For avid golf enthusiasts, the 17th hole at Sawgrass and the 12th hole at Augusta have become almost legendary. These two par threes are renowned for their challenging nature, bringing even seasoned PGA Tour professionals to their knees.
From Tiger Woods’ infamous score of ten at Augusta’s 12th hole during the 2020 Masters, to Byeong Hun An’s staggering 11 at Sawgrass’ 17th in 2021 – these iconic holes have seen their fair share of defeat. Even Shane Lowry, who is celebrated for his proficiency on par threes and has scored holes-in-one at Sawgrass’ 17th and Augusta’s 16th, has yet to conquer Augusta’s elusive 12th.
In the ongoing debate about which hole presents a greater challenge, PGA Tour player Adam Hadwin has shared his insights. According to Hadwin, while both holes are formidable in their own right, Augusta’s 12th could prove to be a real nightmare for the average golfer.
Hadwin believes that the 12th hole at Augusta offers a glimmer of hope for the amateur golfer. “They could get it somewhere long left at Augusta. You could hit it short even on 12. You could end up short of Ray’s creek, you could almost figure it out,” he said. However, he also warns that the 17th at Sawgrass, with its treacherous waters, can quickly turn a promising game into a disaster.
Despite this, Hadwin posits that the 17th hole at Sawgrass is easier overall than the 12th at Augusta. He suggests that golfers could potentially score lower at Augusta’s 12th than at Sawgrass’ 17th, provided they play strategically.
The allure of Augusta and the difficulty to gain access for casual play have led to much speculation about how an amateur golfer would fare on its greens. Hank Haney, former coach to Tiger Woods, even speculated that starting every hole on the green might not be enough for some to break par, especially for those with a certain handicap.
As the Masters approaches, these debates will undoubtedly resurface. Golf fans worldwide will be keen to see how the notoriously challenging 12th hole at Augusta will play out this year.