2017 Masters: 5 Bold But Problematic Predictions
Every golfer loves an Ace, whether it’s made during a practice round or during competition.
There have been 27 holes-in-one at The Masters since the inaugural 1934 playing, five by amateurs in the field.
In fact, Canadian amateur Ross Sommerville recorded the first Masters Ace on the 16th hole with a mashie niblick.
The 16th is the hole where players are most likely to make an Ace – which has hosted 17 of the 26 holes-in-one over the playing of The Masters. That’s 65%, if you’re interested in such stats.
The 6th hole has given up 5 Aces and the12th hole only 3 – but only Jeff Sluman has carded an Ace on the 213 yard par-3 4th, in 1992, with a 4 iron.
It probably comes as no surprise that Golf Channel’s Holly Sonders and John Cook regard No. 4, Flowering Crabapple, as the most difficult hole on the Augusta National track. Last years Masters field averaged 3.28 shots on No. 4.
Continuing my Masters Aces trivia, the history of Aces made during the Masters suggests that the champion isn’t going to make one. Although 4 Masters champions have made holes-in-one during the playing of a Masters – Claude Harmon, Charles Coody, Raymond Floyd, Trevor Immelman and Adam Scott – none recorded his Ace during the tournament he won.
In two playings of the Masters, 2004 and 2016, there have been 3 Aces! There have never been 4 Aces at a Masters.