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Hootie Johnson, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today changes to six holes, Nos. 1, 4, 7, 11, 15 and 17, for the 2006 Masters.
"Since the first Masters in 1934, this golf course has evolved and that process continues today," Johnson said. "As in the past, our objective is to maintain the integrity and shot values of the golf course as envisioned by Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie. Players' scores are not a factor. We will keep the golf course current with the times."
The changes on the first nine holes are:
Hole No. 1: Masters tee will be moved back 15-20 yards. Trees added to the left side of the fairway. Masters scorecard: Approximately 455 yards
Hole No. 4: Masters tee will be moved back 30-35 yards. Masters scorecard: Approximately 240 yards
Hole No. 7: Masters tee will be moved back 35-40 yards. Green re-grassed to create possible right-rear pin position. Trees added to the right and left side of the fairway. Masters scorecard: Approximately 450 yards
"At hole Nos. 1 and 7 we want to emphasize accuracy off the tee while continuing to maintain the integrity of the holes," Johnson said. "At No. 4 we want to keep the hole as it was intended to be played as a long par 3."
On the second nine the changes include:
Hole No. 11: Masters tee will be moved back 10-15 yards. Trees added to the right side of the fairway and fairway shifted to the left. Masters scorecard: Approximately 505 yards
Hole No. 15: Masters tee will be moved back 25-30 yards and shifted approximately 20 yards to the golfer's left. Masters scorecard: Approximately 530 yards
Hole No. 17: Masters tee will be moved back 10-15 yards. Masters scorecard: Approximately 440 yards
"The changes on the second nine holes again stress accuracy off the tee and maintaining shot values," said Johnson.
With the changes, the golf course yardage increases to approximately 7,445 yards (3,735 - 3,710) from 7,290.
Construction work began this month with completion scheduled for the fall.
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