Masters preview: What's new for 2019 at Augusta?
The latest in our series of articles getting you up to speed on the world of golf heading into the Masters.
One of the most attractive parts of the Augusta experience is the way that nothing ever seems to change at The Masters. Oh sure, the players get older, and fashions come and go, but the look of the galleries, the signs, the holes themselves — that’s the same, year after warm and comforting year. (Proof? That photo above is from 1993 ... and it looks exactly the same today.)
But here’s the truth: behind the scenes, Augusta National’s always changing — slower than the society at large in some areas, much faster in others. This year, like every year, brings a few new changes; let’s run ‘em down here:
Hole No. 5
There’s an Augusta legend that nobody’s ever actually seen the fifth hole, tucked far away from any point of entry other than helicopter drop (do not drop into Augusta National by helicopter). Like so many other holes, it’s been overpowered by stronger players and longer equipment, so Augusta National extended it from 455 to 495 yards. And since the area around Augusta National is like the area around Disney World — claimed and marked for future development — the club simply carved out an extra 40 yards out of the surrounding town. An early look via the Masters Media Guide appears to indicate that the club also moved back two fairway bunkers to keep them in play for the landing. (Rumor in the pines is that the club’s planning to extend the 13th next year, which would put some teeth back into Amen Corner. But that’s for 2020.)
New badge policy
This one’s not going to apply unless you’re fortunate enough to snag a badge for a day at Augusta National. Now, you can only get in twice on the same badge; the previous allowance was three times. Why? Presumably to cut down on badge-sharing. You can leave the grounds to dump your armload of souvenir merch, but you can only get back in once. And if you somehow miscount and end up standing outside on Washington Road, trust me, nobody’s going to feel sorry for you.
Renovated Eisenhower Cabin
For the Masters hardcores only. Augusta National renovated and restored the famed Eisenhower Cabin after last year’s tournament. Plans called for 15 holly trees and 61 azaleas to be planted around the cabin, built for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. It’s one of ten small cabins on the grounds near the 10th tee, and it’s within sight of the spot where Rory McIlroy drove his ill-fated tee shot into the woods on Sunday back in 2011. Per club records, Ike made 45 visits to Augusta: five prior to becoming president, 29 while in office, and 11 after his term. Alas, you’ll probably never see the inside of it. But we hear it’s nice.
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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.
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