AUGUSTA, Ga. – A quick glance at course statistics from Round 1 of the Masters shows that four of the five most difficult holes are on Augusta National’s back nine, and the two most difficult were on Amen Corner.
Here is a breakdown:
• The par-4 11th hole was the most difficult hole of Day 1 and the par-3 12th hole was the second most difficult. The 11th played to a 4.474 stroke average and produced only two birdies compared with 39 bogeys.
• No. 12 yielded three of the dreaded “others” and only saw six birdies. There were more double bogeys on the hole (6) than on any other hole. The scoring average was 3.423.
• Even though the back nine played more difficult there isn’t much difference in scoring average between the front nine and the back nine. The front side played in an average of 37.021 strokes and the back played to 37.454. The scoring average on the day was 74.474.
• It comes as little surprise that all four par 5s were the four easiest holes. The eighth hole was the 15th easiest; the 15th was 16th easiest; the 13th was 17th easiest and the second hole was the easiest hole of the day.