What is Amen corner?
Everyone talks about Amen Corner during Masters week. But what is it?
Home to some of the most iconic holes in golf, Augusta National is a stunning course from start to finish. But what is Amen Corner?
Holes 11, 12 and 13 are the real showpieces which combine to form the legendary Amen Corner.
For many, this set of holes has been the catalyst leading to major glory, but for others it has been a Green Jacket crushing affair.
What is Amen Corner? Origins
In 1958 the great Arnold Palmer was playing some of his best golf, and it was at that year’s Masters that the name Amen Corner was born.
Palmer played the three holes in stunning fashion and this allowed him to go on and claim his first Masters title.
The name is actually courtesy of renowned sports writer Herbert Warren Wind, who put together a piece for Sports Illustrated following the conclusion of the 1958 event.
In the piece, Wind referred to 11, 12 and 13 as ‘Amen Corner’ and since that point, this is what it has been called.
What is Amen Corner? The holes
The 11th is a long par 4 that poses a considerable challenge for the whole field. As with all of the holes in Amen Corner, par is a good score. Players will favour the right side of the fairway to gain the best possible angle of the green which is flanked by water to the left.
The 12th has seen its fair share of drama. In a similar way to the 17th at TPC Sawgrass, players must ensure they carry the water if they are to find the green in one. But as we know all too well, the pressure that surrounds players during tournament week makes that much easier said than done.
Completing the set is the par-5 13th which plays a little left to right into a green that is separated from the fairway by a section of Rae’s Creek. A birdie is possible, but those who are to make one must commit to their approach shot.
What is Amen Corner? Breakdown
11: “White Dogwood”, par 4, 505 yards
12: “Golden Bell”, par 3, 155 yards
13: “Azalea”, par-5, 510 yards
It’s not quite all three holes, either. Amen Corner is generally considered to be the second shot at 11, the whole of 12, and the tee shot at 13.
The 12th, the par 3 called Golden Bell (pictured above), is one of the most spectacular to watch on TV. Not just for the drama, but because there are no fans surrounding the hole.
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Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
