Augusta National Then & Now
Every spring in April, golf fans have the same week circled in their calendars. The Masters is the first major championship of the year and is regarded by many as the most prestigious golf tournament in the world. Despite being the youngest of all the majors, it has evolved to become one of the most recognizable, as it is the only major to be played at the same venue every year, Augusta National Golf Club. Augusta's original lay out was designed by one of the most famous golf course architects, Alister MacKenzie.
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Cypress Point Club
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Born in England in 1870, MacKenzie was raised in an era when golf was starting to spread from the UK to other parts of the world. Mackenzie was a well educated man, graduating from Cambridge University with multiple medical designations, and these skills were required when he served the British Empire during the Boer War and during World War I. After his military service he was able to work within what is known as "The Golden Age" of golf course architecture, a time period when some of the worlds most famous courses were constructed.
His initial impacts on golf were first noted in England, ultimately having his say in over a dozen courses before 1920. After the war he continued by travelling to the U.S. and seemed to enjoy the west coast, specifically California. His design at Cypress Point Club is currently ranked #1 in world. Some of his finest creations are Royal Melbourne's West Course that ranks 6th globally, New Zealand's Titirangi ranks 8th best in the country, and South America's Jockey Club ranks 5th best in Argentina. Between the years of 1905 until his death in 1934 he was involved in over 50 courses around the world. |
The changes made to Augusta National over the years are obvious, and nearly all of MacKenzie's courses have been altered in some way. In 1934, Augusta measured 6,800 yards and the fact that golfers used hickory shafted clubs and balata balls makes any score remotely close to par that much more impressive. This weekend, The Masters scorecard measures to 7,435 yards, an above average length by todays standards, stretched to protect against the long hitters of today. Pay close attention to the 3rd hole, Flowering Peach, as it is the least changed hole on the course, described by its maker as a nearly perfect design.
3rd Hole - Flowering Peach at Augusta National
The immaculate playing conditions at Augusta National as well as the popularity of his other designs throughout the world, would make Alister MacKenzie very proud. His genius and influence on the game of golf will never be forgotten.
Check out the map to see what courses you may have played, or would like to play, designed by Alister MacKenzie!
Happy Golfing!
[email protected]
Check out the map to see what courses you may have played, or would like to play, designed by Alister MacKenzie!
Happy Golfing!
[email protected]
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