High On 5

New Bunkers And A Radically Altered Tee Box Return “magnolia” To Superstar Status On Angc’s Front Nine

- Andy Johnson

Author William Arthur Ward wrote “the pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” In regard to ever-increasing boosts in equipment technology and player strength over the years, Augusta National has proven to be a realist, tweaking and altering its layout to stay a well-heeled step ahead of the modern game. The latest hole to go under the knife is the par-4 fifth, which will debut a new tee box and bunker placement for the 2019 Masters. The hole now stretches to a stout 490 yards, 40 yards longer than in 2018, and features a new bunker placement. The left side fairway bunkers—long the key to unlocking the best approach to the fifth’s intimidating green—return closer to their original position, and newly planted trees will mimic the hole’s design from 1934.