Augusta National Golf Course - Hole 3

With the Masters Tournament 2025 fast approaching, golf fans eagerly await to see what hazards face competitors at Augusta National Golf Club. Among the most interesting holes on this legendary course is the 3rd, better known as the "Flowering Peach."

Hole Overview

Augusta National's 3rd hole is a 350-yard par 4, which is the shortest par 4 on the course. This shorter hole has remained largely untouched since 1934 when Augusta National Golf Course was opened, a testament to how great it is as a design. Alistair Mackenzie, who was one of the original course designers, graded this hole as being among the best holes on the course.

Unique Features

Terrain: Augusta National's signature rolling terrain characterises the 3rd hole. The tee is located in a valley, and the fairway climbs up to the top of a ridge before dropping abruptly into another valley. The green is perched atop another rise. This roller-coaster-type terrain increases the required skill level needed, to what might otherwise be an easy short par 4.

The 3rd hole green is notoriously difficult. It sits atop a plateau that slopes from high right to low left. The subtle slope will return balls struck with too much spin down the steep front of the green, and shots struck long leave golfers with a challenging downhill chip.

Strategic Considerations

Players on the 3rd hole have several strategic options:

Tee Shot: Hitting tee shots far out beyond the cluster of bunkers along the left side of the fairway is preferred for most golfers. This will provide a better angle for the approach shot.

Approach: The ideal approach is from the left side and lower of the fairway, playing up to the green using a short wedge. This angle provides greater control when playing for the pin locations.

Green Management: The green's demanding nature requires precise shot-striking irrespective of pin location. Players have to take great care in regards to spin and direction to ensure that their ball does not roll off the green.

Bunkers

The 3rd hole at Augusta National now has four bunkers, and all of them are on the left side of the fairway. They are placed to defend the best angle into the green. The ball has to be hit approximately 280 yards from the tee to clear these hazards.

Interestingly, the bunker alignment has developed over the years. In early days of this course, there was only a single massive bunker down the left. The current arrangement with four bunkers is less conspicuous to players today. 

Historical Significance

The 3rd hole has witnessed its fair share of Masters drama. In 2003, veteran player Jeff Maggert's victory hopes were eliminated when his second shot from a fairway bunker ricocheted off the edge and struck him, earning a two-shot penalty.

Statistical Performance

Scoring an average of 4.08 historically, the 3rd hole ranks as the 14th hardest at Augusta National. The number emphasises the deceptively tricky nature of the hole for its brevity. Notable play features Tiger Woods playing the hole at 1 under par during his winning 2019 Masters campaign.

Aesthetic Appeal

Living true to its name, Flowering Peach, the 3rd hole is graced with flowering peach trees, which are typically in bloom in March and early April. The beautiful scenery adds to the attractiveness of the hole and earns Augusta National a reputation for unrestrained natural beauty.

In summary, Augusta National's 3rd hole, "Flowering Peach," is a classic illustration of the course's masterful design. Its seemingly simple design hides a refined test that requires strategic thinking, precise shot-making, and a refined touch around the greens. When competitors play this hole in the next Masters Tournament, it will undoubtedly be a major determinant of the event's outcome.