The 18th hole at Augusta National is called "Holly" after American Holly (scientific name: ilex opaca), a little red-berry-producing plant that is especially popular around the holidays. The word "holy" in English means "sacred" or "special," and "holy wood" is used to describe trees of religious significance.
There are two reasons why players often say they want to hit a second shot from "the holy yard." First, the term "holy wood" is also used to describe trees of religious significance. Second, the phrase "hit a second shot" is common golf language for saying you will shoot for a lower score than your previous attempt.
Players often mention how difficult it was to find "holy wood" when they were looking for mature trees with large branches and deep roots that would fly apart on a swing. Today, the term "holy wood" has been adopted by non-believers as well, because it is such an unusual thing to find trees like this at any other golf course.
These days, players are more likely to say they need to shoot for a "two-shot penalty" if they miss a short putt. This refers to the fact that if you drop a ball outside the putting surface and don't pick it up, you must replace it.
Each hole is named after a plant discovered on the premises of a former nursery that was in operation from 1857 until 1910. The course is designed for horticulturists as well as golfers, with everything from Tea Olive to Magnolia, Juniper to Yellow Jasmine, Camelia to Azalea, Firethorn to Holly.
The garden features many varieties of roses and other plants, such as lilies, daffodils, and tulips. A favorite among visitors and photographers, the annual Masters Flower Show has been a highlight of the tournament since it was introduced in 1987. In addition to roses, other favorites include zinnias, sunflowers, and marigolds.
In 1937, the club adopted a new set of rules for the first time in its history: no more than two shots may be played off any one hole. Previously, each hole had been allowed only one shot. This eliminated any possibility of having multiple matches or contests on any given day.
This also meant that certain holes were better than others; some were easier than expected, while others were very difficult. Holes 4, 5, 7, and 9 are examples of those that were considered challenging. Holes 1, 2, 6, and 10, by comparison, were much easier.
One thing that all holes have in common is the presence of a lake or pond on most layouts. There are nine such bodies of water on the property.
During the 2001 Masters, the 16th hole at Augusta National was photographed. As previously stated, Augusta National's fairways and greens are considered hallowed ground in golf. As a result, you'd expect that the original design by school architect Alister MacKenzie would be kept in its entirety. However, there have been changes made to the 16th green over time. In 2001, it was reported by Sports Illustrated that a large bronze statue of Bobby Jones had been placed on the center portion of the green.
Additionally, an inscription was added to the base of the statue reading: "This green honors the first black man to win the Masters." Jones owned up to the fact that he was not given a chance by the American public when he came out of retirement to play in the tournament. He felt that since his friend Walter Hagen had won the previous year with only one victory, he could do the same. However, no other African-American players followed suit and so Jones never won any major championships.
However, despite these changes, many fans claim that the 16th hole at Augusta National still lacks touch. The photo below was taken before the start of the 2009 Masters and shows how much work remains to be done on the green.
It's been reported that if you walk around the entire course, you'll see photos of each hole with the exception of the 16th.
When Masters fans think of Augusta National Golf Club, golf is generally second to the course. More than 30 types of azalea may be found throughout the course, and these are the most easily identified plants that guests encounter. The bright red berries that appear on several species of blackberry after a wind or rain are called "moss roses." They usually aren't edible but provide color for gardens during fall and winter.
The national championship game is played each year in April at a site near downtown Atlanta. The best players in golf visit Augusta to compete against one another for the honor of being named world's greatest golfer.
The first Masters Tournament was held in 1934 at Augusta National Golf Club. The event is based on the British Open Championship, which has been played every summer since 1885. In addition to Arnold Palmer, other well-known names among modern golf's greats who have won the British Open include Sam Snead, James Braid, Harry Vardon, and Willie Anderson.
Augusta National Golf Club is a private club located in Augusta County, Virginia. It is home to the Masters Tournament, one of golf's four major championships. The tournament is an annual event held in early April at the South Course at the club's headquarters in Augusta, Georgia.
Augusta National shutters in late spring and does not reopen until late autumn. Part of this can be attributed to its roots in the mid-1930s. The course has been kept mowed all year round since it was built.
However, due to the nature of the grasses that are used to maintain the course, it must be closed for a period of time every year so they can grow back in order to keep it fair and even.
The opening date of each season is determined by the first full day with no rain between now and April 15th. If that day happens to be a Sunday, then the season opens on Monday; otherwise, it starts the following week.
Augusta National is expected to close after this year's tournament. Its owner, the PGA Tour, has announced its intention to find a new home for the event after this season. No site has yet been found for consideration but it's believed that another golf resort in the south would make the most sense given Augusta's proximity to Atlanta and Charleston.
Augusta National is one of only two courses in Georgia (the other being Blackwolf Run) and one of four in South Carolina (along with Harbour Town, Ocean Ridge, and Raven Golf Club).
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