The Masters: Ranking All 18 Holes at Augusta National
By Ryan Andrade
17th hole (Nandina) – Without the Eisenhower tree . . .
Par 4: 440 yards
Rank: 18
Virtual Flyover:
When you think of the 17th hole at Augusta National, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Jack Nicklaus’ putt back in 1986. So you might ask, how can this hole possibly rank last out of all 18 holes at Augusta National? In my opinion it lacks character.
It had character before 2014, but unfortunately a storm whipped through the Augusta area that year. It wiped out the famed Eisenhower Tree that protruded out into the fairway from the left. The tree was given the name because President Eisenhower would always hit his tee shot into the tree when he played Augusta National. He demanded it be removed, but he was unsuccessful. And thus, the most famous tree in golf.
It’s just a shame such an iconic piece of history is gone. Without it, the hole really lacks an identity. It’s pretty much a driver and a short iron to a slightly elevated green. The one thing I do appreciate about the hole is the green, because there are a number of very different hole locations they use during The Masters.
It’s the 18th best hole on a course with 18 fabulous holes, and because it is the 17th hole on the course it’s always going to play a factor in the outcome of determining a Masters champion.
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