2024 Masters: Augusta Organizers Reject Idea of Lengthening Iconic 12th Hole.

Golf General

2024 Masters: Augusta Organizers Reject Idea of Lengthening Iconic 12th Hole.

Masters organizers have confirmed they won't be making any changes to Augusta's famous 12th hole in the foreseeable future, despite the challenges posed by players hitting the ball farther.

The famous 155-yard par-three 12th hole at Augusta, where players tee off over a water hazard onto a narrow green, holds some of the tournament's most iconic moments.

Augusta chairman Fred Ridley stated, "I'd say with 100% certainty it will not be lengthened during my tenure," likening it to altering the Mona Lisa.

Golf's rulemakers are debating ways to limit the distance players can hit the ball to preserve courses not designed for today's lengthy drives, like those reaching 340 yards. Augusta itself has grown from 6,900 to 7,550 yards in the last 20 years.

This year, the par-five second hole has been extended by 10 yards for the Masters.

Vijay Singh, a former Masters champion, suggested extending the 12th hole to make it more challenging, proposing players hit 6-iron or 7-iron instead of a 9-iron or wedge.