Masters field tells about the toughest holes at Augusta National

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The challenges that Augusta National presents to players at the Masters are well documented.

While part of that is due to the everchanging conditions that can effect how the course plays, the biggest reason is simply because some holes stump players more than others.

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We asked more than a dozen players during the first two rounds of the 2026 Masters which holes on the course are the most difficult and requires them to dial it in a bit more mentally than others. Each player gave at least one hole that fits that description. Some players, such as 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia, listed every hole, meaning that each hole will have at minimum one vote.

Most difficultholes at the Masters, according to the players

No. 1 (Tea Olive): 6 Votes

No. 2 (Pink Dogwood): 4 Votes

No. 3 (Flowering Peach): 5 Votes

No. 4 (Flowering Crab Apple): 5 Votes

No. 5 (Magnolia): 5 Votes

No. 6 (Juniper): 4 Votes

No. 7 (Pampas): 8 Votes

No. 8 (Yellow Jasmine): 5 Votes

Patrons sit in chairs alongside the eighth green during the first round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

No. 9 (Carolina Cherry): 5 Votes

No. 10 (Camellia): 6 Votes

No. 11 (White Dogwood): 6 Votes

No. 12 (Golden Bell): 8 Votes

No. 13 (Azalea): 6 Votes

No. 14 (Chinese Fir): 4 Votes

No. 15 (Firethorn): 6 Votes

No. 16 (Redbud): 5 Votes

No. 17 (Nandina): 7 Votes

No. 18 (Holly): 5 Votes

Golden Bell (12), Pampas (7) are most difficult holes at Augusta

Hole No.12 has long been considered one of the toughest holes in all of golf, not just at Augusta National. The short par 3 has routinely destroyed players' chances of contending for a green jacket. Unsurprisingly, it was one of the most voted holes in our survey.

It shared the honor for the toughest hole with No. 7. Pampas was voted the most difficult hole of the first nine. There were 56 bogeys and 6 double bogeys hit through the first two rounds on that hole.

Nandina comes in solo second

Maybe it's the two bunkers guarding the putting green. Maybe it's the attrition that sets in towards the latter stages of an already brutal course. Whatever that case is, hole No.17 finished as the second toughest hole at Augusta National.

Players like Max Homa and Haotong Li cited the tee shot off No.17 as what makes it so difficult compared to other holes. Kurt Kitayama lamented the relative straightness of how the hole is designed and how unforgiving it can be if you find yourself out of position off the fairway.

A five-way tie for third toughest hole

Hole Nos. 1, 10, 11, 13 and 15 were all tied for the third most difficult hole. In that group are three par 4s and two par 5s. Jackson Herrington, an amateur out of Tennessee, was keenly aware of all the eyes on him on the tee shot off No.1, which contributed to that being one of his choices for the hardest hole.

Apr 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka hits onto the 15th green during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images

The second or third shot on No. 15 was specifically mentioned by a number of players. Ryan Fox said it's one of those shots that can make you "look silly" if you are on your A-game. Herrington also mentioned No. 11 because of the touch needed to keep the ball in the middle of the green rather than overshooting it.

Notable quotes for other holes

Apr 8, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Ethan Fang skips the ball on the water at the 16th hole during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-Imagn Images

Xander Schauffele on No. 16:

"16 is 165 yards. You know, you're trying to guess the wind and hit it into three by three or ― yeah, call it a three by three sort of area that's firm. So if you kind of miss it you have a 50 or 60 foot putt coming up and over. Again, Augusta National presents those challenges that we enjoy taking on."

Ryan Fox on No. 6:

"With the breeze swirling down there, you've really gotta commit to your shot. Especially if the breeze is swirling a little bit, you can be made to look silly around here really quickly. There are some places you really don't want to miss it around the greens, and you've really gotta pick your yardage, pick your club, commit to it and kind of hope you get it right."

Tommy Fleetwood on No. 3:

"Third hole is another great example. What, 15 yards short the green (in the first round). Couldn't get anywhere near really without being ― you know, if I was playing with friends like I might have taken that shot on a different way. I'm like it's the third hole of the Masters; 20 feet would be a good shot from a 20 yard shot. End up holing the putt so it's a bonus, but it's just always ebbs and flows where you really got to manage it."

Max Homa on No. 8:

"For me it's eight, and I made eagle (in the first round), and I can't wait to go talk trash to my friend Steven because he usually dogs on me for hitting that left tree. He ducked me out there. I couldn't find him, so I am going to go get in his ear. That one has killed me for whatever reason."

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Masters 2026 hardest holes: Pros rank the holes at Augusta National