Here’s a list of traditions unlike any other for more than two dozen pros.
No matter whether you’re a contestant or a fan, everyone seems to have their own Masters tradition.
It could be as simple as playing the Par-3 contest or skipping it across the pond at 16. But part of what makes the Masters so special to so many of us is it is the same course every year and we know it like the back of our hand and we count the days until the week of the Masters in April so that we can enjoy all the things that make the Masters matter to us. To each his own, right? Here’s a list of traditions unlike any other for more than two dozen pros.
The Masters lights up the golf world every April, its spiritual setting warming hearts around the globe. Among the awakening are the players who take to the architectural gem framed by an explosion of colors. To the man, they love to talk about the unparalleled tournament between the Georgia Pines at Augusta National Golf Club.
The gathering every spring is matchless, from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt competition through the ceremony at Butler Cabin.
Ahead of the 86th Masters, Golfweek conducted its annual survey, this year getting takes on many things Masters from 25 players, nine of whom have won a green jacket, 12 major champions in all.
Should Augusta National introduce a special ball to make the course play longer?
“Definitely not. It’s tough enough. And look at me.” – Abraham Ancer
“No. I like my ball.” – Matt Fitzpatrick
“Hell, no. That golf course is long anyway.” – Justin Rose
“No. I think Augusta National is the only place that could, but I don’t think they should because I think that could draw the ire of the governing bodies of the game of golf and rightly so. The Masters Tournament and Augusta National would never want to put themselves above the game of golf.” – Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus watches after his shot from number 18 tee during morning play at the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga., April 9, 1982. (AP Photo)
“That’s above my paygrade. I’m sure they could, but I don’t know if they should. I haven’t really thought about that one. They’re a great kind of engine in our game. They make a lot of decisions for the game and I know that they put a lot of thought into it. So if they were to happen, it’s not like it’s on a whim.” – Max Homa
“Not at all. The problem with that is how are we going to prepare? How are we going to get to know what the golf ball does? If that were the case, you’d hope the golf ball would fit you, and if it didn’t, you’d have no clue.” – 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed
“Probably not. It would be too big of a change. If they were to introduce a special ball, it should be for the whole platform of the whole game.” – Xander Schauffele
“No. As long as the conditions are appropriate as far as the conditions, there are enough shots that are so difficult and you have to be so precise and you have to position your ball on the correct sides of the fairways to feed it in appropriately, so I don’t think length is an issue there.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
“It’s long enough.” – Will Zalatoris
“They shouldn’t do it for just one week. I’ve said in the past, I’m not a proponent of changing the golf ball. I guess people are blaming the golf ball for how far the ball is going. But it’s really not the golf ball. Guys are just stronger, faster. Technology’s better with TrackMan. But if they do come out with a special ball, it should be played throughout all of golf.” – Billy Horschel
“I don’t think so. I think Augusta’s plenty long. They have the ability to tweak and change the course to their liking. I certainly wouldn’t want to play it any longer.” – Graeme McDowell
“We’re so used to playing with our equipment. If we change the golf ball to a limited-flight ball, then you’ve got to change the driver, you’ve got to change everything. So that would take some work. And I think, in theory, it would be good. I would like to see how it went in a normal event first, whether it was an exhibition, PGA Tour event or whatever it was. I don’t know that you could have a trial at the Masters.” – Marc Leishman
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“No. The course plays plenty long.” – Brandt Snedeker
“It already plays long enough. They don’t need to make it even longer.” – Harris English
What is the easiest green to four-putt?
“All of them.” – Abraham Ancer
“Five probably. If the pin is on the front and you hit it to the back, you can’t stop it. And there is a little mound in the middle and you can leave it short and then you race your next six feet past and then you give it a go uphill and you miss and it’s three feet past and before you know it it’s four whacks.” – Matt Fitzpatrick
“No. 1. It’s the first hole of the tournament and it’s always a little bit in your head because of the speed of the green. And you don’t quite know what the speed of the green is. And when the pin is front left on the top shelf, and you hit it pin high, it’s in the back of your mind that you can roll it off the green with your first or even second putt.” – Justin Rose
“I don’t know. I haven’t four-putted yet. You can four-putt six. You can four-putt 14. And on 9 and 3 you can putt the ball off the green. And 13 top left. There are a bunch of them.” – 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed
“A lot of them. Start with the first green. One of those left pins there. You can putt the ball off the green in a heartbeat.” – Graeme McDowell
“The 17th is a really tricky green to the top-right pin. The ball breaks away from where you think it’s supposed to go. Five is the toughest green to putt from the front and up the ridge. Six can really get you.” – Max Homa
“Any green is easy to four-putt depending on where you are.” – Xander Schauffele
“All of them. Probably the 14th if you’re on the wrong side of the pin. Because if you get on the right side to a pin on the top shelf on the left,, you can run your first putt three or four feet by and on then you’re just touching the ball on the next putt and if that misses, you still have to make a 4-footer for your third putt.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
Jordan Spieth of the United States putts on the 17th hole during the final round of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2018 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“No. 14. I made a 35-footer for par and I hit the green. The pin was up on the far left side and I was hitting out of the trees and the ball run up there and ran to the front right corner. I literally thought about chipping it because I just didn’t think I had enough gas in the putter to get up there. So I made like a 35-footer for par and I was honestly pleased with hitting it up to 35 feet. It’s so slow and if you race the putt by, then you have 8, 10 feet downhill and that can end up where you started.” – Will Zalatoris
“Every one of them. Maybe not No. 12. But ones that stand out would be the front left pin on No. 1 and the front pin on No. 4. You can go crazy with the putter on those two holes.” – Billy Horschel
“A lot of them. Let’s say No. 6 to the back right from the front left. You can hit a decent shot and the ball will roll down to the front and then you can stay there all day trying to get the ball in the hole if you don’t hit the putt hard enough. And if you do blast it by, it’s so fast going downhill you can putt it back to the front.” – Kevin Kisner
“No. 1, to a front-left pin. You’ve got nerves because it’s the first hole and you’re just trying to get into the round and it’s easy on that hole to overthink how fast the greens are and leave it short. And then you can gas the next one. Last year I was kind of in the center of the green and that thing broke seven feet to the left.” – Harris English
“All of them.” – Ryan Palmer
“It’s probably a tossup: Nine or 15. If there’s a front pin location to the left and you’re off the back on 9. You can knock the ball off the green and then putt from there. That’s technically not a four-putt but it is. On 15, if there’s a front pin, especially on the right, there’s potential you can putt the ball into the water. Very scary.” – Jason Day
The Masters lights up the golf world every April, its spiritual setting warming hearts around the globe. Among the awakening are the players who take to the architectural gem framed by an explosion of colors. To the man, they love to talk about the unparalleled tournament between the Georgia Pines at Augusta National Golf Club.
The gathering every spring is matchless, from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt competition through the ceremony at Butler Cabin.
Ahead of the 86th Masters, Golfweek conducted its annual survey, this year getting takes on many things Masters from 25 players, nine of whom have won a green jacket, 12 major champions in all.
Among those who have not won the Masters, who is most likely to win a green jacket?
“Probably Rory. He’s playing really well, and the course fits his eye and he’s one of the best players in the world.” – Abraham Ancer
“Bryson DeChambeau has the game the way he hits it. If he gets his driver in play, on some of those holes, it’s a distinct advantage.” – Ryan Palmer
“Let’s go Brooks Koepka. His game fits the course well, he’s long off the tee, able to kind of work it both ways, and has won majors.” – Matt Kuchar
“Rory McIlroy. He’ll figure it out eventually.” – Matt Fitzpatrick
“Justin Rose. He has been close, and he has one arm in the jacket.” – Justin Rose
“There are quite a few candidates. But I believe that today, not because he’s Spanish, but I believe that Jon Rahm has the game to achieve it. The reason why is, one, his short game is very good. Chipping and putting are something that you really need at Augusta. And with his combination of strength, consistency and the short game required to be able to win the Masters, he can do it. But he’s one of them; five, six players can win their first one.” – Two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal
“Jon Rahm. Pretty self-explanatory. Great short game, great iron player, great driver. Great player. And Cameron Smith is going to win it one day.” – Marc Leishman
“Probably the top of the list right now who’s playing some decent golf is Rory McIlroy. Collin Morikawa probably will.” – Jason Day
“You have to go deep into stats and see how people perform on sloping courses and undulating greens. I’d like to throw my name into that hat. It’s a second-shot golf course. You add Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa.” – Xander Schauffele
“There’s a lot of people that you can call out. Gosh, I mean, as a sports as a sports fan, I want McIlroy to win one, right? There are just things that you want to happen not only as a sports fan, but now as a friend, as well. I’d love to be there when he wins.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson
“I would say the course to an extent seems tailormade for Bryson DeChambeau, as far as where he can carry it, his ball flight, right to left, so the course should be the easiest tee to green for him than anyone else, so that’s why I would say that.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts to his putt on the 14th green during the first day of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club on March 23, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“It’s hard to bet against Jon Rahm or Patrick Cantlay. Both so consistent, both great putters, great ball strikers. One of those two guys I think will be right in the mix.” – 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir
“Rory. I can’t believe we’re standing here right now and the only major championship he hasn’t won is the Masters. No doubt that the pressure continues to build for him, but he’s going to do one year. His game is tailor made for Augusta.” – Graeme McDowell
“It’s tough to not pick Collin Morikawa. Or Jon Rahm. I know that’s a cop-out answer since they’re No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, but both of those guys could win, and it wouldn’t shock me.” – Will Zalatoris
“Cam Smith. He’s got an unbelievable short game. And he putts it really well. He’s a really good iron player as well. Really good distance control. We think of guys that have won the Masters and they’ve been guys who are really good iron players, or at least have good control of their distances and guys that have imagination in short game, and they putt well. He checks the boxes off.” – Billy Horschel
“That’s brutal. There are a lot of guys. I say Xander Schauffele. He can work it both ways. Drives it great. Just always in the mix of majors.” – Kevin Kisner
“I mean, I’d love to, but I think Rory McIlroy is on the cusp of winning and that’s the only major he hasn’t won. Winning the Masters has to be one of his top goals and he’s got to be gunning for it. And honestly, his game sets up perfect for that course. So I think it’s just a matter of time. I don’t know if he’s putting too much pressure on himself to win that one, but it’s gonna happen.” – Harris English
What is your first vivid memory of the Masters?
“I have many memories, but the one that stands out is Tiger chipping in on No. 16. That crazy chip-in.” – Abraham Ancer
“Watching Tiger. I remember he was on the right side of 7 once and he played a massive high slice and it spun back to like tap-in range.” – Matt Fitzpatrick
“I was always allowed to stay up late even though it was a school night in England. And I think it was on the BBC back in the day. And they had this theme music that I remember. And watching Nick Faldo back in the day.” – Justin Rose
“I’ve watched the Masters forever, but my best memory is when I first went to the Masters in 2009. I was able to go to the practice rounds and watched the pros go at it. It was pretty sweet.” – 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed
“It was watching Tiger chip in on 16. You can’t forget that.” – Xander Schauffele
“It wasn’t my first memory, but I was an amateur playing alongside Tiger Woods in 1998. When I got introduced I was so nervous I barely got the ball to stay on the tee. My hands were shaking so much. I’ll never forget that.” – Matt Kuchar
“Thinking back it would be Tiger’s chip-in against Chris DiMarco in ’05. I’m sure I watched plenty of Masters before that, but that’s the memory that sticks out.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
“It obviously wasn’t my first memory but finishing second the first year I played was special. That was probably the biggest one for me. I’ll never forget that week.” – Jason Day
“My dad took me in ’05 and the first shot I ever saw was Tiger putting on seven. It was a 30-footer with about 8-feet of break, and he made it and I’m like, ‘OK, I know this guy’s good, but he’s not God.’” – Will Zalatoris
“Tiger winning in ’97. I do remember the ’96 Masters and watching that and because I was a big Greg Norman fan, the whole unfortunate collapse and everything sucked. But Tiger winning, and how he won, stands out.” – Billy Horschel
“Greg Norman losing in 1996 because I was a Greg Norman fan. I was a kid and we went to my dad’s friend’s house to watch and they had just teed off when we left and by the time we got there his lead was gone and I was like, ‘Oh, boy, even the best can lose big leads in a hurry.’” – Kevin Kisner
“I don’t remember Jack in ’86 because I was only 6. I remember watching Nick Faldo win in a playoff in ’89 and that god awful sweater he was wearing. And I’ll never forget Freddie in ’92. That was so cool because you thought he was destined to win and then the shot on 12 when it didn’t roll into the water was unbelievable.” – Brandt Snedeker
“It was around the time when I was getting into golf and Tiger was dominating in 1997 and then later and how he was blitzing that course. I remember watching all those and getting goosebumps. I was at the Masters in 2004 when Phil won on 18. I was there on Sunday with a friend. So I watched him make the putt on 16 and we were left of the lake. The crowd went crazy. We watched him on 17. And then we watched him tee off 18. And we’re like, well, we’ll stay here on 18 tee because if he doesn’t make birdie, they’re coming back for a playoff. And then we heard the roar. That’s a pretty great memory.” – Harris English
“Normally, it’s a late tee time on Sunday. More so than the Champions Dinner. The late tee time just excites me.”
The Masters lights up the golf world every April, its spiritual setting warming hearts around the globe. Among the awakening are the players who take to the architectural gem framed by an explosion of colors. To the man, they love to talk about the unparalleled tournament between the Georgia Pines at Augusta National Golf Club.
The gathering every spring is matchless, from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt competition through the ceremony at Butler Cabin.
Ahead of the 86th Masters, Golfweek conducted its annual survey, this year getting takes on many things Masters from 25 players, nine of whom have won a green jacket, 12 major champions in all.
Today’s questions:
What was the experience like driving down Magnolia Lane for the first time?
“I was at the University of Georgia, a freshman. We played Augusta National once a year. We didn’t have cellphones back then. We had disposable cameras. As soon as we turned onto Magnolia Lane, it was click, click, click, click.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson
“It was 1959. Probably about two weeks before the tournament. Drove down with my friend, Robin Obetz, who was my best man in my wedding the next year. I didn’t know what Magnolia Lane was. It was pretty impressive to start with. We were pretty overwhelmed by it. I didn’t know you couldn’t bring guests onto the property. But Alec Osborne (a member) took care of everything. It was seamless. I still get shivers thinking about that first time. It was a thrill then and it’s a thrill now. What amazes me about Magnolia Lane more than anything is that the trees look exactly the same to me now as they did back in 1959.” – Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus
“It was the week before my first Masters last year and I remember I had some Mexican music going on down Magnolia Lane. It was pretty cool.” – Abraham Ancer
“It was incredible. Way exceeded expectation. It’s crazy. It like golf Disney World.” – Matt Fitzpatrick
“It was great. You’re not supposed to have your phone out. But we did. I still remember it. Driving down Magnolia Lane never disappoints.” – Jason Day
“It was ’85. I was 19. And I was really impressed. When you get to the gate, you see all of the magnolia trees and the clubhouse at the very end with a yellow flag around the roundabout. Really impressive. Still is today.” – Two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal
“It was crazy. It’s funny because it looks exactly like the pictures, which sounds stupid, but some things don’t live up to it and it did, and it was cool. It’s such an unassuming entrance. But it’s like, wow, this is Augusta National. You wait so long to do it. You almost overhype it, but you know, it was awesome.” – Max Homa
A view of the locked gates at the entrance of Magnolia Lane off Washington Road that leads to the clubhouse of Augusta National on March 30, 2020 in Augusta, Georgia. The Masters Tournament, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals has been postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“It was surreal. It was much shorter than I expected it to be. I was expecting it to meander for some time. But what unravels on the other side of the clubhouse is incredible.” – Justin Rose
“It was in 1970. Driving down Magnolia Lane was, you know, it was all that was hyped up to me. It was beautiful. And it still is exciting to drive down Magnolia Lane. You go down that dark, shadowy lane. Those magnolia trees have grown so, so big that it’s dark going through there, but you see the clubhouse, that white clubhouse at the end, and it’s quite a sight.” – Two-time Masters champion Tom Watson
“I was able to take dad to play before the ’05 Masters and when we drove down Magnolia Lane together it was so special. I’ll never forget it. Then playing the golf course, taking the pictures on the bridges, everything about that day was great. Then I got to play with my hero, Fred Couples, in a practice round in my first Masters that year, so it was a pretty great year.” – Ryan Palmer
“I still get goosebumps thinking about it. I get goosebumps every time I make that turn off Washington Road. There’s a lot more security than there used to be when I when I first drove down there, but the drive is still the same and I feel like a kid all over again making that drive.” – Matt Kuchar
“It was very surreal. It felt like I was in a dreamland. I drove 1 or 2 mph and the guards were looking at me and they didn’t blink because they knew exactly what was happening.” – Xander Schauffele
“It was October of 2013 and I didn’t have my phone out. I was like, ‘I just want to soak this in.’ I had gone the year before as a spectator on the Monday and knew right away it was my favorite course. But that first time on Magnolia Lane was pretty special. We actually played Pine Valley earlier in the day. Pretty good day.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
“I was playing with the Wake Forest team, my junior year and like typical college kids, we were in the van. One of the guys in the van put in the Masters theme song and we drove down Magnolia Lane. It was the most college, most college guy thing ever, but it was awesome.” – Will Zalatoris
“It was a Saturday in 2014 before the Masters and it was just pretty cool. You sort of take it all in. I enjoy it more or appreciate it more now than I did then. Just for the fact that you know it’s just a special place and to be able to play there year in year out, to be on hollowed grounds and think about who’s played here and who’s driven down this road before, it’s pretty amazing.” – Billy Horschel
“Oh, wow. Very special. The funny thing is it’s no different, almost no different now. I guess it was more special that first time. But even now it is unbelievable and very special every time I drive down there.” – 1987 Masters champion Larry Mize
“Our college team got to go when I was at Vanderbilt. Just an unbelievable experience driving down Magnolia Lane, seeing the clubhouse through the little corridor and something just happens to you. It’s your first time and you really want to play well, and you start thinking about all the shots you want to hit and you kind of get stuck in the moment. I wanted to hit a great shot on 12, wanted to go for it on 13 and 15. It all starts on Magnolia Lane.” – Brandt Snedeker
“I was in high school, 2005 or 2006, and it was incredible. I’d been to a couple Masters before; that’s really the only tournament I’ve ever watched since I was 5 or 6. That’s kind of what got me into golf. And then I’m going down Magnolia Lane. It still gives you goosebumps even to this day, just the history of that place and the feeling you get that you’ve kind of made it.” – Harris English
“It was pretty special. It’s my favorite course in the world and it never gets old but driving in there for the first time I think you’re a bit taken aback by the security when you first pull in. And then you drive as slowly as you can.” – Graeme McDowell
“It was 1988. It was so cool and it’s still cool. It is something special. All the Magnolias, the azaleas. It gave me sort of some insight to what I wanted to do to my house.” – 1991 Masters champion Ian Woosnam
What is the one thing you look forward to the most about the Masters?
“In many ways it is the start of the golfing season. It certainly is the start of the major championship season. Even though I don’t play anymore, it’s fun to be there. It’s fun to go to the Masters dinner. I’m done with the Par 3, but toward the end of my career, I used to play every year. But I just can’t play anymore. And then there is the honor of hitting the opening tee shot alongside Gary Player. Now, with the addition of our good friend, Tom Watson, that will be nice. I enjoy seeing everybody. It’s like a reunion.” – Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus
Honorary starter Gary Player greets Jack Nicklaus at the 1st tee during the first round of The Masters. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
“I just love the creativity you need to play that golf course. I love golf courses where you have many options around the greens.” – Abraham Ancer
“The atmosphere of the tournament., the roars, the buzz.” – Matt Fitzpatrick
“Ooh. There’s so much. Seeing all the locker room guys is great, they are always so grateful and happy to see us and we’re happy to see them. That vibe in the clubhouse I love.” – Justin Rose
“It’s hard to pick one. I’ll give you two. The Champions Dinner. I look forward to the stories from the past champions. And the Par-3 Contest with the little ones. I still have a picture to this day of being on the first tee and Mr. Player was in the group in front and he’s on the practice green doing magic tricks with (daughter) Windsor Wells. It doesn’t get any better than that.” – 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed
“The opportunity to contend. Having a chance to win the green jacket on Sunday afternoon is as good a feeling as anything in golf.” – Marc Leishman
“I think it’s the fans. For some reason the fans are so knowledgeable and courteous. It feels like you have gone back in time. And those roars are something else.” – Matt Kuchar
“I think it’s just being on the golf course. I think it’s just walking those fairways. It’s my favorite course in the world. It’s very hard to have the perfect golf course, and to me, Augusta approaches perfection.” – Graeme McDowell
“The thrill of competition. Being in contention on Sunday, there’s just no other place like it with the roars and the crowds. The biggest challenge is how you are going to handle your emotions.” – Xander Schauffele
“Normally, it’s a late tee time on Sunday. More so than the Champions Dinner. The late tee time just excites me.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
“I get to play on Sunday’s because I’m a past champion. I remember my wife asked me after I won if I could bring a guest on Sunday. It was like a year away. Playing with my wife at Augusta National is very special. And who doesn’t look forward to putting on the green jacket when you go and sit at your locker.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson
“I think it’s just the buzz. I mean, there’s a million things that make it great. I mean, I’m sure some guys have probably even mentioned the food and going around Amen Corner and skipping balls on 16. But I think it’s just, when you get there and you hop out of the car in the player lot, the buzz just hits you. There’s nothing like it.” – Will Zalatoris
“There are so many things. But the Par 3 tournament is one big deal. Just the whole experience of being there is amazing. You can talk about the sandwiches, you can talk about skipping the ball at 16, you can talk about whatever. And seeing all the past champions. Everything’s cool.” – Kevin Na
Kevin Na’s daughter, Sophia Ria, is seen during the Par 3 Contest for the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Augusta National/The Masters)
“Probably just seeing all the friends and family that I’ve grown up with. I did the experience from outside the ropes growing up there, and now being on the inside is special.” – Kevin Kisner
“I just really enjoy playing the course. The stretch from No. 12 through No. 16 is incredible every single time I play it. That’s my favorite stretch of any golf course. And there’s so much more. You get to know the locker room staff, the food’s incredible, the people are so nice. They’ll literally do anything for you. And it’s cool for me to have a lot of family and friends come in to town. It’s such a great week, I hope I get to play in 10, 15 more.” – Harris English
In our annual Masters survey, we asked players to recall their best advice for Augusta National as well as their horror stories.
Players light up when talking about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters. It’s a spiritual setting that warms the heart and the singular tournament that stirs the senses. The explosion of colors, the anticipation of a Sunday charge. A 12th hole that basks in beauty while serving as a devilish conquest, a green jacket that triggers dreams and lives on forever.
The gathering every April among the Georgia pines is matchless, from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur to the Drive, Chip and Putt competition.
Ahead of this year’s 85th Masters Tournament, Golfweek surveyed 25 golfers, including 12 winners of the green jacket and 15 major champions in all, asking questions ranging from the food to the golf course to the experience.
What is the one hole that got/gets the best of you?
“The one hole that jumps to mind is 16. I’ve seen everything there. I made a 1 in the final round in 2005 when I was playing in the second-to-last group, but when I had the lead coming down the stretch in 2008, I hit the worst shot of the week and hit it into the water and made double. And the 4th hole, for some reason, I just always find myself in between clubs and I dump it into the front bunker and it’s such a difficult up-and-down from there.” – 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman
“No. 5 is such a tough hole. Going into that green with a long club is so tough. It’s very, very difficult. Just getting it on the green in two for me is difficult.” – 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir
“Thirteen. I think that hole took me out of that tournament a lot. I could never hit that shot off the sidehill lie. I’d work on it and work on it and work on it and I just couldn’t get it down. Thirteen killed me.” – 1993 PGA champion Paul Azinger
“I think No. 4 is the most difficult hole. It’s better now since they took out some trees behind the green and moved the tee on the 5th hole. It’s less visually intimidating, but it’s still the hardest hole for me.” – Marc Leishman
“I truly believe the toughest hole for me now is now No. 5. I hit four great tee shots there last year and I had 4-iron into a green that I’ll say is very tricky. I had 5-iron a couple times, and one time I think I hit 7-iron once. That’s a long way into a par 4 into that type of a green.” – 2012 and 2014 Masters champion Bubba Watson
“No. 5. Although I did really well last year but still, such a tough hole.” – Kevin Na
“No. 17 was playing so long and my ball kept hitting the upslope. But really, there aren’t any bad holes out there.” – Abraham Ancer
“The fifth hole is such a tough hole, especially with the length it is now. I can hit a really good drive and be lucky to have a 5-iron into the green and that green is so difficult. And I feel like I’m hitting into the wind every time I play that hole.” – 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen
“I love all the holes.” – Cameron Champ
“That 5th hole. I’ve had my problems on that hole.” – Cameron Smith
“The 5th hole has always been my nemesis.” – Billy Horschel
“Right now it has to be 12. It bit a few of us in 2019. But, no, it’s a great golf course, so I don’t have anything bad to say about it.” – Tony Finau
“Thirteen has always been a challenge for me, the big swooping drive off the tee, the ball above your feet in the fairway. And 14 gets me too. If you go into the green with more than an 8-iron, it’s a nasty green to be so precise with.” – Matt Kuchar
What is the best advice you’ve received on how to play Augusta National during the Masters?
“Ben Crenshaw gave me the best advice. I got to play practice rounds with him and just watching the way he putted and the process he went through was really impressive. When I started picking his brain he told me that I tried to be so perfect with my putting stroke and it was tying you up. Stop trying to hit the ball on a perfect line. Instead of feeling like there is just one single line, think that there is more of a highway where you can run the ball down and still make it depending on the speed you use. Take a little more break, hit it a little softer, the ball will die toward the hole.” – 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman
“Jack Nicklaus telling me how some of the greens break and how the greens on 10 and 17 break differently that the other greens on the course.” – 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir
“That’s a hard one. Through the years you learn a lot. The first few years, maybe you played with a member, or a local caddie, and you learned from them as they tell you things. Now you’ve had enough time to learn on your own.” – 2000 Masters champion Vijay Singh
“I can’t remember the people that have given me advice. As a younger player, I probably didn’t rely on a lot of advice. But I’ve played there so many times I’ve figured it out myself. But you have to keep the ball below the hole, if at all possible.” – 1985 and 1993 Masters champion Bernhard Langer
“All the locals would tell you to keep the ball below the hole as much as you can. You don’t necessarily have to be on the green. And I made my own decision as far as the blade shot. The belly wedge. I think it’s an awesome shot to have, especially with the sticky fringes. Like on 18, if you’ve gone 5 yards over the green. The guys try to chip it and either it sticks or it goes 15 feet past the hole, or they try and putt it and they don’t hit it hard enough. The belly wedge works very smoothly. I get the ball rolling well and you can control it quite well. I’ve used it on nine, on two. I think it’s an awesome shot to have. I told Rory McIlroy when we played last year my little 5 pence worth of evidence is to look at the belly wedge a lot more around the greens.” – 1988 Masters champion Sandy Lyle
“Play to win. Don’t play too conservatively. (Former club pro) Pete Coe told me that. I played it pretty defensively because there are so many bad spots and he told me to go there and play to win and nearly won in 2013. So thanks, Pete.” – Marc Leishman
“I don’t like to ask many questions, so, that being said, I just watch to try and learn. I’ve watched what Tiger has done, what Jordan Spieth has done, Dustin Johnson. And I know you just have to try and avoid three-putts.” – 2012 and 2014 Masters champion Bubba Watson
“That’s a good question. There is so much to learn there. I’ve had a bunch of different people tell me a lot of things.” – Kevin Na
“I got a lot of advice from a lot of people, but I got a lot of advice from the caddies there the first time I ever played there. Got some great insight from them. They know what they are talking about.” – Abraham Ancer
“I played with Trevor Immelman and he told me to listen to what everyone says and thinks but find a way you like to play the golf course and how your eye sees it. Feel the golf course out, especially off the tees.” – 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen
“I forgot who it was, but they told me that the Masters is a big deal, it’s going to be your first Masters, but that at the end of the day, don’t overthink everything. Don’t play away from flags if you have confidence in your game. Just don’t let the fact it’s the Masters get into your head.” – Matthew Wolff
“Enjoy yourself. A lot of players have told me. It was like a dream playing my first Masters and I enjoyed it.” – Cameron Champ
“My caddie told me no matter what, the wind is the same on 10, 11 and 12. You think that it changes up but with all the angles and stuff it doesn’t change. It sort of plays on your mind. But that’s how we played those holes.” – Cameron Smith
“I’ve never asked for advice. But I’ve learned how crucial iron play is there. To be able to work the ball the way you need to. How you have to hit the ball to the proper parts of the green, because you can hit 16 greens in regulation and have five three-putts.” – Billy Horschel
“Keep the ball below the hole. I got that from an Augusta caddie the first time I ever played there. He kept repeating it and showing me why. Great advice.” – Tony Finau
“My golf coach at Georgia Tech, Bruce Heppler, told me to go in there with no great expectations and just enjoy it and have fun.” – Matt Kuchar
For our traditional Masters survey, we asked players what new views they had without patrons in 2020 and what they order off Augusta’s menu.
Players light up when talking about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters. It’s a spiritual setting that warms the heart and the singular tournament that stirs the senses. The explosion of colors, the anticipation of a Sunday charge. A 12th hole that basks in beauty while serving as a devilish conquest, a green jacket that triggers dreams and lives on forever.
The gathering every April among the Georgia pines is matchless, from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur to the Drive, Chip and Putt competition.
Ahead of this year’s 85th Masters Tournament, Golfweek surveyed 25 golfers, including 12 winners of the green jacket and 15 major champions in all, asking questions ranging from the food to the golf course to the experience.
Today’s questions:
Did you see something you’ve never seen before in the 2020 Masters because there were no patrons?
“When I walked out of the clubhouse near the big tree, I saw the Sarazen Bridge to the left on the 15th green. I never saw that during the Masters. There are so many people between the clubhouse and the 15th green every year except last year.” – 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman
“We didn’t see Azaleas, so that was different.” – 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir
“The lack of grandstands was very different.” – 1987 Masters champion Larry Mize
“No stands. That’s what I saw. So you saw a very different course. Looking down like 15, that sort of was daunting. Stands at the back of the 8th. You saw a more open course, space wise.” – 1988 Masters champion Sandy Lyle
“I saw Dustin Johnson cry. I had never seen that before. I never thought I’d see that, to be honest. But a pretty good reason to shed a tear.” – Marc Leishman
“Dustin Johnson winning. I never saw him win there before. More seriously, seeing no fans was something else. The golf course was definitely slower than I had ever seen before.” – 2012 and 2014 Masters champion Bubba Watson
“When it got dark last year and they blew the horn, they got us in a golf cart and you drive on the outside of the golf course. And I’ve never seen so many cottages and it’s a massive property. It was amazing.” – Kevin Na
“There were a few things. The first time ever, walking off the tee box on the eighth hole, we had to stop because the guys on the second green were putting. And standing on the eighth tee box, I didn’t expect to see the 17th green so close. So we had to wait for the guys to putt out on 17 and on 2. That was completely different.” – 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen
“A lot of things. Obviously, not seeing fans was different. It’s like night and day with fans and no fans. I never saw shots hold in places on the greens that would never have held in the past because the greens were so soft. You could fly it to back pins, which is so rare.” – Tony Finau
“When we got called off because of darkness, we got into golf carts and went around the outside of the golf course. There were more buildings than I ever knew existed, especially on the back side of the property. And the road system was something. You were glad to take that golf cart ride.” – Matt Kuchar
What is your favorite food at Augusta National?
“It’s all so good. I just don’t know why everything is better. The water tastes better, the chocolate tastes better. I don’t know what’s going on. It has to be an emotional thing because it’s all so good.” – 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman
“Love their burgers. Awesome.” – 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir
“The peach cobbler and clam chowder, as a player. They are so, so good. As a media guy, it’s the Krispy Kreme donuts.” – 1993 PGA champion Paul Azinger
“I normally grab a Pimento Cheese sandwich as soon as I can.” – Marc Leishman
“I eat the same thing every day. When I sit down they know what they are going to get me. In the morning, if I get there for breakfast, it’s scrambled eggs, two strips of bacon, two sausage patties and two biscuits. And then in the afternoon, I get the Taste of the Masters – two barbeque sandwiches and one Pimento and Cheese. It is all so good.” – 2012 and 2014 Masters champion Bubba Watson
“I’m not a huge fan of pimento cheese, but I will always make sure to get a Pimento Cheese sandwich every year.” – Kevin Na
“Ooh. The peach ice cream sandwich. It’s insane. And all the sandwiches. I was eating at least two sandwiches a day last year.” – Abraham Ancer
“I go to the caddie hut and have the fish sandwich. I really enjoy that sandwich. It’s so good.” – 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen
“They have an unbelievable turkey sandwich – turkey, bacon, lettuce and mayo. And the bread was toasted perfectly. That was so, so, so good.” – Matthew Wolff
“The burgers in the caddie room are pretty spot on. I think I had about eight or nine of them last week. I had never heard of them but I walked into the caddie room and asked, ‘What’s that smell?’ And I kept going back.” – Cameron Champ
“The Masters Club sandwich. It’s unbelievable. It’s like grandma’s club sandwiches.” – Cameron Smith
“I love food, but it’s not like I can’t wait to have the fried chicken in the caddie hut, which is awesome. I’m not rushing to eat anything there although it’s all great.” – Billy Horschel
“The peach ice cream sandwich. It’s unreal. It’s the best ice cream sandwich I’ve ever had. I’m not really fruit guy when it comes to eating sweets; I’m more of a chocolate guy. But that is the first thing I go for.” – Tony Finau
Pimento and cheese sandwich. Egg salad. Butter pecan ice cream. Which concession item that fans eat do the pros say they would buy?
Rare is the golfer who doesn’t light up when talking about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters. The spiritual setting that warms the heart, the singular tournament that stirs the senses. The explosion of colors, the anticipation of a Sunday charge. A 12th hole that basks in beauty while serving as a devilish conquest, a green jacket that triggers dreams and lives on forever.
The gathering every April among the Georgia pines is matchless, from Augusta National Women’s Amateur to the Drive, Chip and Putt competition. While we won’t be seeing any of these events in the coming days due to the coronavirus pandemic, we think you’ll still be interested in reading about Masters traditions, the iconic holes at Augusta National and your favorite golfers who would have been in the field this month.
Golfweek surveyed 39 golfers, including 14 winners of the green jacket and 24 major champions in all, to get their views on certain features of Augusta National and the Masters. From putting to eating to predicting to offering their architectural viewpoints, we’ll roll out their takes on a variety of topics in the next 10 days.
What would you order if you could only have one thing off the menu?
“Butter pecan ice cream. It’s pretty good. I’ve never felt any ice cream is bad, but there’s just some that’s better than others.” – Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus
“Couple bottles of Screaming Eagle 2005. Great wine.” – 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell
“The chocolate cookies are so good. They bring them out after lunch, they are so good. So good.” – Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy
“They have quite a few things that are really good there. But the chowder is really, really good. Tastes a bit better when you eat it in the Champions Locker Room. And the shrimp cocktail is amazing.” – 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett
“The simple stuff is so good. I always look forward to a cheeseburger after the round. They make such a good cheeseburger there.” – Matt Kuchar
“One meal or one thing? I always get their jumbo lump crabmeat. It’s unbelievable. No matter what I’m eating, there’s always a side of that, too. It’s just so good. I don’t know where they get it from but it’s unbelievable. I have it with every meal.” – Brandt Snedeker
“Oh, man, that’s a tough question. I think the right answer would be something from the wine cellar, so let me see the wine list.” – Nick Watney
“My go to there is the bison burger. It’s pretty damn good. And a peach cobbler.” – 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott
“I always eat at the caddie’s shed and I get that chicken sandwich that the patrons get because it’s so good. You have no idea how good it is until you’ve had it.” – Bill Haas
“Wow, that’s a tough one. They have such great comfort food. The hamburgers are great, the tuna melts are great. Everything seems to taste better there. I don’t know why. And out on the golf course, the egg salad sandwich is the best. I probably eat two a day and I’m there for seven days. My caddie knows to have them in the bag. And the Augusta National chocolate that has appeared the past few years is out of this world.” – 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman
A patron holds a pimento cheese sandwich and beer. (Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
“All the food is really good there. I’d go with one of the classics, the Pimento cheese sandwich. Always hits the spot.” – 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia
“They have great steaks. And the wine cellar is so good there, so I can pair the steak with some great wine.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
“Everything is so good there. So let’s go with that. I’ll broaden my list.” – Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer
“Fried chicken. It’s off the charts.” – 2015 PGA champion Jason Day
“The junior club is phenomenal.” – Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson
“You have to go with one of their staples – Pimento and cheese. It’s awesome. It’s the best.” – 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed
“It’s all good. But the fried chicken is so good. And the fried oysters. I’m not a big oyster fan, but their fried oysters are really good.” – 2016 U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson
“They always have the Taste of the Masters where they have barbeque, egg salad and pimento cheese and you have a little bit of all three of them. It’s top of the line there.” – Kevin Kinser
“I hang out in the caddie area and that fried chicken is amazing. It is amazing.” – Paul Casey
“The fried chicken is unbelievable.” – Patrick Cantlay
“I really love the fried chicken there. It’s amazing.” – Kevin Na
“The pulled pork sandwich. That’s pretty phenomenal.” – Luke Donald
“The bacon at Augusta National is so good. I learned that from Phil Mickelson. You can’t get enough of it.” – 2011 PGA champion Keegan Bradley
The menu at Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters Tournament. (File)
“All the food there is so good. But I always get a chicken sandwich on the course. I always have someone go get me one. They’re great.” – 2019 U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland
“Everything is awesome there. But my go-to in the grill is the egg salad BLT. It’s great. I’ve never been a big egg salad guy and only eat it when I’m at Augusta National. Bacon’s good on just about everything.” – Rickie Fowler
“Their breakfast there is so great. You can order anything. Their entire breakfast is so great, it’s so awesome.” – Patton Kizzire
“Their breakfasts are the greatest. The over-easy eggs are fantastic. Anything they do with breakfast is fine with me.” – Tony Finau
“The chicken fried steak, because it’s really, really, really good.” – 1998 Masters champion Mark O’Meara
“I just love the New York strip with a sweet potato. It is just so beautiful.” – 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel
“The crab Quesada. It’s so good I ordered it four out of the five days I was there, and it’s not healthy and I needed to eat healthy that week.” – Keith Mitchell
“Half a club sandwich and clam chowder. Both are so, so good.” – 2003 U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk
“I’d get two pulled-pork barbeque sliders and one pimento and cheese. It is the best.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson
“Everything is pretty good there. I take that back. Everything there is great.” – Billy Horschel
Editor’s note: Check back each day for another Masters Survey.
Watch the full collection of official Masters films, which has a one-hour recap of every Masters from 1960 all the way up to 2018.
We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up to a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.
Pros like all the help they can get at the Masters at Augusta National. Here are the traits the pros would love to add to their skill set.
Rare is the golfer who doesn’t light up when talking about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters. The spiritual setting that warms the heart, the singular tournament that stirs the senses. The explosion of colors, the anticipation of a Sunday charge. A 12th hole that basks in beauty while serving as a devilish conquest, a green jacket that triggers dreams and lives on forever.
The gathering every April among the Georgia pines is matchless, from Augusta National Women’s Amateur to the Drive, Chip and Putt competition. While we won’t be seeing any of these events in the coming days due to the coronavirus pandemic, we think you’ll still be interested in reading about Masters traditions, the iconic holes at Augusta National and your favorite golfers who would have been in the field this month.
Golfweek surveyed 39 golfers, including 14 winners of the green jacket and 24 major champions in all, to get their views on certain features of Augusta National and the Masters. From putting to eating to predicting to offering their architectural viewpoints, we’ll roll out their takes on a variety of topics in the next 10 days.
If you could have one part of another player’s game to take to the first tee, what do you choose?
“Ben Crenshaw’s putting. I don’t think I have to explain that.” – 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson
“Tiger’s experience.” – 2015 PGA champion Jason Day
“I would take Dustin Johnson’s or Rory McIlroy’s driving, as long and as straight as they hit it.” – Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson
“Rory’s driver. It is just enough better than mine that it would make a huge difference on that golf course.” – 2013 U.S. Open champion Justin Rose
Justin Rose reacts after missing a putt on the 13th green during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo by Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports)
“Jordan’s Spieth putting. It’s so good. So, so good. Some days when you play with him it’s something to see.” – 2011PGA champion Keegan Bradley
“I’d like to play from Rory’s drives. That would be pretty good.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
“Corey Pavin’s mental game and his fight. For a guy who didn’t hit it very long, to win as many tournaments as he did, his mental toughness was so good.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson
“Tiger Woods’ iron game, because he’s one of the greatest iron players that’s ever lived and that course favors someone who is a great second-shot player. Someone who can control the ball and put it in the right quadrants.” – Billy Horschel
“I’d take Tiger’s putter in those early 2000s.” – 2016 U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson
“Rory McIlroy’s driving or Bubba Watson’s driving. They’re both among the leaders in strokes gained off the tee and I’m one of the worst.” – Kevin Na
“I’d rather just take my game and go win.” – Rickie Fowler
“Rory McIlroy’s driving. He can hit it right to left and left to right and he hits it so long and finds the fairway.” – Tony Finau
“I’d would have to take Phil’s short game. It’s ridiculous.” – Two-time Masters champion Adam Scott
Tiger Woods hits from the fairway on the 15th hole during the second round of the 2019 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports)
“Tiger’s iron play. That’s what’s kept me back all these years because you basically play tentatively at times. His iron play is special. It’s so good. Best iron play I’ve ever seen, so if I have that, let’s go.” – Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy
“Dustin Johnson’s length off the tee. To have that length with my short game would be really, really good.” – 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed
“Rory McIlroy’s driver. If I had that I could still be a little bit dangerous.” – 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman
“Bubba Watson’s driving. It’s awesome. It’s tailor-made for that place and it’s such an advantage for him. It’s a huge weapon for him.” – Matt Kuchar
“Rory’s driving. It’s exceptional. The speed he has and the accuracy, yeah, with that golf course, the places he gets to would make it a little more simple for me.” – 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett
“I would take somebody who bombs it, like Rory. If I could do that, I’d have a chance to win every time if I had that driving ability.” – Kevin Kisner
“Bubba Watson’s length, because I’m short as hell.” – 2003 U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk
Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods walk onto the 13th green during a practice round prior to the start of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“Phil Mickelson’s course knowledge, his experience. That would be a huge addition to the bag.” – Keith Mitchell
“For a bunch of years it was Tiger’s everything. And I mean everything. I’d still take his iron play. But right now, I’d love to have Rory McIlroy’s driving. I just love watching him hit the driver. His driving is spectacular.” – Bill Haas
“Rory McIlroy’s driving is pretty good, but I’d take every part of Tiger Woods’ game. Can I do that?” – Patton Kizzire
“Rory McIlroy’s driver. It’s so good. Yes, give me that. I’ll gladly take that.” – Charles Howell III
“I would let Bubba drive it around for me for the week.” – 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell
“Rory’s driver. It’s the best.” – 2012 U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson
“When Rory’s driving it really well, that’s the single biggest weapon in the game that anyone has going, especially on a major-championship track.” – Patrick Cantlay
“All of Tiger’s game. The way he plots his way around the golf course is underappreciated. He is so great there. And his putter on that golf course, it’s a joke. He gets there and sees the course and feels it.” – 2019 U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland
Editor’s note: Check back each day for another Masters Survey.
Watch the full collection of official Masters films, which has a one-hour recap of every Masters from 1960 all the way up to 2018.
We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up to a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.
Golf pros are asked whom among them would win a Drive, Chip and Putt championship.
Rare is the golfer who doesn’t light up when talking about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters. The spiritual setting that warms the heart, the singular tournament that stirs the senses. The explosion of colors, the anticipation of a Sunday charge. A 12th hole that basks in beauty while serving as a devilish conquest, a green jacket that triggers dreams and lives on forever.
The gathering every April among the Georgia pines is matchless, from Augusta National Women’s Amateur to the Drive, Chip and Putt competition. While we won’t be seeing any of these events in the coming days due to the coronavirus pandemic, we think you’ll still be interested in reading about Masters traditions, the iconic holes at Augusta National and your favorite golfers who would have been in the field this month.
Golfweek surveyed 39 golfers, including 14 winners of the green jacket and 24 major champions in all, to get their views on certain features of Augusta National and the Masters. From putting to eating to predicting to offering their architectural viewpoints, we’ll roll out their takes on a variety of topics in the next 10 days.
Who wins the Drive, Chip and Putt?
“Tiger Woods because he’s Tiger Woods.” – 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson
“That’s an awesome question. Tough one, too. Well, Phil Mickelson’s dropping bombs and he can putt and chip the hell out of the ball, so if he’s hitting bombs like he says he is, I’ll take Phil.” – 2019 U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland
“Oh, my goodness. There are so many that could win. I’m going to go with Bubba Watson, because he just wins at Augusta.” – 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott
“That’s a good one. I would have to say probably a guy like Jon Rahm. He drives it quite well, he chips and putts quite well. Obviously Rory would have a good chance. Dustin Johnson, Brooks would be right there. I’d go with one of those guys.” – 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia
Tony Finau falls after rolling his ankle while celebrating his hole-in-one on the seventh hole during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2018 Masters Tournament. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“I think I have a good shot. I have some length. I like chipping, I like putting. And I have an advantage. I’ve been in one in Orlando. I was 11.” – Tony Finau
“Ooh. That would be pretty good to see. You’ve got Rory, DJ and Brooks for the driving. I’d like my chances in the chipping and putting. You got Tiger up there, as well. A bunch of other guys. It would be interesting.” – 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett
“Jason Day would win. Because he’s long, he’s a phenomenal putter and he’s got an underrated chipping game.” – Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson
“I’d go with Rory because he hits it so long and so straight, and he can chip and putt.” – Luke Donald
“Justin Thomas. He’s so good at all three. I mean really good.” – Nick Watney
“Me.” – 2016 U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson
“Tiger Woods in 2000 would never get beat.” – Kevin Na
“That’s a tough one. I’d hang in there with the chip and the putt but I couldn’t hang in the driving. So I’ll go with Justin Thomas – great driver of the ball, really good chipper, very good putter.” – Brandt Snedeker
“Jason Day would be pretty good at that.” – 2011 PGA champion Keegan Bradley
“Cameron Champ because he’d win the driving contest, hands down. If he would just get one good chip and putt, there’s your winner.” – Keith Mitchell
Bubba Watson chips at the second green during a practice round for the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Michael Madrid/USA TODAY Sports)
“Ooh. Bubba. He’s got great hands and he’s a great fast-green putter. And he can let it rip.” – 2013 U.S. Open champion Justin Rose
“I’ll take Rory there. He’s long and he’s a great chipper of the ball. And when he’s putting well, he’s really good.” – 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell
“Dustin Johnson because he’s pretty good at all of those things. He gets credit for his driving, but his chipping and putting is top drawer. And Tiger’s not exactly bad, because he’s the best touch putter we’ve seen the past 25 years.” – Paul Casey
“Justin Thomas, because he’s great at all three of them.” – Kevin Kisner
“It would have to be someone who hits it really far, because everyone chips and putts it really good. I’ll go with Rory.” – Patrick Cantlay
“Oh, wow. It wouldn’t be me because I get too nervous, so I’m out. Right now, I’d go Tiger Woods. He’s tops in putting, his chipping has always been phenomenal and man, as smooth as he’s swinging that driver, he’d give you points there.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson
“It has to be Phil Mickelson. It has to be. All he has to do is get one drive in play and then chipping and putting, he knows that place so well and his hands are so good. He’d be tough to beat.” – Matt Kuchar
“Now that would be great to see. I’d give Justin Thomas a go. Overall, he’s pretty decent.” – 2015 PGA champion Jason Day
“There are so many great all-around players, so there are so many great candidates. But I’d have to go with Justin Thomas or Rory McIlroy.” – 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman
“Rory. He’s a really good chipper and he’s the best driver in the game.” – 2012 U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson
“Bubba Watson. He hits it long, he has really good touch around the greens and he has really great die speed with his putter so even if he doesn’t make a putt it will be a tap-in.” – Billy Horschel
Jon Rahm chips onto the second green during the second round of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports)
“Jon Rahm would be right up there. Long, great short game. Xander Schauffele, because I love watching him play and he has no weakness. Rory McIlroy, he’s so good.” – Bill Haas
“Jordan Spieth. I’ve never seen a guy chip and putt better and he drives it far enough so he’d score high enough to win it all.” – Charles Howell III
Editor’s note: Check back each day for another Masters Survey.
Watch the full collection of official Masters films, which has a one-hour recap of every Masters from 1960 all the way up to 2018.
We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up to a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.
In our 2020 Masters survey, Tour pros tell Golfweek if there are any holes at Augusta National that would be better without bunkers.
Rare is the golfer who doesn’t light up when talking about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters. The spiritual setting that warms the heart, the singular tournament that stirs the senses. The explosion of colors, the anticipation of a Sunday charge. A 12th hole that basks in beauty while serving as a devilish conquest, a green jacket that triggers dreams and lives on forever.
The gathering every April among the Georgia pines is matchless, from Augusta National Women’s Amateur to the Drive, Chip and Putt competition. While we won’t be seeing any of these events in the coming days due to the coronavirus pandemic, we think you’ll still be interested in reading about Masters traditions, the iconic holes at Augusta National and your favorite golfers who would have been in the field this month.
Golfweek surveyed 39 golfers, including 14 winners of the green jacket and 24 major champions in all, to get their views on certain features of Augusta National and the Masters. From putting to eating to predicting to offering their architectural viewpoints, we’ll roll out their takes on a variety of topics in the next 10 days.
The 14th hole is the only hole without a bunker. Is there another hole you would like to see without a bunker?
“There was never a bunker that caused me fits. You just had to stay out of them. The bunker on one is bad. The bunker on two is bad. The bunkers on five. Eight was bad. The worst ones to be in are the fairway bunkers.” – Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus
“No. Each bunker seems to be in the right spot. Well, 16 you could go without the bunker on the left side and instead have the grass shaved all the way into the water. But that would be really tough, though.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
“I wish there was a bunker to the right of 14 because I lost a ball there and not many people can say that.” – Keith Mitchell
Mark O’Meara plays a shot from a bunker on the 12th hole during a practice round prior the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“I don’t think you need a bunker on No. 17 now because of the length of the hole. I’d make the green more exposed. And those bunkers on No. 7 are so severe and the sand at Augusta is so heavy, those are tough shots out of the front bunkers. I never enjoyed being in them.” – 1998 Master champion Mark O’Meara
“I’d love to have them take out the front trap on four.” – 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett
“No. The course is perfect.” – 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson
“How about all 17 of the other holes?” – 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel
“No. Every one of the bunkers does their own little thing.” – 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia
“The bunker on 3. I keep hitting my tee shot into that bunker. When I hit driver there I can go over it and I’m OK. But every time I do the smart, sensible shot and lay up short of it, I seem to always, whether it’s adrenaline or I pull it, I get in that bunker, and it never turns out good.” – 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed
Brandt Snedeker hits from a bunker on the third hole during the 2008 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Harry How/Getty Images)
“I think three would be a really cool hole without a bunker. More guys would try and drive the green and a lot of them would get into some really difficult spots and then we’d have to see how good their short game is.” – Brandt Snedeker
“Yeah, No. 5. That hole is the hardest hole in the world with that new tee. No bunkers there, please.” – 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell
“I don’t like that fairway bunker on 1. I’d like to see that one gone.” – Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson
“I don’t think they need the bunker on 11. But it’s probably just as easy out of the bunker than it would be without a bunker. But I think the bunkers are fine where they are.” – Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer
“On No. 5. I’d be quite happy if they got rid of the two fairway bunkers. Quite happy.” – 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott
“They could take those greenside bunkers away on seven because I’m in them every year.” – 2019 U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland
“I don’t think 15 needs that bunker on the right by the green. I’d rather see short, tight grass there to the right of the green.” – Luke Donald
Rory McIlroy plays the 13th hole during the 2019 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports)
“The fairway bunker on 2, I’ve seen way too much of. So that could be taken away and I won’t miss it.” – Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy
“I hate the bunker to the right off the tee on No. 1. That’s all you stare at waiting on the tee to tee off.” – Kevin Kinser
“The fairway bunker on the left on five. If you get in there it’s going to be a disaster.” – Paul Casey
“There are plenty of bunkers that drive me nuts. The bunker on 1, I hate being in there. If I’m anywhere near the lip, it’s a layup. And right off the start that’s not what you want.” – Kevin Na
“I think all the bunkers are pretty well placed. But since you’re dead in the bunkers on 18 to the right of the green, they could remove those.” – Bill Haas
“No. 4, now that we’re hitting 5-woods in there. That front bunker is tough, especially to a front-left pin.” – Billy Horschel
“Probably 5. Because you’re hitting driver and 3-wood now and then you have a long iron into the green. And those bunkers on the left of the fairway are deep.” – 2015 PGA champion Jason Day
“The fairway bunker on No. 8. I can’t fly that bunker. That one is annoying for me.” – 1988 Masters champion Sandy Lyle
“Not really, but someday, I would like to carry it far enough to clear the bunker on No. 8.” – Patrick Cantlay
“No. 1. That first tee shot is so hard. Just let us have the fairway.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson
“No. 5. Those bunkers on the left are now 45 yards farther away. I wouldn’t mind seeing them take those two away.” – Tony Finau
Patton Kizzire hits out of a bunker on the second hole during the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Michael Madrid/USA TODAY Sports)
“I think they should take them all out. Just kidding. The fairway bunkers on 18, I wouldn’t mind seeing fairway there.” – Patton Kizzire
“The first hole, that bunker on the right of the fairway. That hole is so hard.” – 2011 PGA champion Keegan Bradley
“The bunkers at No. 5. I’d have a runoff so a pulled tee shot would run down the slope and into the trees. That would be a tough second shot but not as tough as being in those bunkers.” – 2013 U.S. Open champion Justin Rose
“I know I’m definitely getting older and I don’t know if I’m getting any shorter but it feels like every time I go back the bunkers seem to get deeper. But the bunkers, as with everything else there, are really well-placed so there’s no real need for any more or any less.” – 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman
“The left bunkers on No. 5 off the tee can go away and I won’t miss them.” – Charles Howell III
No. 18. The fairway bunkers. It’s like the perfect drive for me goes right into one of those bunkers.” – 2012 U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson
Editor’s note: Check back each day for another Masters Survey.
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