Phil Mickelson has voiced his opinion on changes made to the par 5s at Augusta National, home of The Masters. Mickelson believes the alterations have reduced the excitement on the back nine.
Mickelson’s Critique of Holes 13 and 15
Mickelson took to social media to share his views. “Watching @TheMasters and seeing so few players long enough to go for 13 &15 now has taken away so much excitement and intrigue to the back nine,” Mickelson wrote. “Another example of how longer isn’t always better.”
He further commented on the lack of eagle attempts on the 13th hole, stating, “Not a single eagle putt on 13. Crazy [facepalm emoji].” While it was pointed out that six players did in fact putt for eagle on the 13th in round two, Mickelson responded, “6 of 90. Like I said ‘so few.'”
The lengthening of the 13th and 15th holes earlier this decade has been a common complaint. Mickelson and others feel these changes have made two of golf’s most famous par 5s less compelling.
Data Disagrees on Reaching the 15th in Two
Data indicates that a high percentage of players have attempted to reach the 15th green in two shots. Sixty-three percent went for it on Thursday, 48% on Friday, and 72% on Saturday. Even Brian Harman, who ranks 151st in driving distance on the PGA Tour, attempted to reach the green in two during rounds two and three.
The claim that few players are long enough to reach the 15th green in two, as Mickelson suggested, has been called inaccurate.
The 13th: A Treacherous Approach
Mickelson’s assessment is closer to the truth when it comes to the 13th hole. In the first round, 33% of the field went for the green; in the second round, 42%; in the third round, 43%. These percentages include instances where players hit their drive in the water, took a drop, and still attempted to reach the green on their next shot.
The decision to lay up on the 13th more than half the time is influenced by the challenging drive and approach. The added length ensures that players need to hit great shots to earn an eagle opportunity.
The debate continues as to whether more layups are boring. It remains a matter of taste.
Augusta National’s co-designer Bobby Jones said in 1959, “We call 13 a par 5 because under certain conditions of wind and ground few players will risk trying for the green with a second shot.”