Augusta chairman shuts down request from two Masters champions with Tiger Woods example
Augusta chairman Fred Ridley has ruled out any changes to the 12th hole at the Masters during his tenure after Vijay Singh and Ben Crenshaw called for the tee box to be moved back.
The 155-yard par-3 hole makes up one third of Amen Corner at the Masters, which is seen as the most difficult section of the course.
The narrow green sits in between two large bunkers with a sweeping bank at the front dropping down into a body of water.
It’s caught many of the sport’s best golfers out to wreck their chances of winning the green jacket at Augusta.
Singh perfectly navigated the tricky 12th hole when he won the Masters back in 2000 with three pars and a birdie.
Golf has changed drastically since Singh’s victory 24 years ago though and he feels Augusta should make some changes at hole 12 to match those changes
“We used to hit 7-irons and 6-irons and then it started going to 7-irons and 8-irons and it’s gone from 8-irons to 9-irons and the guys are hitting wedges now,” said Singh.
“They should lengthen it by at least 10 yards. I think it should go to at least 170.
“I think it would be a much more challenging hole if people were hitting a 6-iron or a 7-iron instead of a 9-iron or wedge.”
Two-time Masters champion Crenshaw endorsed Singh’s suggestion when he said: “Ten yards? Actually, it’s not a bad idea.”
However, Ridley has no plans to change anything about the 12th hole at Augusta.
The Augusta chairman pointed to Tiger Woods’ infamous score of 10 on the iconic hole just four years ago while the biggest score ever recorded there was a 13 by Tom Weiskopf in 1980.
“I would say with a hundred per cent certainty that it would not be lengthened during my tenure,” he said.
“That’s almost like asking: ‘Can we touch up the Mona Lisa a little bit?’
“I think that the 12th hole at Augusta is the most iconic par-3 in the world.
“There’s something about the topography, the trees, the wind, the beauty that just captures your imagination.
“When you combine that with the history that’s been made there, I mean, the most recent being the tragedies and triumphs when Tiger Woods won in 2019.
“You know, Freddie Couples’ ball, you know, hanging up on the edge of Rae’s Creek, which was made part of the song ‘Augusta.’
“I just think it is such an iconic hole that’s had so many important moments in the Masters that I’m not sure that another 10 yards would really make a difference.”
Luke List and Keegan Bradley were also against the idea from Singh to move the tee position back 10 yards.
“I’ll go on the record that I disagree with that,” List said.
“It’s fun to have short par 3s, especially ones that are difficult. The wind is swirling there always.
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“Guys are going to make 2s but you’re going see enough 5s. Does it need to be a 7- or 6-iron? I don’t think so.”
Bradley added: “I don’t agree with that.
“I just love that hole. It’s iconic. I wouldn’t do that. It’s tough, it’s tricky. If you hit a good shot you’ll have a good look at birdie.
“I think if you go a little farther (back with the tee) it could go a little weird.”