Rory McIlroy found himself in a challenging position at Augusta National’s 12th hole, a 155-yard par three described as “rinky-dink”. He was tied for the lead, with the wind playing a factor as he prepared to take his shot.
The 12th is considered a critical hole. Tom Watson once said, “The 12th is the critical hole on the golf course, to be honest with you, and I think everybody here understands that.” He added that he would fill in the creek in front of the 12th if he could. Jack Nicklaus agreed with Watson, saying “Good move.”
Player stated, “That hole has crippled more men than polio.”
Nicklaus’s Strategy vs. McIlroy’s Decision
Nicklaus once called the 12th “the hardest hole in tournament golf”. His advice was to avoid going for the pin if it was on the right. Instead, he recommended playing for the middle of the green to secure a par and move on. Nicklaus said, “It comes down to whether you want to keep it in play, or go for a two and come away with a five.” He only put it in the water once in all his years playing at Augusta.
On this particular Sunday, the pin was positioned far to the right. Throughout the day, the 56-man field had only managed three birdies on the 12th, collectively scoring 15 over par.
McIlroy was tied for the lead with Justin Rose, with Cameron Young, Russ Henley and Tyrrell Hatton close behind.
Earlier Trouble for McIlroy
McIlroy had already faced a setback earlier in the round at the 4th, another par three on the course. Nicklaus had told him in the week “No fucking double bogeys,”. McIlroy’s tee shot landed on the fringe of a bunker. After blasting his way out to 9ft, he three-putted, missing a short putt.
McIlroy defied the conventional wisdom at the 12th and won.