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The hole at Augusta which Butch Harmon claims is playing harder than ever before this year
TL;DR
Augusta National's setup for The Masters has faced criticism for being tougher than ever, especially after firm and fast greens on Thursday. However, watering the course on Friday made it easier for players, leading to a birdie-filled start on Saturday before conditions changed again.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Augusta Nationalâs setup has been highly critiqued throughout the first three days of The Masters.
After Thursday, it looked like the golf course would play tougher than ever, as the greens were running firm and fast all afternoon. But Augusta National watered the golf course before Friday, and it became far easier for the players.
The start to Saturday was a birdie fest as the chasing pack hunted down Rory McIlroyâs six shot lead. But as they turned the corner to the second nine, Augusta National had enough of being made a fool of.
Players constantly found the water as they neared the 18th hole, from McIlroy, to Young, to Lowry. But there was one hole in particular that Butch Harmon said was harder than he has ever seen.
Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Butch Harmon said Augusta Nationalâs 15th hole played the hardest heâs ever seen
The 15th hole gave everyone problems on Thursday, and on Saturday it bared its teeth again. Young and Lowry found the water on the par five, and countless players, including Scottie Scheffler, bounced off the back.
Harmon said on Sky Sports commentary, âI think the 15th this year has played the hardest it has ever played. I have never seen so many high numbers on that hole.â
Tiger Woodsâ former coach has been around the game long enough to know just how difficult the hole was playing, but it was a surprising comment given how easy Augusta had played earlier in the day.
Unless they water the ground again, expect more of the same down the stretch on Sunday.
Players who fell victim to the 15th hole on Saturday
The 15th green is a difficult task at the best of times, but during round three it was so firm that players did not know what to do with it. Sam Burns, Justin Rose and Scheffler were among those to bounce off the back and face a difficult chip coming back the other way.
All of them, however, managed to save par, but that wasnât the case for those who hit the water on the front.
Young and Haotong Li both made that error, and both dropped a single shot after terrific recoveries from the drop zone. Luckily for these players, the 15th didnât put too much of a dent in their scorecards, but it took their best golf to avoid doubles.
Q&A
Why did Butch Harmon claim the hole at Augusta is playing harder this year?
Butch Harmon noted that the course setup, particularly the greens, was exceptionally firm and fast, making it challenging for players.
How did Augusta National change the course conditions before Friday's play?
Augusta National watered the golf course before Friday, which significantly softened the greens and made the course easier for players.
What happened during the second nine on Saturday at The Masters?
After a birdie-filled start, the conditions at Augusta National changed, indicating that the course was becoming more difficult again as players approached the second nine.
