News

AVL: How I would play the 12th hole at Augusta National

Published

2 months ago

Apr 9, 2026

It is Thursday, and the first major of 2026 is underway. Augusta National consists of 10 par-4s, 4 par-3s, and 4 par-5s. All have their own signature and unique set of challenges. It is a course where you cannot take your focus away from the task at hand and get away with it. My focus here narrows on the 12th hole, Golden Bell. This is one of the most famous par-3s in the world. At 155 yards, we cannot look at the yardage as something to glance over as a short par 3. This requires thought and strategy. I break down how I would play this hole if I were fortunate enough to play the Masters.

The 12th hole is at Augusta National’s southernmost point, with the green across Rae’s Creek. At 155 yards, it ranks 4th in difficulty in Masters history, with a scoring average of 3.267. For such a short par-3, its design uniquely tests every part of a player’s game.

Visually, the green is difficult to see from the tee box. It is a narrow green, and from the tee box, you can see the front left portion, but most of the green remains relatively blind. Factor in tournament adrenaline and the state of your game; it’s part of your game plan to be aware of both. Other areas that come into play are the bunkers surrounding the green, a shallow bunker in front, and two smaller bunkers in the back of the putting surface.

(Photo via Masters.com)

The 12th is demanding, with Rae’s Creek and challenging green surrounds. A left miss goes long; an uncommitted shot can find the creek, forcing a nervy walk over Hogan’s Bridge.

Finally, the major challenge is the final factor. The swirling winds. On top of the visual elements and design, the invisible factor of wind can only be seen by the tops of the trees moving. Sometimes the wind blows in the opposite direction from the other areas of the course than it does on 12.

How I’d play Golden Bell

All of this being said, how would I attack this golf hole? Coming off challenging par 4’s to start the second nine with 10 and 11. Number 12 is not the short hole respite. I am sticking to my game plan, and that is the advice of the players who, over the years, have famously said, “middle of the green.”

But for the sake of this exercise, let’s dream a bit. Back right hole location, final round, shouting distance of being in the mix, but only if the first three holes of the second nine are played well. Given all the factors described earlier, I believe that with a back-right hole location, you still have to favor the middle of the green or the middle-right. I envision a trap-cut ball flight, keeping it flighted and not allowing it to be grabbed by the wind, as number one. There is no need to risk going directly at the pin, because if you bail on your tee shot, the water comes into play and most likely results in a double bogey.

From 155 yards, championship Sunday, I’d choose a 9-iron and play a flighted shot with an abbreviated follow-through for mid-height. A pull could catch the back edge or bunker, but my focus is on avoiding a double bogey, even if a bogey is not ideal.

Club back and ball on the way, it is just how I pictured in my mind’s eye. Flighted a 9-iron with a strong trajectory, and for this exercise, I didn’t cut much, if not at all. It is safely over the bunker and pin high, 15 feet left of the hole. There is too much respect on the 12th for me to give it a full green light to the hole location with so much trouble lurking long and short of the green. Completely pleased with a two-putt and move on to the 13th.

It will be exciting to watch this week and see how it unfolds. It is amazing with the 12th hole, given its shorter yardage but maximum deception. You are playing it very safe for a hole that, on paper, looks like it should be an attempt for a birdie. Every player would take four pars for the tournament and keep moving on into Amen Corner.

News

GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.

As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.

Let’s get to the gifts.

Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.

Buy here.

STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.

Buy here.

Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.

Buy here.

OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!

Buy here.

Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.

Buy here.

World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.

Buy here.

FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.

Buy here.

Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.

Buy here.

Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!

Buy here.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 OccuNet Classic

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

With the PGA Tour across the border in Canada this week, GolfWRX Tour Photographer Greg Moore stayed stateside and headed to the OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National Bank in Amarillo, Texas.

It’s always interesting to see what the guys are playing on the KFT, and this week certainly hasn’t disappointed so far, with some incredible wedge stamping on display.

Check out links to all our albums below.

General Albums

2026 OccuNet Classic (KFT) – Monday #1

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

Luke Potter’s custom Cameron putter – 2026 OccuNet Classic (KFT)

News

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: Scotty Cameron GOLO 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

Will Schube

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @HuskerFlyer is sharing a Scotty Cameron GOLO with a BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition shaft. While the putter is certainly enviable, the Augusta-inspired shaft is equally noteworthy.

From the listing:

Scotty Cameron Golo 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition Scotty Headcover 34″ $375

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules.