Masters holes: Augusta National’s par-3 6th hole, explained by Bob Goalby

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. 6: Par-3 / 180 yards (Juniper)

By Bob Goalby (1968 Masters champion)

What you see off the tee: “Visually, it’s not especially intimidating, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. You’re looking at a downhill shot to a large green that’s roughly 100 feet below the tee.”

What you don’t know until you’ve played it: “Just how much slope and contour there is. This hole will reach up and grab you if you don’t play it smart.”

Where you will gain the greatest advantage: “It depends on where the pin is. If it’s on the top-right shelf and you can put it in tight there, that’s a big advantage. But if you go flag-hunting, you’re also taking a big risk.”

Where you will make the biggest mistake: “There are lots of trouble spots, but the worst is probably way long. From there, you can easily chip it back down all the way off the green. Before you know it, you’ve made a quick 5 or 6.”

Who played it best: “Ben Hogan. No matter where the pin was, that’s where he would aim.”

Why it’s unforgettable to me: “The year I won, the pin was on the front left, I had about a 20-footer with 10 to 12 feet of break and I curled it in for a 2. That was a huge boost.”

Did you know… The first player to ace No. 6 in final-round Masters competition was an amateur (and lumber salesman) named Billy Joe Patton, in 1954.

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