AUGUSTA, Ga. — The third hole at Augusta National, spanning only 350 yards, remains unchanged since the inaugural Masters in 1934, with just one significant redesign years ago. Despite being considered a drivable par 4 by today’s standards, this short hole, named “Flowering Peach,” does not include water hazards and is characterized by a single bunker left of the green, which was transformed from a larger one into four smaller bunkers 42 years back. Alister MacKenzie, the designer, expressed his admiration for this hole, noting its ability to engage golfers and maintain their enthusiasm, according to a 1933 letter to co-founder Clifford Roberts.
This historic hole has hosted its share of dramatic moments for legendary players. Tiger Woods, aiming for a third consecutive Masters win in 2003, faced a dilemma at No. 3 about whether to opt for an iron off the tee or a riskier driver shot. Choosing the driver, Woods found himself in the pines and ended up with a double bogey. In 2003, Seve Ballesteros cautioned about the unpredictability of the hole, reinforcing its reputation as one fraught with drama.
Though the hole appears straightforward from the tee, the challenging features, including a plateaued terrain that slopes from right to left and strategic bunker placements, create a formidable defense. As players approach the green, they frequently target 25 feet right of the flag to avoid long putts or difficult chips, especially when the pin is on the left.
During the recent Masters in 2022, Scottie Scheffler vividly experienced the unpredictable nature of the third hole. Opting to hit over the bunkers, he found himself on the pine straw but ultimately pitched his shot perfectly to birdie, a pivotal moment in his victory.
The strategy for No. 3 has evolved in the past decade as distance off the tee increased; however, negotiating the approach still demands careful consideration. Billy Horschel notes the change in mindset depending on the pin’s placement, highlighting the strategic challenges the hole presents.
Of the hole’s numerous memorable moments, Charl Schwartzel’s eagle in 2011 stands out when he holed a wedge shot to propel him to victory. A crowd-favorite moment occurred in 1998 when Jack Nicklaus, then 58, chipped in for birdie, reviving hopes briefly. Yet, the hole has also seen unusual scenarios, like Jeff Maggert’s 2003 incident, where a bunker shot struck him after a mishap, derailing his lead.
Perhaps the most peculiar incident involved Bryson DeChambeau who, in the 2020 Masters, lost his ball after declaring Augusta a par 67 course. The search for his shot in a soft, crowd-less November landscape left him without resolution, epitomizing the hole’s unpredictable nature.