Owen readies Augusta to test golf’s greatest

It’s Masters week in the world of golf, and all eyes are on Augusta (Ga.) National GC and the course preparations being overseen by its Class A member Brad Owen [Penn State Golf Course Turfgrass Management Alumni]. Great weather should bookend forecasted scattered thunderstorms on Thursday, as sunny skies and highs in the 90s lead up to sunshine, 70s and a 7 m.p.h breeze this weekend. No. 12 is Augusta’s signature hole and arguably the most famous and difficult par 3 in the world. Although it requires only a short iron to a narrow green guarded by Rae’s Creek, the unpredictable winds make proper club selection nearly impossible. Any shots short of the pin usually slope back into Rae’s Creek. This year, Augusta is debuting a new, huge, state-of-the-art practice facility with a 400-yard range, an arced practice tee that can accommodate about three dozen players, two fairways split by a v-shaped formation of pine trees located about 235 yards out, and four target greens at varying distances – including a replica of No. 2. The short game area features two greens, five bunkers and auxiliary tees, and a large putting green.

Republished from GCSAA This Week