The Masters stars face new challenge as Augusta makes change to iconic hole

21 February 2024 , 16:01

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Jon Rahm is the reigning champion after winning the 2023 Masters (Image: Getty Images)

The par-five second hole at Augusta National has been lengthened ahead of The Masters.

Few golf courses can match the sheer aura of the tees, fairways and greens quite like Augusta National Golf Club, the home of the Masters. In terms of design and architecture, Augusta National is an authentic concoction of various architects’ vision for what the course should represent.

Augusta National rewards a cerebral approach and delicate scheming as much as physical prowess. When Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, reigning champion Jon Rahm and many others compete for the green jacket, there will be a change to the longest hole on the iconic course - on the par-five second hole, dubbed Pink Dogwood.

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Pink Dogwood offers golfers a chance to start their round off on the right foot, but changes have been made for 2024. Traditionally checking in at 575 yards in length from tee to hole, the tee box is set to be moved back 10 yards and to the left.

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The alteration will make the scorecard yardage of the hole 585 yards, the longest on the course. The hole features a dogleg left and slopes downhill all the way from the tee box to the green, with the second shot enticing players to attempt to reach the green in two and secure a putt for eagle.

Players have a great chance for a birdie or eagle if they can move past both the lone fairway bunker to the right and the forested ravine on the left. A pair of greenside bunkers hug the opening of the angled green, which falls from short-left down to the back-right corner where the pin is traditionally located on Sunday.

The par-five second - Pink Dogwood - is an opportunity for players to score a birdie or better (Getty Images)

The tilt of the putting surface means a perfectly executed approach can edge down from the front corner of the green toward the cup. Back in 2012, Louis Oosthuizen nailed this shot to make an albatross, becoming only the fourth golfer to make a double eagle in Masters history.

While it is the first time the second hole has been changed since 1999, Augusta National tinkering with holes is a common practice. Last year, the club lengthened the par five 13th hole by 35 yards and elevated the tee box by 24 feet.

Pink Dogwood was played as the easiest hole at Augusta National in 2023. Time will tell if the new changes ensure that is the case again when the Masters begins on 11 April.

Andrew Gamble