What a 15 handicap would shoot at Augusta National

The Masters could not have the fame as probably the most tough main championship, however that doesn’t imply Augusta National is a cakewalk to the sport’s finest gamers.

From wild elevation modifications to large slopes and demanding contours across the greens, Augusta poses one of many extra distinctive checks to the Masters discipline annually.

But, given the uber-private nature of the membership, the course presents a check we not often get to see common golfers take.

So, we requested some Masters winners how a 15-handicap golfer would fare given the possibility to play Augusta National in Masters circumstances.

Both two-time winner Jose Maria Olazabal and 1998 winner Mark O’Meara laughed.

“A 15 handicap at Augusta National, from where these kids play today for sure would not even have a chance of breaking 100,” O’Meara instructed GOLF’s Claire Rogers. “That’s how difficult the course is. That’s how much slope there is and speed in the greens. An average player would have a very difficult time getting around Augusta National in less than 100.”

Larry Mize agreed with O’Meara’s evaluation.

“They would have a hard time breaking 100, they really would,” the 1987 inexperienced jacket winner instructed GOLF’s Zephyr Melton. “Playing there for the primary time, you’re simply going to be so excited. It’s going to be laborious to focus in in your sport. It’s simply the nerves of taking part in there for the primary time.

“And then maneuvering these greens, the typical beginner doesn’t play greens like that. They could get some contours much like that however the pace is fairly uncommon — they’re fairly fast.

“I think a 15 handicap, because they’re normally shooting mid-80s, something like that? They would have to play really really good to break 100.”

Olazabal echoed his colleagues ideas about amateurs having a “hard time” breaking 100.

So in case you are ever fortunate sufficient to attain a spherical at Augusta National, you higher decrease your expectations and produce your A-game.

Jack Hirsh

Golf.com Editor

Jack Hirsh is an assistant editor at GOLF. A Pennsylvania native, Jack is a 2020 graduate of Penn State University, incomes levels in broadcast journalism and political science. He was captain of his highschool golf crew and not too long ago returned to this system to function head coach. Jack additionally nonetheless *tries* to stay aggressive in native amateurs. Before becoming a member of GOLF, Jack spent two years working at a TV station in Bend, Oregon, primarily as a Multimedia Journalist/reporter, but additionally producing, anchoring and even presenting the climate. He could be reached at jack.hirsh@golf.com.