No. 15, Par 5, 530 yards
Description » When this hole, called “Firethorn,” was lengthened and the tee was shifted to the left (2006), it became tougher to reach the green in two. With many players hitting a wedge to the green off a downhill lie, this hole will serve as a litmus test for the new groove specifications, which don’t allow players to put as much spin on the ball.
2009 » Changes have toughened the hole, but it still was the easiest on the course, yielding a 4.57 stroke average with more eagles (10) than any hole at Augusta along with more birdies (126) than pars (88). The green has been rebuilt, but retains the same shape and should not affect scoring.
History » On this hole in 1935, Gene Sarazen hit perhaps the most famous shot struck at the Masters, holing a 4-wood for a double eagle as he overtook Craig Wood to win the championship. In those days, No. 15 was the sixth hole. The nines later were flip-flopped.
