The Masters: Ranking All 18 Holes at Augusta National
By Ryan Andrade
9th hole (Carolina Cherry) – Don’t be short on approach if you’re hunting birdie here.
Par 4: 460 yards
Rank: 8
Virtual Flyover:
It’s a tight downhill drive between the trees that line the fairway. Driver is usually the play off the tee, as you don’t want to be blocked by the trees on the left. You will see a few shots out of the right pine straw where it’s guess work as to the lie you are going to have. We have seen some incredible shots from there over the years, however. We have also seen some nasty tree roots that have inflicted some pain on players over the years. Most recently Tiger Woods just in last year’s final round.
The uphill approach to the green is very important. You will be typically be playing from a downhill lie with the ball below your feet. There are three distinct tiers to this green. That really shrinks the target area because it’s important to keep it on the right level. We see tons of three putts on this green from guys who hit it to the wrong level.
The biggest mistake on this hole is coming up short. There is a false front that will take the ball down some 40 yards and leave you a very tricky shot. This is the type of hole you are looking to make par and move on. However, a birdie here can lead to some great momentum as you head into the back nine.
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