Golf Course Reviews: Augusta National

The Augusta National golf course, in Georgia of the USA is one of the most famous in the world. It features prominently in the golf calendar, as the course, which holds the Masters golf tournament. As such, it can only be a challenging course.

To start with, this is an exclusive 18-hole golf course. By exclusive, I mean private, but also it can be taken further than that as it is a most private club. It boasts a yardage of 3,735 over the first 9 and 7,445 over 18 holes. Out and in, the par is 36 and adds up to 72.

So, Augusta is long and extensive. Naturally it has to be, for when the tour players come to town the distance needs to cater for it. It has 4 par 5s and the longest hole on the course is hole 2 measuring in at 575 yards. While it has an expansive fairway, with surrounding trees and two large bunkers protecting the green, the hole can be tricky proposition.

When talking about hard holes, the 18th hole is one of the hardest and most famous finishing holes in golf. The tee shot requires an accurate drive up to most a narrow fairway, with trees and bushes close on the left and right side. The hole bends, and as such you will need some distance for a clear shot on to the green. The green itself is surrounded by hilly terrain and a couple of bunkers.

Hole number 10 is a long par 4 at 495 yards. Once the first hole on the course, prior to 1935, it now offers one of the sternest tests on course. It is a hole that plays downhill, and the green itself is small and well concealed. A fairway bunker and green bunker, also stand in the path of approach shots from the fairway.

Aside from the tricky holes, the course has some impressive natural features. Hole 16, for example, has a large pond, which pretty much covers the route to the green. Generally, the course has large pine trees, which tower over the holes and also has bushes lots of bushes along with some flowerbeds.

Another famous hole on the course is hole 12, known as the Golden Bell. Aside from being the smallest hole on course at 155 yards, it is Rae's Creek, with the Ben Hogan Bridge crossing, which makes the hole famous. Aside from the need to get the club selection right, bunkers need to be avoided at the front and back of the pin.

So Augusta National is indeed a naturally impressive, most tricky golf course. For the average golfer, it would probably be a little too much in places. So it is perhaps fitting that is reserved for the Masters tournament.