Why Augusta’s greens make even the best ball attackers

Yeardo year, the best players in the world arrive Augusta National with their shouts called and their high faith. But no matter how well they are hitting the ball there is a piece of course that still seems to keep them on the advantage: the greens.

Strong, fast and complete with intricate unlocks, Augusta setting surfaces do not only require accuracy, they punish players in the slightest mistake. Even a well -hit shot can roll green if it does not land in the right place.

This exact standard is what makes this great so attractive to see. Players are pushed to their borders for each approach. But for those of us who have never had the good fortune of playing Augusta, you can wonder what makes these greens so terrible exactly?

To discover it, I spoke with Eric Alpenfels, a Top 100 Golf teacher and chief of guidance at the Pinehurst Resort-another course known for his mind-bending greens. What he discovered can surprise you.

Super selective landing areas limit marking options

Augusta’s complex topography, combined with strong and fast greens (usually about 13 or 14 in stimulation), makes its landing areas much smaller in size when compared to other Greens tournament players they see throughout the season.

“Where you lower the ball, or attack the pin, changes because of the speed of the greens and how strong they are,” Alpenfels says.

A great example of this is the PAR-5 15 Hole. With a left pin setting, the players have only a four-yard window to descend before their ball goes to the water surrounding most of the green. But because the greens are so strong and fast, players have a lower likelihood to stop these shots quickly.

“It almost forces the players to take on the strategy to go for the larger, the weakest green because it gives them a better chance to stop the ball in time,” says Alpenfels, “instead of going to Target One, which would be near the hole, they now have to predict for the target two, which is more thanks.”

Not only does this limit their note skills, but for some players, it can even shock their confidence. Remember, these are the best players in the world. They are not used to playing it safe.

Wedges offer more opportunities but do not eliminate the risk completely

You may think that with a wedge in hand, players feel more comfortable by attacking Augusta National greens. However, Alpenfels explains that while it certainly introduces more confidence, they still cannot guarantee a green regulation.

“Players with wedge and wedge the gap and 9-and 8-and-irons in their hands will surely be aggressive going to the top,” says Alpenfels, “but there may be a situation where they still have to be a little safe.”

This is because the strong and fast nature of the greens means that they are not very grateful if something is even a little far away. While players will call their numbers, there are some variables they cannot control, like their lie, wind, temperature and humidity – all of which can play a role in the success or destruction of their purpose.

Recovery areas have a low margin for error

Because landing areas are so selective, players often find themselves in the frightening areas of recovery surrounding the areas of placement. From the harsh greenside bunker extends, to a descending chip from the second inexcusable cut, the shots of recovery can be as much, if no more, relentless as approach – as evidenced by Rory chip during the first round.

After all, it is not just the slopes or speeds that make Augusta’s greens so intimidating, but they are how they expose every imperfection. And while you have had to hit a shot at a left front top over the RAE Creek, it’s hard to figure out how much this nerve course can be.