AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Hole number five, nicknamed magnolia, is a long par four. And this year, it’s even longer.
1992 Masters Champion Freddie Couples says he’s hitting further than last year,and he likes five.
“Most beautiful hole on the course, right away. It’s very long. They’re all long, but it’s spectacular,” says Couples.
Kevin Kisner’s strategy: avoid at all costs.
“I actually played it in November and I have no interest in playing that hole so…I’m going to try to play it as little as possible until I have to,” says Kisner.
For the 2019 Masters, the fifth tee was pushed back 40 yards, which makes the hole 495 yards total.
Dustin Johnson can drive one of the longest balls on tour, so he’s not over thinking it.
“No different strategy just try and hit it in the fairway and get it on the green somehow,” says Johnson.
“It’s a tricky hole. It wasn’t an easy hole before now and now it’s even tougher. Couple new pin positions on the top left. It’s going to be interesting to see how the hole plays throughout the week,” says Garcia.
The golfers are impacted the most, but the change affects patrons as well. They now have a new place to walk and more places to watch.
Behind the fourth green is a new viewpoint.
“I was here in 2000. I haven’t been here in 19 years,” says patron Greg McNeil.
But Greg likes the new spot behind the fifth tee.
“One of the best views on the course is back here right now. I stood all the way back and looked past the tee and straight down and it’s just absolutely beautiful.”
And he’s thankful for the extra places to move around the course.
“It’s been 19 years and a lot more people though. It was a little quainter in the old days”
