Amen Corner: The Heart of the Masters

“There’s really no other place in golf that’s like that for us as players” – Tiger Woods

Nestled within the historic Augusta National Golf Club lies a stretch of holes so iconic and challenging that it has earned this name: Amen Corner.

As if those playing this famous three-hole stretch have no other option than to say a prayer and hope for the best.

This treacherous part of the course has witnessed the rise and fall of golf’s greatest players, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Masters Tournament.

As Ben Crenshaw said,” They know what can happen there, and they know what has happened there. Somebody said a long time ago that the only thing you hear over there is the player’s heartbeat and the caddie’s heartbeat.”

Amen Corner

Amen Corner refers to a three-hole stretch at Augusta National, consisting of the par-4 11th hole, the par-3 12th, and the (newly lengthened) par-5 13^th.

The term “Amen Corner” was coined by the renowned sportswriter Herbert Warren Wind in 1958 when he used it in an article for Sports Illustrated.

Related: 19 Facts About the Masters That You Probably Didn’t Know

What Makes Amen Corner So Difficult?

The mystique of Amen Corner lies in its breathtaking beauty, strategic design, and the crucial role it plays in shaping the outcome of the Masters.

As Tiger said, “God help you if you have a little wind coming through there.”

The 11th, 12th, and 13th holes present golfers with a remarkable test of skill, nerve, and decision-making:

Hole 11: White Dogwood

Par 4, 505 Yards

This long par-4 hole requires a well-placed tee shot to avoid the trees on the right and the fairway bunker on the left.

The approach shot is even more challenging, as golfers must navigate over a pond to reach a severely sloping green.

The threat of water and the potential for high winds make club selection critical.

Hole 12: Golden Bell

Par 3, 155 Yards

“It baits you into going for flags that you shouldn’t go for.” – Rory McIlroy.

The shortest hole on the course, this par-3 requires golfers to carry their shot over Rae’s Creek onto a small, narrow green guarded by bunkers.

Deceptive winds and a swirling breeze often make it difficult for players to choose the correct club, leading to disastrous results for those who misjudge the distance.

Many a Green Jacket has been lost on this hole.

Hole 13: Azalea

Par 5, 545 yards (previously 510 yards)

A beautiful par-5 that doglegs to the left, this hole tempts golfers to cut the corner by carrying their tee shots over the tributary of Rae’s Creek.

The approach shot to the green requires precision, as golfers must avoid the creek, which runs in front of the green, and four well-placed bunkers.

The risk-reward nature of this hole often leads to dramatic swings in scoring.

This hole has been the scene of many eagles in Masters history, but with this hole having been lengthened by 35 yards this year, it will be very interesting to see how many golfers go for it in two.

Here is a great video of Tiger talking through how to play each of the holes:

Famous Amen Corner Moments

Amen Corner has been the stage for many dramatic and unforgettable moments in Masters history:

1958 Masters

Arnold Palmer’s aggressive play on the 12th and 13th holes secured his first major victory.

He boldly went for it in two on the 13th hole, which led to a crucial birdie, propelling him to a one-shot victory over Doug Ford and Fred Hawkins.

1986 Masters

Jack Nicklaus’ remarkable charge on the back nine included birdies on the 11th and 13th holes.

The Golden Bear’s performance at Amen Corner was a crucial part of his historic sixth Masters victory at the age of 46.

1992 Masters

Fred Couples’ tee shot on the 12th hole seemed destined for disaster when it landed on the bank of Rae’s Creek.

Incredibly, the ball stayed on the slope, and Couples salvaged a par.

This stroke of luck allowed him to maintain his lead and eventually secure his first and only major championship.

2011 Masters

Rory Mcilroy had a 4 shot lead at the start of play on Sunday.

On the back nine, McIlroy went triple-bogey-double on holes 10-12 on his way to shooting an 80 and a T-15 finish.

This day has haunted McIlroy since, as the Masters is the only major championship win he needs to complete the career Grand Slam.

2016 Masters

Amen Corner was the site of the most brutal collapse in Masters history.

Jordan Spieth, leading by five strokes heading into the back nine, quadruple-bogeyed the 12th hole after hitting two balls into the water.

This dramatic turn of events opened the door for Danny Willett, who claimed the Green Jacket in one of the most stunning upsets in Masters history.

2019 Masters

Tiger Woods’ strategic play on the 12th hole of the final round proved decisive.

While Koepka, Finau, and then leader Francesco Molinari found the water, Woods played it safe and made par, setting the stage for his dramatic comeback victory.

Tiger’s triumph marked his fifth Masters win and his first major championship in over a decade.