Even before Herbert Warren Wind penned that soon-to-be immortal phrase in the
opening sentence of his recap of the 1958 Masters for Sports Illustrated, it
was evident that the 11th, 12th and 13th holes at Augusta National Golf Club
were among the greatest succession of holes ever created. But with eloquent
simplicity, Wind captured the timeless appeal of the trio of holes located at
the far end of the property from the clubhouse. Set against a majestic
backdrop of towering pines, vivid azaleas and more shades of green than
seems possible, the long, difficult par-4 11th, the short, maddening par-3 12th,
and the tantalizing risk/reward par-5 13th collectively have been referred
to as a cathedral.
But Amen Corner has been more theater than place of
worship, a stage for some of golf’s most dramatic scenes: immortal holes-in-one,
round-lifting eagles, deus ex machina turns of fate, disappointments and
dream-crushing disasters.
Over the years, this long-running show has
provided countless chapters to the history, tradition and lore of the Masters.
This year, there is a good chance a player will add to the indelible memories
outlined on the following pages.
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11th hole, par 4, 505 yards: White dogwood
12th hole, par 3, 155 yards: Golden bell
13th hole, par 5, 510 yards: Azalea
