"Jordan's going to hit one in the water" Golf fans react to Augusta's new hole
Golf fans are already ravenous for the 2023 Masters after images showed work to extend the iconic par-5 13th at Augusta National is complete.
Golf fans on social media were already speculating about the fate of Jordan Spieth at the 2023 Masters after drone footage revealed Augusta National has finally completed work extending the iconic par-5 13th.
For so many years Azalea was the hole that players pinpointed as their chance to move up the leaderboard.
If you can somehow navigate the famous par-3 12th - Golden Bell - without hitting one in the water then you have a very scorable opportunity.
Or, if your name is Phil Mickelson you'll give yourself a chance for eagle anyway - even if you're in the pine straw.
Related: LIV Golf "wanted to recruit" at Augusta National
Thoughts on Augusta National finally extending the iconic par-5 13th hole?
At the 2022 Masters it measured 510 yards.
No word as of yet how long it will play next April...— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) November 23, 2022
At the 86th Masters, the hole played 510 yards. To you and I, that's likely driver and then two more strokes to get to the green.
Rory McIlroy hit 3-wood off the tee last year and had 203 yards into the green. Yeah...with a 3-wood.
Judging by the drone footage from Eureka Earth, this strategy employed the bombers will likely no longer an option.
By popular request
No. 13 - Azalea - Par: 5
1934 yardage: 480
2022 yardage: 510 (L)
2023 yardage: 545 (R)
( ©15MAR2022 David Dobbins/EurekaEarth)
( ©19NOV2022 David Dobbins/EurekaEarth)#EurekaEarth #NotDrone#DiscoverThePresent pic.twitter.com/4A25BS4jPz— Eureka Earth® (@EurekaEarthPlus) November 23, 2022
‘New aerial photos show the completed, new-look tee box on one of the most iconic holes in all of golf.’ ~ Mark Harris (@itismarkharris) https://t.co/yivhj778kH pic.twitter.com/eQqbpzObQu
— Eureka Earth® (@EurekaEarthPlus) November 23, 2022
On Tuesday morning, the pictures published from Eureka Earth showed that construction seems to be complete.
I mean, to the naked eye that looks like around 40 or 50 yards longer.
Augusta National are typically secretive and it's unlikely we'll know any more information until we reach tournament week.
The chairman of Augusta National - Fred Ridley - previously spoke of his issues with driving distances.
Related: Masters chief "told players" not to play for LIV
In 2018, Augusta National bought the land from Augusta Country Club sitting behind the 12th and 13th tee boxes.
They paid $28m for the land, according to reports.
It led to speculation as to what they were going to do.
Back then, Ridley said:
He added:
Of course, after the pictures were published there was a flurry of activity online about the new-look hole.
Some were even suggesting that none other than the aforementioned Spieth was likely to be the first big name to come unstuck here.
One person wrote: "Jordan's gonna birdie 12 and then dunk one right in the water off the tee at 13, isn't he?"
WATCH ONE OF JORDAN SPIETH'S BEST SHOTS HERE:
Masters 2018: Jordan Spieth | 13th Hole, Round 4 pic.twitter.com/QbRR2ZJdG4
— Masters Highlights (@MastersMoments) April 8, 2018
Here's some more reaction:
Brings the shank onto 12 green into play. https://t.co/yaLUJ5CJuY
— Patrick Koenig (@PatrickjKoenig) November 23, 2022
Swoon https://t.co/54LiRCLIZU
— TheCEO.eth (@BootsInTheBooth) November 22, 2022
That looks ..... NARROW!! https://t.co/tolUeXnejS
— Vote YES! (@SZKev) November 22, 2022
Woahhhhhh https://t.co/V4tLxXNsHt
— ᴊɪᴍ (@Jimapedia) November 22, 2022
This looks ridiculous lol https://t.co/pSOYYRUVhU
— Pine Man (@chingusurtime3) November 22, 2022
You wouldn't want to be on the 12th green when I tee it off on the new 13th... #justsayin #ANGC https://t.co/QdBBpIixUG
— Nosferatu (@VC606) November 22, 2022
That might be a lonely feeling spot come Sunday in April https://t.co/7a4YWZdhe5
— James Goese (@samej_G) November 22, 2022
Looks to be about 550. IMO this isn’t a great change. There are not many birdie opportunities on the back and that is what makes The Masters great, the roars through the trees. Also made it fun when guys attempted shots from the pine straw. Now you probably can’t even reach it! https://t.co/QyKBg6LOlm
— Mackenzie Hughes (@MacHughesGolf) November 22, 2022
Can't wait to see Zach Johnson top one in his practice swing back there https://t.co/SkeHPxZnei
— Jon Sherman (@practicalgolf) November 22, 2022
ZJ seeing this for the first time https://t.co/VvL9SCCVxY pic.twitter.com/i6PB7HWJmU
— Harry Hawkings (@HarryHawkings) November 22, 2022
https://t.co/wTQoeore3Y pic.twitter.com/Jz99oAAlBc
— Lafferty, Daniel (@RyanPGoldchains) November 22, 2022
What do you make of the changes? Who are you picking to win the 2023 Masters? Rory McIlroy is the current betting favourite. Will he end his major drought?
Next page: Jim Nantz reveals when he will quit calling the action at The Masters
Ben joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
