Amen Corner is an iconic three-hole stretch at Augusta National Golf Club. It’s famous to be one of the most recognizable and daunting stretches in all of golf. Holes 11, 12 and 13 – nicknamed Amen Corner – are known for their treacherous design. They have an iconic place in the history of the Masters Tournament. Besides an uncharacteristic bogey on the par 4 11th hole, Amen Corner stings even the best of golfers. It’s been the stage for some of the most exciting moments in golf history.
The term Amen Corner was first used by legendary golf writer Herbert Warren Wind in 1958. He described it as “a place where golfers go to pray for a miracle,” encapsulating the essence of this formidable area. The other thing the stretch provides are extreme physical tests to the players. These golfers deal with mental obstacles as they try to get past Rae’s Creek, an often-deadly tributary that runs through the course.
The Holes of Amen Corner
The 11th hole, a 575-yard par-4, can be an intimidating opening act to the stretch. Golfers need to navigate their shots carefully to stay out of the tricky obstacles that populate the course’s layout. After this, the 12th hole, one of the most famous holes in golf due to its stunning beauty, is a 155-yard par-3. This hole is world famous for its difficulty. Players have to contend with Rae’s Creek, which protects the front of the green. Last but not least, golfers face the 13th hole, a 510-yard par-5 that requires real skill as well as a good deal of redirection to achieve success here.
Amen Corner, but it’s a trio of holes that will test golfers’ concentration and composure. Countless other players have washed out in this space. Perhaps that’s because one of their key indicators of having success here translates to their best shot at winning a Masters victory. The history of these holes cannot be overstated, having defined countless tournaments through the years.
Memorable Moments in Masters History
Over the years, Amen Corner has been the backdrop for many of the most memorable moments that have shaped the legacy of the Masters Tournament. In 2019, Tiger Woods made one of the most famous chip-ins at the 12th hole. Against all odds, this awe-inspiring moment turned into the highlight of his career. This legendary play put the spotlight on Amen Corner’s difficulty and at the same time flaunted the magic that can be produced within its confines.
Rory McIlroy recently reflected on his experience navigating this legendary stretch during his latest round at Augusta National. So he was proud of his reaction today, after struggling on the way in on other holes.
“Overall just proud of myself with how I responded today after the finish last night,” – Rory McIlroy
He admitted that he needed to mentally visit all the times he’d performed well before those tough moments.
“I just had to remind myself that I played really good golf yesterday, and you know, I wasn’t going to let two bad holes sort of dictate the narrative for the rest of the week,” – Rory McIlroy
The Legacy of Amen Corner
Today, Amen Corner is still dangerous ground, but it personifies both danger and opportunity—a key element on the course that defines the Masters. For most golfers, it serves as a testing ground, or for some, even a rite of passage. They are put to the final proving ground of their mettle and talent. As players walk up to these fabled testaments, they must ponder the storied past that envelops them. The history of the game piques their imagination and deepens their enjoyment.
As Rory McIlroy put it above, he’s lucky to have avoided this difficult journey.
“Yeah, I rode my luck a little bit with that second shot, but was nice to take advantage of it,” – Rory McIlroy
Amen Corner’s legacy perhaps is the most influential element of golf history. It’s what keeps players and fans alike forever aware of the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into making this rich tournament.
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