Masters holes: Augusta National’s par-4 3rd hole, explained by Bernhard Langer

In the 65 years since the Masters Tournament was first televised, golf fans have seen every inch of Augusta National’s beauty in high-def close-up. What you’ve never seen is the course — hole by hole, tee box by tee box — through the eyes of 18 living Masters champions, from Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Dustin Johnson, Ben Crenshaw and beyond. Until now. Eighteen holes, 18 winners, 18 ways of seeing Augusta National anew.

Hole No. 3: Par-4 / 350 yards (Flowering Peach)

By Bernhard Langer (1985, 1993 Masters champion)

What you see off the tee: “For me, mostly just a 220- to 230-yard shot. I can’t reach the green [with my driver], and I can’t drive it over the fairway bunkers.”

What you don’t know until you’ve played it: “The wind is always swirling. That’s the hardest thing, to guess the wind and judge the distance on a very delicate 8, 9 or wedge into a very tricky green.”

Where you will gain the greatest advantage: “Unless you can drive the green like Bryson, the advantage is to be gained on the second shot. If you can hit an accurate approach below the hole, you can have an easy putt.”

Where you will make the biggest mistake: “Coming up short on the second shot and having the ball roll back down the hill. But you also don’t want to go long. And playing too safe over to the right-hand side and leaving yourself a downhill putt — I’ve seen a lot of three-putts from there.”

Who played it best: “The ones who keep the ball below the hole, if at all possible. My Augusta advice to younger players is always: uphill putts and chips, not sidehill or downhill.”

Did you know… In 2020, No. 3, ANGC’s shortest par 4, yielded no eagles, 65 birdies, 183 pars, 48 bogeys, 5 doubles and a lost ball by BDC.

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