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. 4: Par-3 / 240 yards (Flowering Crab Apple)
By Mark O’Meara (1998 Masters champion)
What you see off the tee: “An elevated tee shot, the green sitting below you — and a lot of sand! The bunkers are big, which really guard the green and make it stand out.”
What you don’t know until you’ve played it: “Two things: It is home to the only palm tree on the course, and there is tremendous undulation on the green.”
Where you will make the biggest mistake: “The hole used to be very gettable before they lengthened it. The green tilts from back to front and right to left. You simply can’t miss right. Hit it long and right, by the bamboo trees, and it’s easy bogey.”
Who played it best: “The powerful guys. Guys who have some speed in their swing, who can come in with a shorter club and elevate the ball. Most of the time you have to come in there with a high fade.”
Why it’s unforgettable to me: “On Sunday, in 1998, I had birdied 2 and 3, heading into the 4th hole. The pin was back right, on top of the ledge. I hit a full 7-iron and pulled it — top level but all the way on the left side. It left me with a very long putt for birdie, say 60 feet. I was praying to two-putt for par. Somehow, some way I made the putt for birdie. It was a major turning point in my [win].”
Did you know… On No. 4 at the ’20 Masters, Jon Rahm made his fourth career ace but didn’t know it until he reached the green.
