If finally happened last year: Augusta National built a new back tee measuring 545 yards, adding 35 yards to the iconic 13th hole at the Masters Tournament.
The 13th ranks as one of the great risk-reward holes in golf. Going for it should be a “momentous decision,” in the words of Bobby Jones, who assisted Alister MacKenzie in its design. It originally measured 480 yards when the Masters debuted in 1934 and played to 510 yards for the 2022 Masters. But that distance is shorter than many par-4s in major championship golf these days. One year later, we asked pros what they thought of the change and the Survey Says: mixed reviews at best. Making this change to the course was a momentous decision in its own right and one that time will tell whether it was the right one. We’ll also have to wait and see if and how the rolling back of the golf ball will impact how one of the great par-5s in golf is played in the future.
Brian Harman walks on the 13th hole during a practice round prior to the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
I wish they made it play longer. To me, the fairest par 5s are where everyone can get there or no one can get there.
Gary Player, a three-time winner of the Masters, pull the cover from his club as he prepares for a practice round for the 1989 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
The changes were necessary because the players are hitting the ball so far now. I’m not sure how much more they can take the tee back.
Gary Woodland at the 2023 Masters. (Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Network)
I loved it before. I always hit 3-wood so it’s not too big of a difference for me. The weather was tough last year. I want to see how it plays with better weather. I love having a chance to make 3 so as long as we can still get home and make some eagles and get the crowd roaring that’s what I’d like to see.
Kevin Kisner, Hudson Swafford and Harris English walk the Nelson Bridge atr the 13th hole at the 2021 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
I like it. I was leery about it going into last year’s Masters but I get why they did it. The hole wasn’t designed for you take it over the trees. It makes it a true par 5. You have a 4-iron off the side of a slope instead of an 8 iron.
Jason Day at the 2018 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports)
I like it because I like the guys hitting to the corner. Guys were flicking 8- or 9-irons. Hitting 4-iron is a hard decision. Plus the layup is hard.
Justin Thomas hits from the No. 13 fairway during a practice round ahead of the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports)
I like it. It takes away if you get the right wind just bombing it over everything. It’s a really tough shot trying to hit that green with a 4-, 5-iron with the ball above your feet.
Keegan Bradley tees off on No. 13 during a practice round for ahead of the 2023 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Network)
I grew up with that hole as a driver and a mid-iron. I don’t like having to layup there. So I prefer the old version better.
Matthew Fitzpatrick plays a shot on the 13th hole during a practice round ahead of the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
I don’t think it was necessary. It was a good hole before.
Stewart Cink walks on the 13th hole during a practice round prior to the 2019 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
You can still get there with a good drive and get there pretty easily. But the second shot is more challenging like it ought to be.
Tony Finau and Talor Gooch discuss the 13th green during a practice round ahead of the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
I like it the old way. I think you’re going to see more big numbers when more guys are going for it.
Viktor Hovland walks the 13th fairway during the first round of the 2023 Masters. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Network)
Not a big fan. I know a lot of the members weren’t happy when Bubba or Phil or someone sliced it around the trees and had a wedge in. But there’s not a lot of room there. I thought they did a great job to bend the tree limbs down to make it even less suspectable to getting it around the corner. If you did, you deserve to have a short club in there. Now it is so far back that everyone is going to hit driver and if they find the fairway, either go for it or not and either make par or birdie. I think they made it way more boring.
Will Zalatoris at the 2022 Masters. (Photo: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports)
I didn’t get to play last year so I hope it doesn’t affect the number of guys that go for it. You don’t want to see it become a wedge-fest. You want the spontaneity and drama of going for it.
Zach Johnson hits to the green on No. 13 during a practice round ahead of the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Davis Tucker Andrew Davis Tucker-USA TODAY Sports)
Prior to the new tee, if the tee was in the middle of the box or back, you couldn’t hit it over those trees because they took a branch and put a steel rod that was 8-10 feet tall and it eliminated that shot. From the front third and maybe even the right front third you could still get it.
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