The message of great, strategic golf course architecture is clear. The actual words used to describe those golf courses, however, are many. The Architecture Glossary column will examine more precise terms and concepts that one will find when exploring golf course architecture. Hopefully understanding these terms, and why certain architects employed them, will help you to better understand the golf courses you play…and maybe even improve your scores!
Today’s term is ‘Crowned Green’.
Although there is a particular variety of “crowned green” that dominates modern discussions of the concept, it is perhaps best to start with the most bare-bones definition: A crowned green is one where the highest altitude on the putting surface occurs at the interior of the green, and versus at the perimeter.
For example, consider No. 17 at Augusta National Golf Club, where the front portions of the green both have a false-front effect, while shots that go past the front platform will also run backwards to the edge of the green. This is the essence of a crowned green.
Although not a "crowned green" in the sense that many have come to interpret the term, the No. 17 green at Augusta does in fact feature its highest point internally.
It’s rare to hear such a putting surface described as a “crowned green,” however, because the term has been overwhelmingly associated with one architect and, indeed, one route: Pinehurst’s No. 2 course.
Whenever an event is hosted at the Pinehurst Resort’s most famous course, the first topic of conversation is the convex greens, which seem to defy all but the most perfect of approaches. Come up short and your second will either roll back to an intimidating distance, or be scattered to bunkers and fall-offs surrounding the green. The next shot following such a miss can be just as frightening for those lacking confidence with a wedge, hence why Martin Kaymer won the 2014 U.S. Open by putting impressively from off the green.
It's not tough to see where the fall-off is on this green at Pinehurst No. 2...everywhere.
Donald Ross described the design strategy to some degree when discussing the No. 16 hole at the course:
“The sixteenth hole is a fine example of what I have in mind. Here, the slope rises gently on the front part of the green and falls slightly away at the rear. Regardless of where the pin may be placed, a player whose approach is either short or strong will be faced with the problem of putting across the ridge formed by this change in slope.”
Accordingly, many cite the crowned green as Ross’s signature design feature. The problem is that there are very few other instances of this method within Ross’s oeuvre, either in practice or among the sketches accumulated by the Donald Ross Archives at Tufts University.
As it turns out, “crowned greens” in the Pinehurst style are a legend that have grown, both figuratively and literally.
The current greens at No. 2 are largely believed to be the side effect of maintenance-related issues over the decades. Although there is some grain of truth behind the current presentation, there are also millions of grains of sand that contribute to the status quo.
Upon its founding, Pinehurst featured sand greens until more hardy Bermuda grass was introduced. It’s at this point that Ross’s proper green designs emerged. That Bermuda required frequent top-dressing with sand in order to break up thatch and maintain the firm conditions that the region is known for. As No. 2 was the resort’s signature course, it reportedly received more top-dressing than the other courses. The layered sand built up for decades, exaggerating Ross’s design strategy and resulting in putting surfaces more similar to what we now associate with Pinehurst.
Why hasn’t this occurred at other courses with other Bermuda turf? First, aeration practices help to counter these effects. Pinehurst didn’t begin punching its greens until nearly three decades after Ross completed his work, however. There has been opportunity to reform the greens to his specifications but, as they’ve become a calling card of sorts for the course, they remain exaggerated in their crowning.
At the onset of his career, Pete Dye was friendly with Ross, and witnessed the changes at Pinehurst firsthand during visits.
“I'm sorry to say it but they're not what you'd call part of Mr. Ross's style,” he wrote in the introduction to the book Discovering Donald Ross. “Go down the road to Mid Pines and Pine Needles, for example, where Mr. Ross built the greens himself, and you'll see more features than just crowns.”
Although No. 1 at Pine Needles is reachable for many players, its crowned green can result in some nasty scores once the player is in close.
Indeed, Pine Needles Golf Course serves a more nuanced take on the crowned green theory than that at the town’s namesake resort. The opening par five proved a headache for LPGA players during the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. Anna Nordqvist was one of the victims, taking her third shot from 100 yards out and still managing to card a double bogey.
Unfortunately, most managers are not as wise as Kyle Franz, the architect responsible for the restoration at Pine Needles. Thus other Ross courses have aimed to replicate Pinehurst’s putting surfaces, and newer designs cite Ross when creating greens that resemble overturned cereal bowls. There’s a reason why the terms “crowned” green and “turtle-backed” green are used interchangeably.
Is there an old-world case study for this particular green style? It has been argued that the elevated putting surface at Royal North Devon’s No. 13 bears some resemblance, but otherwise greens on the links tend to be crowned in the more traditional sense.
That said, Pinehurst’s influence has made some recent incursions into British golf. Those watching The Open at Royal Liverpool (occurring as this was being written) probably noticed the struggles faced by some golfers at No. 17, a par three that typically plays as No. 15 in the traditional layout. This was a new hole added by MacKenzie and Ebert in preparation for the 2023 Open. Playing just 135 yards, it demands exacting accuracy from players, as shots that veer in the wind may be kicked off the green. As several players found during the tournament, shots from the shortgrass or bunkers could quickly find the ball on the downslope on the other side of the green. Jon Rahm used a telling adjective when describing the hole during a press conference: “turtle-back.”
The new par three from MacKenzie and Ebert brings some of Scottish Donald Ross's influence back to the UK. This green, while short, will repel most off-base shots.
Again: If the highest point of elevation on the green is at its interior, it can accurately be described as “crowned.” Looking again at Ross’s description of No. 16, one can understand that his intention was not to create greens that repel all shots, but rather greens that create challenges for those putting from the wrong side of the green. Understood this way, the logic resonates with Ross’s more frequent use of greens that slope aggressively from back to front…end up on the correct side of the flag, or face the consequences.
Pinehurst No. 2 remains one of the most celebrated golf courses in both the United States and Ross’s portfolio, which is a reflection of the craftsmanship of both Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, as well as the resort’s maintenance professionals, to ensure that these tricky greens remain a sustainable part of Ross’s actual design. It would behoove other clubs, however, not to test their luck by converting simple crowned greens into turtle-backed torture devices.
The Evolution of Augusta National Golf Club Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters Tournament, has undergone significant transformations since its foundation. Beginning as an amateur club founded by legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts with Alister MacKenzie as designer. Since 1933 when its doors first opened its reputation has spread as an emblem for excellence, innovation, and tradition within golf - here are its key stages of development: 1933: Augusta National opens, featuring MacKenzie's design highlighting its natural beauty and topography. Known for its wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and large undulating greens. 1934: The inaugural Masters Tournament (originally known as Augusta National Invitation Tournament) begins. Horton Smith wins his first Green Jacket, an iconic symbol that became synonymous with winning at The Masters. 1934: Herbert Warren Wind gives the "Amen Corner" (holes 11, 12, and 13) its iconic moniker to commemorate this pivotal stretch where tournaments can often be won or lost. Continuous Improvements and Changes 1950s-1960s: Under Clifford Roberts' guidance, several modifications are made to the course, such as tree planting, the creation of water hazards, alterations to greens and tee boxes to keep pace with advances in golf technology and strategy, etc. 1978: Augusta National introduces its signature second cut rough, adding another level of difficulty and challenge to their wide-open fairways. Modernisation and Lengthening 1999-2006: Augusta National underwent significant lengthening and tightening as a response to what has come to be known as the "Tiger Woods effect," where advancements in equipment and player fitness led to dramatically increased driving distances. These adjustments aim to preserve strategic challenge for modern golfers. 2002: The club extends several holes and adds new tee boxes, pushing its course beyond 7,000 yards for the first time ever. At Augusta National, upgrades to amenities and infrastructure have been a consistent theme throughout its history, including new practice facilities, patron amenities and cutting-edge media centres. Augusta National has made significant strides toward environmental stewardship, from extensive tree planting, water conservation measures and maintaining natural areas throughout its course to Women's Amateur and Drive, Chip, and Putt competitions. 2018: Augusta National showcases their commitment to women's golf by hosting the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur. The Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship: Created in 2013, this youth competition culminates at Augusta National with the aim of inspiring future golfers. Recent and Ongoing Developments 2020s: The club continues to refine the course by refining fairways, greens and bunkers to maintain a challenging test of golf for members and guests. Changes are made while adhering to original design principles so as to preserve MacKenzie and Jones' vision of how they imagined the course to look and play. Find out more about travel to Augusta National Golf Course Why not register today to be the 1st to Receive US Rankings releases for 2024. Lockhart Travel Club Concierge Services FAQ What is the Lockhart Travel Club? Lockhart Travel Club is dedicated to offering its members unique opportunities for world-class golf exploration and adventure. It connects members with like-minded individuals worldwide, aiming to fulfil their desire to play at the best golf courses globally. The club originated from Robert Lockhart's passion, a Scotsman who introduced golf to America in the late 19th century, and it continues to embody his spirit of golf travel (Lockhart Travel Club). Who are the members of the Lockhart Travel Club? Members are individuals from some of the world's greatest clubs, sharing a common passion for golf and adventure. The club welcomes golfers eager to travel, play, and check off their bucket list of courses. They are driven by the opportunity to see and play the best courses worldwide, taking advantage of the club's network. What kind of experiences does Lockhart Travel Club offer? In 2023, the club provided opportunities to play in various top-ranked courses and locations, including the Sand Hills of Nebraska and Colorado, the best of Japan and Korea, the English Heathlands, the classic courses of France, and the best of New Zealand’s North Island. The 2024 schedule promises unique experiences in 19 different countries, including Thailand & China, Brazil, South Africa, the Northeast USA, and Australia. How do I join Lockhart Travel Club? Interested individuals can inquire about membership by contacting the club directly via their official email. The club values connections among golf enthusiasts and strives to plan unique, unforgettable opportunities for its members throughout the year. For more detailed inquiries or to apply for membership, please refer directly to the Lockhart Travel Club's official website or contact their membership services. Lockhart Travel Club About Us: Learn more about the club Top 100 Golf Courses - Lockhart Travel Club: Explore member experiences and trips
2018 Masters - Augusta National Golf Club Behind the architectural curtain by M. James Ward After a long 8-month wait since the PGA Championship crowned Justin Thomas the winner, the first major championship for 2018 is set to begin with this year's Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. To get insights on what makes the event and course so fascinating, interviews were conducted with architects from different parts of the globe. The comments provided shed much light on the various design elements brought to the course and what each of the respective participants feels is needed for The Masters and for golf in general. Would Alister MacKenzie be pleased or not pleased on how his original design has been changed over the years? Jonathan Gaunt: I think MacKenzie would feel the Augusta National course today shows too much "control" over nature, he'd find it over-maintained and be displeased by the extreme green-ness of the site, being overwatered and over-fertilized. The changes to design features -- with greens shaping softened to cater for the change of grass species from slower Bermuda grass to faster bent grass. The bunker shapes altered throughout, to a pristine, sharp-edged, highly manicured style all make for a great and fun tournament to watch. However, MacKenzie courses such as Crystal Downs, which has retained its natural look, are closer to his style and vision. I consider Cavendish Golf Club in Derbyshire to be his most authentic remaining design anywhere in the world. Jeff Brauer : I think so. Good architects always tinker with their designs. I doubt he would believe they should be static. He wrote about elasticity, so he wouldn’t be surprised that length was added, but might be amazed by how much. Given the USGA Green Section was founded in 1920, he would be a proponent of better maintenance. David Krause: I believe Dr. MacKenzie would be most happy with his golf course. The changes made over the year have been implemented to continue to challenge the best players today and were necessary due to the improvement of equipment and the players themselves. Without the lengthening and improvements, the golf course may have lost its allure to the players and the patrons alike. And I am most certain he would be amazed at the condition of the golf course today! Brian Schneider : Dr. MacKenzie should be proud of its place in the game, though I’m sure he may not agree with the ways the course has changed. MacKenzie and Jones sought to create an ideal course that could provide a fun, challenging and cerebral test for the best players in the world while also accommodating every class of player. Today’s course doesn’t accomplish that as well as the original version. Agustin Pizá: I don’t know about pleased but I don’t think he’d mind. He was a very progressive man. If he had lived a longer life he would’ve most likely foreseen golf as we live it today. All great minds adapt to change and he would’ve not been the exception. Given what has happened is it still legitimate to say Augusta National remains an Alister MacKenzie layout ? David Krause: Of course! The changes over the years have retained the spirit and excitement that MacKenzie and Jones were striving for. The chance to attend the Masters last year has convinced me they would both be very pleased indeed with the need for very "soft" hands around the greens. The number of pitch and run shots I witnessed there was for me the highlight of the experience. Agustin Pizá: I think it’s the correct thing to hold on to history. History is what gives Augusta National its backbone and its soul. The only reason why we are discussing this is because of technology in clubs and balls and what the golf athletes started to do with it in the beginning of this century. If you keep Augusta National a pure members course like Cypress Point, the need for more distance and/or more space for TV, fans and bleachers would have been irrelevant thus preserving the architect's full intent. Brian Schneider: I believe that’s fair, as MacKenzie’s routing for Augusta National remains largely intact. And while every green on the course has been rebuilt over the years, he deserves credit for those that continue to reflect his original ideas. However, the unique design concept, that made vintage Augusta National unlike any other course on earth, has undoubtedly been compromised by the extent to which trees and rough now influence play. Jonathan Gaunt: It's a good question -- no. Augusta National has been modified by so many different golf architects that it bears very limited resemblance to the original MacKenzie masterpiece. Hole alignments have been changed, tees moved back, greens have been remodeled and some totally moved and rebuilt. Numerous bunkers have been filled in, removed, added and water features have changed to suit the Masters tournament, too. The holes generally are in approximately similar locations, but the course today actually plays backwards from the way MacKenzie had originally designed in his routing.. Jeff Brauer: Yes. The routing is the same. I would never remove the original designer credit unless there was a total blow up and new routing. When is it appropriate for a club to change the original intent of an architect who first created the course ? Agustin Pizá: Whenever they want. I refuse to believe any club would like to alter a masterpiece by Alister MacKenzie. It’s the business side of our industry that obligates the club to do it. It will never be easy to accept the lack of moral responsibility from the USGA and R&A who both succumbed to big enterprises and their business instead of protecting the integrity of the sport and its heritage of historic golf courses. Jeff Brauer : Times change. Courses change roles (like private to public). Costs rise and regulations become more restrictive. Most courses have to live in the here and now, and change is often a very practical necessity. A course would have to approach National Landmark status to fully endorse keeping it truly in its original state. Jonathan Gaunt: No golf architect has a right to expect his design will be retained as first built -- a new golf course is a dynamic thing and, in this respect, as the course is played more often, certain demands are made of it by the golfers. There are always improvements as the course matures. It would be great if every golf course owner asked the original architect to continue to advise on design matters and make improvements and provide a better experience for member and visitors alike. If I had my own way, the original architect should always be given the opportunity to provide new advice -- even 20 years down the line. Brian Schneider : Great golf courses are works of art with tremendous architectural value; the best clubs respect that fact and will act as responsible stewards of their property. Nonetheless, golf courses and the game itself are constantly evolving. When considering any change, club officials and golf course architects need to understand the significance of the course’s architectural heritage and the value of what may be lost. David Krause: When there is a need for it. Any renovation work should be done for a reason. Often, changes are made to a golf course due to conditions -- poor drainage or air circulation, limited light, etc. However, when there is a need to change the strategic set up of a golf course because its playability requires it, then it is also justified. I doubt if there is a single course in the Top 100 that has not had some alterations made to it over the years. It is a part of being a golf course, a living thing. There's been much discussion -- especially in architectural circles -- that something should be done on the increasing yardage new golf balls provide. The USGA and R&A brought forward a recent joint statement of concern on the subject. If you were counseling Augusta National would you advise them to adopt a "Masters golf ball" for the competition since it's highly unlikely any of the participants would balk at playing given the stature of the event? Brian Schneider: I’d certainly welcome a change in the way the game is played by today’s professionals, and Augusta National is in a unique position of influence. However, I’d prefer that equipment regulation happen universally through action by the R&A and USGA rather than unilaterally, and for just one week each year. Jeff Brauer: Barring big new gains in distance, I am against the tournament ball for now. The players and galleries prefer the best equipment and long tee shots. 75% of the next 24 majors will be contested on courses that also hosted them in the 1920's. Most retain their general character, adding length at the tee ends only. And, if any course can afford change, it’s Augusta. David Krause: Absolutely. I was able to spend quite a lot of time with Robert Trent Jones Senior during his week-long visits to Valderrama back in the 1980s. Length of the tee was a favorite discussion topic of his with the owner of the course, Jaime Ortiz-Patiño. Both were convinced that the Masters was the event where a reduced distance ball could be used. Augusta National had the authority necessary and could set an example for the world of golf. That situation has not changed. Agustin Pizá: I think the damage is done, although the course is still perfect and beautiful, it has a different approach and appeal from its original intent. Protecting this now with the special masters ball is like asking them not to hit the driver off the tee please. Moreover I would like to see a confirming masters ball because it could bring the finesse player back in the game. One of the things that I mostly disagree on the distances is that the Masters has become a power game And much of the finesse players don’t stand a chance. Jonathan Gaunt: The joint statement issued by the R&A and USGA is a positive move. I'd not recommend a special golf ball be played at The Masters, as the course continues to provide a challenge year to year, for all players. I'm not an advocate of extending future tournament courses to +8,000 yards, as been suggested by some. What I would do, though, at Augusta National, is play all holes between 251 and 474 yards as par-4's and all holes 475 and upwards to be played as par-5's rather than mixing them up as they do at The Masters. Most compelling and least compelling hole architecturally at Augusta National? David Krause: I fell in love with the 3rd hole during the Masters. I watched the best players in the world attack the hole with drivers and were left with a pitch to the green, others carefully lay up with 4 irons, to allow for a full wedge and the spin that acompanies it. Yet all were challenged by this 350 yard hole and its great green and surrounds. Least compelling for me is number 17. Bit of a let down after the previous string of holes, but it is a tough act to follow. Agustin Pizá: Number 11 before adding major distance and number 11 after adding major distance. Jonathan Gaunt: The 12th is always most compelling - has been a card wrecker so many times. It's a great par-3 and you can't believe how small the green is until you stand on it. Plus. the swirling wind in that corner of the club can range dramatically. The 8th is a dull, blind, thrash uphill. Lacking in strategy and a bit of hybrid hole that's been modified many times, but never to great effect. It certainly fails in MacKenzie's principles of golf design. Jeff Brauer: 12 and 13 are the best topographical fit holes, by far. I once met MacKenzie great nephew, who said family lore (for whatever that is worth) was that Mac disliked the routing, believing that using the existing clubhouse location forced him into some bad holes. 17 and 14 are certainly awkward uphill holes. Brian Schneider: The great 13th would be my first answer, I’m also partial to the bunkerless 14th. The green complex is perhaps the most compelling on the course, with a variety of fascinating hole locations that encourage both thoughtful positioning and controlled ball flight. In combination with the reverse-camber tilt to the dogleg, it gives the player a lot to consider. My vote for the least architecturally compelling is the 18th. The tee shot is uncomfortably narrow with little room or need for decision-making, and the blandly two-tiered putting surface can be found on any course in Georgia. If you were brought on board as architectural consultant by new Masters Chairman Fred Ridley, what would you advise him to do with the event and course? Agustin Pizá: Make a special documentary of Augusta National on television and share with golf fans everywhere why Augusta is in pristine shape year in and year out. How much time you close the course to prepare, what’s your yearly budget and your maintenance staff and equipment. This is what I would propose because 50 million people who watch the Masters all over the world go back to their clubs and question their superintendent why their course doesn’t look like Augusta National. Brian Schneider: I’d be hard pressed to name a national sporting event better run than The Masters. Selfishly, because I’d love to study and play the original Augusta National, largely devoid of trees and rough and with MacKenzie’s original greens intact, I’d encourage a thorough restoration. I’d then ask him to lobby tirelessly for equipment regulation. Jeff Brauer: Change the fairway grading on 7 and 14 to eliminate the blind landing zones, and restore the old mound configuration in front of the 14 th green, which was more elegant than the current configuration. I wouldn’t profess to have any knowledge on how to run the Masters. David Krause: I would not want to change a thing with the event itself. It is a masterpiece, how patrons are greeted, informed and cared for when there. I would like to see the elimination of the second cut developed in 1999. I understand the reason, but the golf course was truly unique in the past with its single height of cut, allowing the player to choose his line. I thought this presentation was magnificent. Jonathan Gaunt: I'd suggest he read MacKenzie's 13 principles of golf course design and look carefully at how Augusta National measures up. I'd suggest re-introducing some of the original MacKenzie bunker design features -- still found at Cavendish, for example -- but that they be re-positioned correctly, in relation to hole strategy and challenge. I'd recommend refraining from manicuring every single millimeter and allow some natural characteristics to re-establish. If Mr. Ridley's not interested in appointing me -- I'd suggest they hire Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. Yes or no -- should golf move to bifurcation in terms of the rules -- especially relating to equipment advancements? Jonathan Gaunt: No. Agustin Pizá: No. Part of the beauty of golf is trying to test yourself against your favorite player. Golf is the only professional sport that you can actually play on the course that your favorite player played and measure yourself up as an amateur. Equipment advances should be stopped for all unless we’re talking about tennis shoes, apparel or golf carts. David Krause: Yes. I would suggest that a professional limited distance ball be developed and used by Tour players. Even without rule changes, there already is a clear distinction between the amateur and elite player. Tracking equipment, fitting labs and the like may be available to the public to a certain extent, but practically speaking they are not and the professional game has developed in leaps and bounds over the last 20 years, leaving the amateur game far behind. It's time to make a change and Augusta National is exactly the place to make that first all important step. Brian Schneider: No, because I believe it’s unnecessary. Equipment should be dialed back for all skill levels so everyone can go back to the tees they were playing thirty years ago. This would minimize the desecration of countless classic designs while encouraging smaller courses that are more easily walked, less expensive to manage and more fun to play- and play quickly! Jeff Brauer: No. Personally, I would bifurcate courses, not the ball. Designate and then design/re-design 100 or so courses for US tournaments. Forget the 7,200-yard plus tees for most other courses, perhaps shortening most to fit average golfers. Paraphrasing Churchill, “Never has so much length been built for so few.” We need “major league” and “little league” size courses, not one size fits all. The participating architects Jeff Brauer – Began his career in golf architecture in 1977, and formed his own design firm in Arlington, TX, 1984. Since then, he has designed 60 new courses, across the US and in Asia, and renovated a similar number. He’s a member and past President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Jonathan Gaunt – Senior Member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA), with more than 30 years’ golf design experience. Has built over 40 new golf courses across Europe, North Africa and North America. He has also advised on more than a dozen MacKenzie-designed courses in UK including Cavendish GC, where he is a member. Firm located in Derbyshire, England. David Krause – Has been active in golf design since 1986 when he began his career with Robert Trent Jones Senior at the Valderrama Golf Club. After 5 very intense years, worked along with Seve Ballesteros developing the Championship course at Pont Royal in the south of France. Krause Golf Design was established in Hamburg in 1993 and has since designed or renovated 12 of Germany's Top 50 golf courses including the highly rated Winston Links and Winston Open, host of the Senior European Tour. Past President, European Institute of Golf Course Architects. Agustin Pizá – Creative Director at Pizá Golf with a masters degree in GCA from the University of Edinburgh. Senior Member of the EIGCA. 20 years experience working with industry greats like Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Robert von Hagge. His design in Huatulco, Las Parotas has been highly praised for environmental, strategic and aesthetic design. Known as “The voice of golf in Mexico” for his TV shows on Azteca TV and Golf Channel Latin America. Brian Schneider – Senior Design Associate, Renaissance Golf Design, Inc. Joined Renaissance Golf Design as a Design Associate with 2002 and has served as Lead Design Associate on acclaimed projects such as Barnbougle Dunes and the Red Course at Dismal River, among others. Also focuses on restoration of classic golf courses in the U.S. and abroad. Previously involved in the maintenance of numerous notable courses, including Pine Valley, Shinnecock Hills, Merion, Riviera, The Old Course at St. Andrews and Augusta National.
For travelling golf enthusiasts who have dreamed of walking Augusta National's fairways, this insider account reveals the authentic experience of playing the world's most coveted course - with details you'll never see on television. Beyond What the Cameras Show Every April, millions of golf fans watch the Masters Tournament unfold on their screens, admiring Augusta National's pristine fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and lightning-fast greens. For most, playing on this hallowed ground remains a distant dream. But what is Augusta National truly like to play? What secrets and challenges exist that television cameras simply can't capture? This exclusive insider account comes from Paul Jones, who's played Augusta National nine times and has intimate knowledge of the course few others can claim. His revelations pull back the curtain on one of golf's most mysterious venues, offering insights that television broadcasts simply cannot convey. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what makes Augusta National so challenging beyond what television reveals, the meticulous attention to detail that defines the Augusta experience, and the invaluable playing strategy from someone who knows these hallowed grounds intimately. The Real Augusta Challenge: What Television Doesn't Show What makes Augusta truly challenging isn't always visible through the television lens. Paul reveals several key aspects of the course that surprise first-time players: The Elevation Changes and Uneven Lies "What I find to be difficult is unless you're on a tee box, you do not have a flat lie," Paul explains. "I struggle with the ball on a downslope. And that's why 10 gives me so much trouble." The famous 10th hole, which appears merely downhill on television, presents a particular challenge. Players face a combination of downhill stance with the ball often sitting above their feet – a setup that promotes a hook when the hole demands a fade from right-handed players. These elevation changes are dramatically understated on television. The drop from tee to green on the 10th is substantial, creating awkward lies that challenge even skilled players. Paul confesses that despite playing Augusta nine times and considering it his favourite hole, he's never managed to par the 10th – a testament to its true difficulty. "Some of the holes [are] so much different," Paul explains, "like hole seven. We play on the original tee box. Then you look back and that tee box is so far back there, like they're really hitting out of a chute." The Green Complexes: Strategic Nightmares Building on the challenge of uneven lies, Augusta's green complexes create the next layer of difficulty. They aren't merely fast – they're architectural marvels designed to test every aspect of a player's short game. "The greens are not only are the internal contours of the greens extremely severe, but the green sites are also laying upon a slope that's already at a severe grade. So you're getting undulated greens, but they're not undulated and flat. They're undulated and tilted", adds Jasper Miners. This double complexity creates situations where being on the wrong side of a hole means facing nearly impossible putts. Paul recounts a specific example at the 9th hole: "Twice, on nine, I had a really good yardage in... (after hitting the shot) I was like, 'God, I hit that perfect (and spun all the way off the green)." This positioning challenge explains why Augusta rewards experience and course knowledge. Even perfect shots to the wrong positions can leave players with no realistic chance of making par. Surprisingly Forgiving Bunkers While the lies and greens present significant challenges, the course offers one surprising reprieve. Contrary to what most would expect, Augusta's brilliant white bunkers (filled with crushed quartz, not sand) can actually be advantageous: "I love the bunkers, and I love that they're predictable. Every (single) one is perfect," Paul enthuses. "You could always see why the pros really like aiming for them. At most clubs you're like, you go in a bunker like, 'Oh no, I hope someone didn't rake it, or I'm in a footprint.' Where there, they're perfect." These meticulously maintained hazards are so consistent that Paul sometimes prefers them to being in the rough – a counterintuitive insight that showcases Augusta's unique character. The bunkers' pristine condition explains why professional players sometimes deliberately use them as aiming points or bailout areas during the Masters. Paul shares his most memorable shot at Augusta: "The greatest shot I've ever hit at Augusta was on hole 18. I was in that bunker and I was 185 yards. And I had a bet with my friend and we were tied going into 18, and I was like, I think I could get this five iron out. I could just barely make it... I hit it to probably seven feet and he played college golf and he was like, 'wow, that's the best shot I've seen.'" The Attention to Detail: Augusta's Pursuit of Perfection These playing characteristics don't happen by accident. What truly sets Augusta apart is the obsessive attention to detail that permeates every aspect of the experience – a philosophy that extends far beyond maintaining perfect playing surfaces. Augusta Green Packaging Mystery Solved "Do you know why everything you buy at Augusta is green?" Paul was asked by someone in the know. His response: "Oh, yeah. So you don't see it if it falls... on the ground." The answer reveals Augusta's extraordinary commitment to appearance: all packaging is green, so if accidentally dropped on the ground, it blends with the surroundings rather than appearing as litter on television. This seemingly small detail exemplifies Augusta's holistic approach to presentation. Nothing is too minor to escape attention when it might affect how the course appears, either in person or to the millions watching from home. Camera Angles and Facility Placement Building on this attention to aesthetic details, even camera positions are meticulously planned. Paul shares a story of Augusta officials noticing that a particular camera angle showed people entering and exiting a restroom facility in the background of shots. An adjustment was made to rectify the situation. This exemplifies Augusta National's commitment to visual perfection which extends beyond the playing surfaces to include every aspect of the viewer's experience. "Augusta has a pursuit of perfection that is unparalleled," notes Jasper Miners. "You can sense a real pride in what they're doing." The Balanced Architecture Despite what seems to be unlimited resources and a commitment to excellence that could easily lead to ostentation, Augusta maintains remarkably restrained architecture for its clubhouse and facilities: "I love how they keep the architecture, all the new buildings, they're white, with the shutters and everything seems like it belongs - like nothing really seems out of place," Paul shares admiringly. This balance of traditional aesthetics with modern functionality creates a harmonious environment where even new construction feels appropriate and timeless. Paul contrasts this with other prestigious clubs where modern additions clash with original buildings, noting: "I just love how they'll add on, but they'll keep the architecture." This commitment to consistency creates Augusta's unique atmosphere, where history and modernity coexist seamlessly. Practical Playing Tips from a Nine-Time Augusta Player Armed with an understanding of Augusta's challenges and philosophy, what practical advice would help someone fortunate enough to earn a playing opportunity? Paul offers strategy insights gained through nine rounds on these hallowed grounds, including his impressive achievement: "My super score is 62," he reveals, referring to his best score on each hole combined. "I parred or birdied every hole but 10. 10 is my favourite hole on the course. My first year I had the best chance of parring it and I three-putted." First Tee Nerves and the Par-3 Course "The first swing I ever took at Augusta, I (so) close from a hole-in-one on the par-three course," Paul recalls fondly. "I was like, wow, this is gonna be a great day." Augusta's Par-3 course serves as the perfect introduction to the experience. Playing this smaller course first helps settle nerves before tackling the championship course – a valuable sequence for anyone experiencing Augusta's intimidating reputation for the first time. Course Strategy Insights Building on everything we've learned about Augusta's characteristics, specific strategic advice emerges: On approach shots, position is everything. Paul describes this challenge on the 6th hole: "First time I played it, hole six, I hit it top right. I hit too much club and the caddy was like, 'okay, let's be realistic here. Our goal is to try to keep this ball on the green.' 'Cause the flag was at the bottom left. And he was right. I couldn't keep it on the green." Sometimes deliberately missing greens in favorable positions is better than risking ending up on the wrong side of Augusta's notorious slopes. On the 2nd hole: "On two I always make it over the bunker. And I actually like it better if I'm in the first cut because your ball's sitting up a little bit," Paul shares, explaining that the slightly elevated lie in the first cut of rough can be advantageous when "I'm hitting rescue or three wood or a long iron from there. So I prefer not to be in the fairway." The Value of Local Knowledge Perhaps most importantly, Paul emphasises the value of listening to Augusta's caddies. Their knowledge of the course's subtleties – especially the greens – provides invaluable guidance. "So what they do is they have caddies on every green. And on the par threes. And so what happens is when you get to that green, that caddy's been there all day, he knows exactly where the putt's gonna go." This local knowledge can save multiple strokes during a round. Paul's lowest official round at Augusta was impressive: "My lowest score is 75. I did break par. I shot 35 on the front one year, and in a separate year I shot 35 on the back." This achievement demonstrates that while Augusta is challenging, it's not impossible for skilled amateurs to post good scores when they understand its nuances. Conclusion: Beyond What We See on Television Augusta National exists in a unique position in the golf world - simultaneously one of the most visible courses through television coverage and yet one of the most mysterious and inaccessible. Through Paul Jones' experiences, we've gained invaluable insights into what makes the course truly special beyond what cameras reveal. What emerges from Paul's account isn't just the story of an immaculately maintained golf course but of an institution dedicated to preserving golf's traditions while maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence. From the understated clubhouse to the meticulously planned sight lines for television viewers, from the strategic complexity of the green complexes to the surprisingly perfect bunkers, Augusta National represents a unique balance of tradition and innovation. The true magic of Augusta National isn't just in its manicured perfection or dramatic tournament moments – it's in the careful stewardship that has preserved it as golf's ultimate sanctuary. For golfers around the world, that commitment ensures that whether we ever walk those fairways ourselves or simply enjoy the Masters each April, Augusta National will remain golf's most fascinating and aspirational destination – a place where tradition, excellence, and the game's highest ideals converge.
