US Masters 
/ Paul Krishnamurty / 04 April 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Danger lurks at every hole on this famous course
"Birdies at the 18th are like gold-dust, and par is always an excellent score."
From Tea Olive to Holly - all the holes at Augusta rated for you
Hole 1: Tea Olive
445 yard par-four
2011 ranking: 4th hardest
Usually among the toughest holes on the course, most will be happy to hit the fairway, green in regulation and emerge with par.
Hole 2: Pink Dogwood
575 yard par-five
2011 ranking: 16th hardest
The longest of Augusta's par-fives is still well within range in two shots for almost everyone. Anything less than a birdie represents a backward step.
Hole 3: Flowering Peach
350 yard par-four
2011 ranking: 13th hardest
A classic risk-reward par-four. At just 350 yards, the third hole is well within range for the longest hitters, but the most rewarding approach tends to involve laying up short of the bunkers, leaving a full second shot with maximum control. A good birdie opportunity.
Hole 4: Flowering Crab Apple
240 yard par-three
2011 ranking: 7th hardest
Every player will be glad to get out of this long, bunker-protected hole with par.
Hole 5: Magnolia
455 yard par-four
2011 ranking: 8th hardest
A long, accurate tee-shot, avoiding penal fairway bunkers, could set up a birdie chance, but par remains a good score here.
Hole 6: Juniper
180 yard par-three
2011 ranking: 12th hardest
Though far from an easy birdie opportunity due to the complexity of a large, undulating green, this is usually the least penal of Augusta's short holes.
Hole 7: Pampas
450 yard par-four
2011 ranking: 5th hardest
Tee-to-green accuracy is the order of the day here to obtain the best fairway lie and then avoid the greenside bunkers. Par is a good score on another tough hole.
Hole 8: Yellow Jasmine
570 yard par-five
2011 ranking: 15th hardest
In the last three Masters, this has been the hardest of Augusta's long holes, although a birdie is still expected in order to maintain position, especially given the lack of opportunities elsewhere.
Hole 9: Carolina Cherry
460 yard par-four
2011 ranking: 11th hardest
The front-nine finishes with a hole that will offer up its fair share of birdies, but also penalise short second shots which roll backwards off a sloping green.
Hole 10: Camellia
495 yard par-four
2011 ranking: 6th hardest
The most brutal section of the course begins with the hole where Rory McIlroy's challenge disintegrated 12 months ago. Historically this was the toughest hole, although the 11th has recently overtaken it in that respect.
Hole 11: White Dogwood
505 yard par-four
2011 ranking: Hardest
Welcome to Amen Corner and the hardest hole on the course! A long second shot must clear the pond guarding the front-left of this green, so players often take the safer option of bailing out right, leaving a tough scramble for par. Birdies here are like gold-dust, and par is always an excellent score.
Hole 12: Golden Bell
155 yard par-three
2011 ranking: 2nd hardest
The shortest hole on the course is a superb set-up, that has ruined many a Masters challenge. It can offer a birdie for those holding the green, or potential disaster for those finding Rae's Creek or the bunkers.
Hole 13: Azalea
510 yard par-five
2011 ranking: Easiest
Amen Corner closes with a genuine eagle opportunity, although Rae's Creek runs right across the green entrance and will snare plenty of approach shots.
Hole 14: Chinese Fir
440 yard par-four
2011 ranking: 14th hardest
A lack of bunkers makes this one of the few par-fours at Augusta which amounts to a good birdie chance although, as ever, a pinpoint iron approach is essential.
Hole 15: Firethorn
530 yard par-five
2011 ranking: 17th hardest
The ultimate risk-reward par-five that will make or break many challenges. This green is usually within range and will yield plenty of eagles, but the second shot requires perfect precision to clear the water and hold the green. Those hitting it long will face a devilish eagle chip downhill towards the water.
Hole 16: Redbud
170 yard par-three
2011 ranking: 9th hardest
Although the water looks daunting, this short hole is actually a reasonable birdie chance. It was the scene of the shot many consider to be golf's greatest ever, when Tiger Woods chipped in for birdie during the final round in 2005.
Hole 17: Nandina
440 yard par-four
2011 ranking: 2nd hardest
Historically this was never a particularly difficult hole, but last year it played second hardest. The principal challenge lies in a heavily sloping green, making the pin position critical to it's playability.
Hole 18: Holly
465 yard par-four
2011 ranking: 10th hardest
While not the toughest closing hole in golf by any means, the 18th will take its share of double-bogey victims over the week. The key challenge is avoiding the bunkers on the left off the tee. If finding the fairway, birdie becomes a realistic possibility.
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