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. 7: Par-4 / 450 yards (Pampas)
By Danny Willett (2016 Masters champion)
What you see off the tee: “It’s tree-lined on both sides, with really nowhere to miss. Left or right and you might be blocked out for your approach.”
What you don’t know until you’ve played it: “How much different the hole can play from day to day — and how difficult it can be. When I won in 2016, I made a bogey and three pars on 7. It’s not a hole you can overlook.”
Where you will gain the greatest advantage: “The tee shot is absolutely the most important spot to gain an edge. From the fairway, you’ll have a short iron or even a pitching wedge in and can really use the [green’s] slope. From the rough, having to work it around the trees and over the front bunkers, it’s a much different approach.”
Where you will make the biggest mistake: “Again, it comes down to the drive. There’s just so much to worry about if you’re out of position. Some holes at Augusta you can get away with that, but this certainly isn’t one.”
Who played it best: “It’s the obvious choice, but Tiger has had some incredible moments there. So much of it comes down to knowing the course, the greens and where to put the ball. He remembers everything and is so good at using the slopes and hitting the right spots.”
Did you know… In 1938, ANGC cofounders Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones were persuaded to lengthen No. 7 — from 340 yards to 365 yards — by 1934 and ’36 Masters champ Horton Smith.
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