“Augusta tests your mental fortitude more than any other golf course”
Golf Monthly|November 2020
Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington talks us through the challenges facing those teeing it up at The Masters in November
David Taylor
“Augusta tests your mental fortitude more than any other golf course”

Padraig Harrington may be remembered for his exploits at The Open and his win at the USPGA, but the Irishman has a pretty decent record at Augusta too. He competed on 15 occasions between 2000 and 2015 and registered four top-tens, finishing joint fifth in both 2002 and 2008. But it was in 2007 when he says he came closest to glory. He attacked the pin with his second shot on the 15th in an attempt to find an eagle and put pressure on eventual winner Zach Johnson. His ball found the green but rolled back into the water. With that, his hopes were gone – something that still irritates him to this day.

Here, the Irishman tells us about that close encounter and recalls some of the other memories that stick out from playing and watching the iconic tournament. He also talks us through the skills needed to triumph at The Masters and reveals who he'll be keeping an eye on this year...

What skills does it take to compete and ultimately win at Augusta?

It’s interesting because Augusta has changed over the years. The difficulty of the pin positions means it’s become a real driver’s golf course. You’ve got to drive it long and straight at Augusta. The fairways are narrow, but it’s not difficult off the tee in terms of missing a fairway and being out of bounds or in the water, you’re just in the tree line. But to have short enough irons into those pin positions on the par 4s, you have to drive it long and you have to drive it straight.

The short game is so difficult. Sometimes a good chipper can only chip it to 15 feet while a bad chipper can chip it to 20 feet, so it’s actually got to the stage where it’s a ball-striker’s course. You’ve got to be relentless off the tee, the longer the better.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 2020-Ausgabe von Golf Monthly.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 2020-Ausgabe von Golf Monthly.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS GOLF MONTHLYAlle anzeigen
Is it Time for the Presidents Cup to Be Scrapped? - The next instalment of the USA v Internationals match takes place in Canada at the end of September. But should the one-sided affair continue?
Golf Monthly

Is it Time for the Presidents Cup to Be Scrapped? - The next instalment of the USA v Internationals match takes place in Canada at the end of September. But should the one-sided affair continue?

The next instalment of the USA v Internationals match takes place in Canada at the end of September. But should the one-sided affair continue? Why would anyone even suggest such a drastic course of action? It may sound harsh, but since the inaugural event in 1994, the International team has managed just one victory and one tie while the American team has won 12 times, including nine straight from 2005. It is 26 years since the International team's solitary success in 1998 at Royal Melbourne under the captaincy of the late Peter Thomson.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
September 2024
Surprise packages
Golf Monthly

Surprise packages

Jeremy Ellwood looks back on some of the more unusual golfing countries he has visited during his 20+ years writing for Golf Monthly

time-read
6 Minuten  |
September 2024
TAKE YOUR IRON GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Golf Monthly

TAKE YOUR IRON GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

The key to good iron play is finding the right low point in your swing. Here's how to do it...

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
How to organise the perfect golf day
Golf Monthly

How to organise the perfect golf day

Golf Monthly's guide to arranging and running a memorable and successful event

time-read
7 Minuten  |
September 2024
A LEGEND
Golf Monthly

A LEGEND

Michael Weston makes a pilgrimage to Pedrena in Spain to visit Seve's family home and talk about his life and legacy with his children

time-read
9 Minuten  |
September 2024
"THESE ARE THE MOMENTS I LIVE FOR"
Golf Monthly

"THESE ARE THE MOMENTS I LIVE FOR"

Alison Root sits down for a chat with Anna Nordqvist, the three-time Major Champion and first playing assistant captain in Solheim Cup history

time-read
6 Minuten  |
September 2024
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS
Golf Monthly

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS

The Solheim Cup seems to grow in significance and excitement with every staging, and this year's encounter in Virginia promises to be no exception...

time-read
8 Minuten  |
September 2024
STOKE PARK
Golf Monthly

STOKE PARK

I never expected to write about Stoke Park again after its closure in 2021, but it seems reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
September 2024
PEAK AT THE OF HIS POWERS
Golf Monthly

PEAK AT THE OF HIS POWERS

Scottie Scheffler is a remarkable golfer who is well on his way to becoming an all-time great. Michael Weston analyses his accomplishments and explores his life to date...

time-read
8 Minuten  |
September 2024
TaylorMade P7CB and P770 irons from £179 per club
Golf Monthly

TaylorMade P7CB and P770 irons from £179 per club

Adding to an extremely strong 2024 product line-up, TaylorMade has launched its latest irons in the successful P-Series - the P7CB and the P770.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024