Is Augusta National Finally Lengthening The 13th Hole?

The famous par-5 known as Azalea looks like it might finally be getting longer

Augusta National pictured from above showing work
(Image credit: (©18JUN2022 David Dobbins/EurekaEarth))

New images from Eureka Earth show that Augusta National has dug up the 13th hole, and it looks like we might finally see one of the world's most famous par-5s lengthened.

The sweeping dogleg-left, which signals the end of Amen Corner, has been a controversial subject in recent years and a key talking point in golf's distance debate following the likes of Bubba Watson and Bryson DeChambeau driving it over the corner.

The hole had traditionally been a good drive and something like a 1-iron for the world's best players in decades gone by but the strategic test of the hole has changed significantly in recent times and has now turned into a fairway wood, mid-iron hole for the longest of players.

“The fact that players are hitting middle to short irons into that hole is not really how it was designed," Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said at this year's tournament.

The 13th, named 'Azalea' measures 510 yards and the new 'tee' looks like it could be some 30 yards back. If the works are indeed a new teeing area, it would mean the hole measures somewhere between 530-550 yards. Crucially, it would ensure that players can't cut the corner of the hole and therefore would see it go back to being played as it was designed to be played.

There's surely more to follow on this story. Make sure you follow Eureka Earth on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with the latest.

Elliott Heath
News Editor

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He covered the 2022 and 2025 Masters from Augusta National and was there by the 18th green to watch Rory McIlroy complete the career grand slam. He has also covered five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews.