Masters.
It’s a tough walk. That’s about it.
Kevin Kisner crosses The Nelson Bridge on the 13th hole during the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Just how frustrating it can be and how rewarding it can be depending on the day.
Matt Kuchar at the 2021 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
What’s the worst thing about playing at the course that doesn’t have anything that is bad? I always thought mowing the fairways towards the tee artificially changes the course. A player can’t do anything about it. You get more mud on the ball, you get some lies that could be better because of the grain. I always thought that a really intriguing part of golf is once the ball lands on the ground what does it do after that? Even when it is dry, the ball pretty much comes to a halt because it’s like Velcro. I understand they are trying to make the course play longer but it brings a little bit of artificiality.
Collin Morikawa at the 2020 Masters in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo: Matt Slocum/Associated Press)
Probably walking. It’s one of the toughest walks we have on Tour. You really feel drained after every single round. I do more prep and post work after every round than at any event because the walk is so taxing on your body.
Gary Player hits the honorary first tee shot ahead of the first round of the 2022 Masters. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
The inability as a past champion to come a play a round with friends once a year. I hope they consider this in the future.
That you have to wait a year to come back.
Jordan Spieth and his caddie Michael Greller at the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports)
Mud balls, without a doubt. Everything is into the grain and if it is wet at all we always play it down. Mud balls are tough out there.
Kevin Streelmab at the 2016 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
All the requests. It’s very difficult for first timers to learn the course and you end up expelling all your energy by Wednesday night. I started playing well there once I stopped practicing so much.
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