Opinion & Analysis

Must Read: Tiger Woods’ awesome Augusta National course guide

Published

10 years ago

Apr 5, 2016

First of all, let’s point out that Masters.com has been killing it for a couple of years now that ANGC has reluctantly embraced modern technology and something resembling the web 2.0 world. And as Geoff Shackelford recently wrote, the Masters Instagram and Twitter accounts have become the repositories of some seriously good stuff this year.

Yesterday the Masters.com mainpage offered visitors (are we “patrons” of the Masters website too?) the opportunity to watch the 1986 CBS telecast of Jack Nicklaus’ historic victory. How cool is that? But the coup de grace so far this year on the Masters internet outpost is this: “Tiger’s Tour of Augusta National.”

Now, personally, I was excited when, in the basement depths of YouTube, I found this course tour from Tiger Woods PGA Tour ‘12 narrated (in varying levels of detail) a hole-by-hole breakdown of the course where he’s claimed four majors.

But this, on Masters.com, is incredible. TW breaks down all 18 glorious holes at golf’s most verdant playground, mixing strategy with experiences from his 20 turns at Augusta National, and a bit of history as well. As an example of what you’ll find in the piece, here’s what Tiger had to say about the iconic par-three 12th hole.

“This centerpiece of Amen Corner may be one of the most enjoyable par 3s in the world on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. But when the Tournament dials up the pressure on Thursday, No. 12 stands ready to do its part in helping determine the next Masters champion.

Whether it’s windy or not, the tee shot is still just a wedge, or at most a 7-iron if the breeze is really going strong. That’s when the 12th green seems to shrink as you’re getting ready to hit the ball, and you realize there is no good place to leave it except on the putting surface.

If you go over the green long and left, you face a tough little pitch because the grass there doesn’t get as much sun as other parts of the course. The back bunkers aren’t forgiving, either. I’ve seen players put sand shots into Rae’s Creek numerous times, and I made a bogey from one of the bunkers in 2001 on Sunday. The landing area was only 6 inches to a foot. It seems like an easy shot, but I knew if it came out a little hot, it could go in the water. I played it a little safer and made 4, but I took 5 or 6 out of play.”

Check out the article Masters.com to see what TW has to say about the other 17 holes.

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Ben Alberstadt

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

8 Comments

Richey Maldano

Apr 6, 2016 at 8:26 am

Did he mention the best places to pick up women around Augusta?

Reply Report comment
- Kevin
  
  Apr 6, 2016 at 9:48 am
  
  Thats a good one Richey, super funny and original!….. /s
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Richey Maldano
    
    Apr 6, 2016 at 9:04 pm
    
    Thank Kev!
    
    Reply Report comment
Sq

Apr 6, 2016 at 3:47 am

What the heck does he know. He only knows how to hit it with square grooves. That’s why he can’t play like he used to any more.

Reply Report comment
- Kevin
  
  Apr 6, 2016 at 9:48 am
  
  What on earth are you blabbering about?
  
  Reply Report comment
g-money

Apr 5, 2016 at 4:03 pm

This is truly amazing. Better than what any magazine, analyst, or other player can do. Tiger has such a good memory. Thanks for sharing, Ben.

Reply Report comment
4pillars

Apr 5, 2016 at 1:39 pm

Pretty Cool.

Will put all the golf Mags with their Masters supplements out of business

Reply Report comment
TheCityGame

Apr 5, 2016 at 12:05 pm

It really is an incredible article. The guy remembers the LIE he had in 2001 on Sunday. He remembers Vijay flying one into the trees. Remembers O’Meara hitting shots in practice rounds.

He made decisions based on which way the mowers the cut the rough.

Every shot to him is filled with options, angles to get to certain places. Shots are considered based on how to get to the pin on the next shot.

Shows how much thought can really go into playing a course well, be it Augusta or your local daily fee.

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Opinion & Analysis

AVL: My U.S. Amateur local qualifying experience

Published

5 days ago

Jun 5, 2026

Andrew Von Lossow

This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.

I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.

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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.

With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.

Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!

Club Junkie

Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast

Published

7 days ago

Jun 4, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.

Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.

If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.

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Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie

Published

2 weeks ago

May 28, 2026

Brian Knudson

On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.

I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.