In simpler times, the golf world would be united in filling the nine long months between major championships with conversation about the mysteries of Augusta National Golf Club. Thanks to David Dobbins, his Cessna 172, a mounted camera and the EurekaEarthPlus Twitter feed, the outside world is privy to peeks behind the curtain of the private club from 1,000 feet.
And those bird’s-eye views have given us much to talk about during the offseason.
In a world without LIV and lawsuits, the biggest debate in golf right now would likely be the pushed-back tee box on the par-5 13th hole at Augusta. The long-awaited change to one of the most captivating holes in the world generates strong opinions. That a club with a bank account to relatively rival the Saudis’ Public Investment Fund bought an entire golf hole from its neighbor five years ago just to add 30 or so yards to Azalea is the kind of subject that always fascinates.
But it’s another project happening just inside the gates off Washington Road that will generate excitement on the eve of the 2023 Masters. Augusta’s Par 3 Course is undergoing a major renovation that is likely to enhance one of the tournament’s most cherished traditions.
Ben Crenshaw called it “a little piece of art.” Paul Azinger dubbed it “the best golf course in the world.” Gary Player said he used to play it often each Masters week to sharpen his wedge game and escape the intensity of everything taking place on the big course. Sam Snead and Johnny Miller used to get away for a little fishing in its stocked ponds.
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