The Masters 2023 Course Preview

Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta National Golf Club, home to the prestigious Masters Tournament, is a 7545-yard, par-72 course located in Augusta, Georgia. Known for its stunning beauty, fast greens, and challenging layout, Augusta National tests every aspect of a golfer’s game. In order to select the right players for your DFS lineups, it’s crucial to understand the key statistics and course features that can impact player performance, and I will break all that down for you below, but first a little history lesson on one of the most well known courses in the world!

The Course:

Augusta National Golf Club, located in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the most famous and prestigious golf clubs in the world. Founded by Bobby Jones, a legendary amateur golfer, and Clifford Roberts, an investment banker, the club opened in 1933. Augusta National is best known for hosting the annual Masters Tournament, one of the four major championships in professional golf.

The property where Augusta National is situated was originally a plant nursery named Fruitland Nurseries, owned by Belgian horticulturist Prosper Julius Alphonse Berckmans. When Bobby Jones retired from competitive golf in 1930, he sought to create a new golf course and, together with Clifford Roberts, acquired the property in 1931.

The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Alister MacKenzie, with Bobby Jones providing significant input. Construction began in 1931 and was completed in 1932, with the club officially opening on January 13, 1933.

In 1934, the first Augusta National Invitation Tournament, now known as the Masters Tournament, was held. Horton Smith won the inaugural event, and the Masters quickly became one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. The tournament’s iconic Green Jacket, awarded to the winner, was introduced in 1949, with Sam Snead being the first to receive it.

Over the years, Augusta National has undergone numerous changes and renovations, including lengthening the course, adding and modifying bunkers, and altering the greens. Despite these changes, the club has maintained its commitment to excellence and tradition.

Augusta National is also known for its azaleas, dogwoods, and other flora that create a stunning backdrop for the golf course. Each hole is named after the plant species that were originally found in the area, a nod to the property’s history as a plant nursery.

While Augusta National has been celebrated for its beauty and history, it has also faced criticism for its exclusivity and past policies regarding membership. It was not until 1990 that the club admitted its first African American member, and in 2012, it admitted its first female members – former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and business executive Darla Moore.

Today, Augusta National remains an iconic symbol of golf history and tradition, and the Masters continues to be “A tradition unlike any other.” 

Tournament Set-up: 

Par: 36-36–72

Yardage: 7,545

Course Statistics

Average Green Size: 6,486 sq. ft.
Acres of Fairway: 79
Acres of Rough: 35
Number of Sand Bunkers: 44
Number of Water Hazards: 6
Number of Holes Water is in Play: 5

Greens: Bentgrass .125”
Collars: Bentgrass .250”
Approaches: Ryegrass overseed .312”
Tees: Ryegrass overseed .312”
Fairways: Ryegrass overseed .375”
Second Cut: Ryegrass overseed 1.375”

Additional Notes

Ahead of the 2023 Masters, the club released its annual media guide on Monday, which confirmed the change to “Azalea.” The hole’s yardage has been increased by 35 yards, up to 545 yards from 510 yards last year.

Links to DFS Army Tools

• PGA Research Station – Every single stat you could want for this week’s event!
• PGA Cheatsheets – Notes on all the viable players in the field
• PGA Domination Station – One-click Optimized Lineups in Seconds

Keys to Success 

Key Statistics:

1. Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green (SG:T2G)
2. Strokes Gained: Approach (SG:APP)
3. Strokes Gained: Putting (SG:PUTT)
4. Greens in Regulation (GIR)
5. Driving Accuracy (DA)
6. Driving Distance (DD)
7. Scrambling (SCR)

Course Features:

1. Fairways: Augusta National features wide fairways, which generally leads to higher driving accuracy among players.
2. Greens: The course is known for its fast, undulating greens, which can make putting a challenge even for the most experienced golfers.
3. Elevation Changes: The course has significant elevation changes, putting a premium on accurate approach shots and club selection.
4. Par-5 Scoring: The par-5 holes at Augusta National (2, 8, 13, and 15) offer birdie and eagle opportunities, making them crucial for DFS scoring.

Player Selection Factors:

1. Recent Form: Players who have been performing well leading up to the Masters are likely to have a higher confidence level and may fare better on the challenging course.
2. Course History: Golfers with strong records at Augusta National can offer valuable insight into their ability to handle the course’s unique challenges.
3. Ball Striking: Players who excel at ball striking (both in accuracy and distance) may have an advantage on the demanding Augusta National layout.
4. Par-5 Scoring: Target players who have demonstrated strong par-5 scoring, as these holes offer significant scoring opportunities.
5. Scrambling: Augusta National often requires players to recover from difficult positions, making scrambling ability a critical factor in player selection.

DFS Strategy:

1. Balanced Lineup: Aim for a balanced lineup, with a mix of high-priced and value players, rather than a stars-and-scrubs approach.
2. Focus on SG:T2G, SG:APP, and GIR: Prioritize players who excel in these key areas, as they will have a better chance of navigating Augusta National’s challenges.
3. Putting Variance: Although putting is important at Augusta, it can be more variable from week to week. Focus more on consistent ball strikers who may have a higher floor.
4. Par-5 Scorers: Target players who have demonstrated the ability to score well on par-5 holes, as they offer the best scoring opportunities on the course.

Quotes about the Course:

• Jack Nicklaus, six-time Masters champion: “The secret of Augusta National is the greens. You have to be very precise in your iron play and be able to hit the ball to the correct quadrants of the greens.”
• Tiger Woods, five-time Masters champion: “Course management is a big part of playing Augusta National. You have to understand where to place the ball, and you have to have a great short game because you’re going to miss some greens.”
• Phil Mickelson, three-time Masters champion: “The key to playing Augusta National is being aggressive on the par-5s and being patient on the par-4s. It’s all about picking your spots and knowing when to attack.”
• Jordan Spieth, 2015 Masters champion: “At Augusta, it’s important to stay patient and stay in the moment. You can’t get too far ahead of yourself, and you have to take it one shot at a time.”
• Bubba Watson, two-time Masters champion: “Creativity is important at Augusta National. You have to be able to shape shots and adapt to the different lies and elevation changes on the course.”
• Fred Couples, 1992 Masters champion: “Augusta National is all about confidence. You have to trust your swing and believe in yourself, especially on the greens.”
• Adam Scott, 2013 Masters champion: “Playing well at Augusta National requires a great balance of power and finesse. You need distance off the tee, but you also need a precise short game and a solid putting stroke.”

In summary, the key factors for success at Augusta National include precise iron play, course management, patience, creativity, confidence, and a balanced skill set. By focusing on these aspects, golfers can increase their chances of performing well at the Masters Tournament.

Past Results:

• 2022: Scottie Scheffler (-10)
• 2021: Hideki Matsuyama (-10)
• 2020: Dustin Johnson (-20, a record-setting score)
• 2019: Tiger Woods (-13)
• 2018: Patrick Reed (-15)
• 2017: Sergio Garcia (-9, won in a playoff against Justin Rose)
• 2016: Danny Willett (-5)
• 2015: Jordan Spieth (-18)
• 2014: Bubba Watson (-8)
• 2013: Adam Scott (-9, won in a playoff against Angel Cabrera)
• 2012: Bubba Watson (-10, won in a playoff against Louis Oosthuizen)

The average winning score at the Masters varies depending on the course conditions, weather, and other factors that may impact scoring, including the lengthening of holes as we saw earlier, but since 2022 we have seen an average winning score of -11.

This year, I expect that number to be closer to single digits, due to the fact that weather forecast, as you’ll see blow, is less than ideal.

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Weather:

Weather always plays a role here, and while you will likely hear about the subair system that they have here, it’s still going to make the course play more difficult than it has in years past if the current forecast holds up.

Thursday currently looks to be the nicest day, but Friday has chances of rain and wind all day, with the temperature then become unseasonably cold on the weekend with highs in the upper 40’s and wind. All of this should combine to have some of the most difficult conditions we’ve seen at Augusta in years.

Final Thoughts:

As always, the Masters is one of the best weeks on the year, normally at DFS Army we typically preach to be smart with your bankroll, and play the same every week, but I don’t mind splurging a little on the majors. We will have more content out as the week goes on, both free and VIP so be sure to be on the lookout!

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