The Masters: Ranking All 18 Holes at Augusta National
By Ryan Andrade
5th hole (Magnolia) – The problems begin with the tee shot . . .
Par 4: 455 yards
Rank: 13
Virtual Flyover:
The drive on the 5th hole at Augusta National is one of the most difficult on the course. You have to keep the ball to the right side of the fairway. If you don’t you will not be able to even see the green. It’s a tough balance of knowing when to hit driver and when to take the 3-wood.
The reason you won’t be able to see the green if you miss on the left side of the fairway is due to two extremely deep bunkers that narrow this fairway near 300 yards. Being just short of these bunkers, however, is much better than being in them. If you happen to find one of them, it’s likely just a wedge out and will leave you a very difficult up and down to try and save par.
There is a ridge on the very fronting the green that will make any approach coming up short a very tough two putt. It is comparable to the “Valley of Sin” on the 18th hole at St. Andrews. There are two sucker pins that play just over this ridge and can get even the best players if they don’t play it safe and long.
You’re just looking for a 4 on this hole. Doubles can be made if you don’t play it smart. There shouldn’t be any reason to take unnecessary risks here. There are far better birdie opportunities on this course.
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