Augusta National Prepares for Masters Tournament Opening
Augusta National is preparing the course and practice areas as the Masters Tournament opening approaches. Players trained despite a brief rain shower on the 5th (local time).
On-course practice and player routines
The practice range drew the largest crowds of players and visitors. Augusta National avoids the term “driving range” and calls the facility the practice range or tournament practice range.
Im Sung-jae, who tied for second in 2020, focused on wedge shots from 50 to 75 yards. He worked with swing coach Choi Hyun on repetitive drills to refine small errors.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy was seen walking the course with his father, Jerry McIlroy. McIlroy recreated the high-draw shot he hit at the par‑5 15th, a decisive moment in his victory last year.
Bryson DeChambeau studied green slopes. Justin Rose practiced putts from multiple distances. With five days left before the event, most players skipped full 18‑hole rounds.
Ticket market and local scene
Downtown Augusta showed visible ticket activity. Booths and placards advertised Masters tickets along the streets.
The tournament limits attendance to about 40,000 spectators, called Patrons. A VVIP program remains available for buyers willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars.
Ticket trading is active on site and online. Practice-round tickets are reported between $1,000 and $1,500 in social groups. Official competition tickets are selling for more than $2,000.
Course changes and rising difficulty
Augusta National has increased course length and complexity in recent years. The club has added trees and bunkers to thicken roughs and raise strategic demands.
Organizers attribute part of the long‑ball countermeasures to Tiger Woods’ influence. After Woods’ dominance in 1997, efforts to “Tiger‑proof” the layout began.
The course length grew from 6,925 yards in 1998 to 7,565 yards this year, a 640‑yard increase. Over the past five years, the tournament yardage rose by about 90 yards, from 7,475 in 2021 to 7,565 in 2023.
Several tees moved back, including the 13th, which was extended by as much as 35 yards. Hole 7 expanded from a 350‑yard, one‑on opportunity in 2001 to a tricky 450‑yard test today.
Changes at the 17th hole
The par‑4 17th hole at Augusta National gained 10 yards at the back tee this year. The hole measured about 440 yards previously and is now 450 yards.
The 17th carries the course name “Nandina.” In Korean, that plant is known as Namcheon Tree. Last year the hole averaged 4.23 strokes and ranked among the tougher holes, despite several eagles and birdies.
Filmogaz.com reporter Cho Hyo-sung filed this report from Augusta.
