Understanding The Geography of Augusta National and the Masters – A Listener’s Guide

Understanding the Geography of Augusta National And The Masters

Listening to a Master’s broadcast is a bit like being a member of a rather chummy club, as the announcers revel in their insider status by dropping cryptic references to the “Crow’s Nest”, “Eisenhower Tree” and “Amen Corner.” If you are just breaking into the game (and perhaps even if you’ve been watching for some time), it can all be quite obtuse. But never fear: the GolfBlogger is here with a handy guide to some of the more famous landmark references:

Magnolia Lane
The driveway from Washington Road to the clubhouse is flanked by 61 huge Magnolia trees, dating back to the 1850s. Magnolia Lane is 330 yards long.

Rae’s Creek
Named after former property owner John Rae (Rae died in 1789), the creek flows along the back of the 11th green, twists in front of the 12th green, and then passes ahead of the 13th tee. It’s crossed by the Hogan Bridge at the 12th and the Nelson Bridge at the 13th.

The Hogan Bridge
This bridge, constructed of stone, connects the fairway of the 12th to the green. It was named after Ben Hogan in 1958, following his then-course record of 272 strokes over 72 holes in 1953.

The Nelson Bridge
Dedicated to Byron Nelson in 1958, the Nelson Bridge honors his 1937 Masters performance. It connects the teeing ground of the 13th to the fairway.

The Sarazen Bridge
This bridge is named for Gene Sarazen, whose double eagle in the 1935 Masters stamped the tournament into the public consciousness. It crosses a pond on 15.

The Eisenhower Tree
President Eisenhower was a member of Augusta National and spent a great deal of time at the club. In spite of playing it so often, however, he had serious trouble with a particular pine tree located on the 17th hole, about 210 yards out. At at 1956 club meeting, Eisenhower proposed that the tree be removed. He didn’t get his wish, but in a delicious bit of irony, the loblolly pine was ever after known as the Eisenhower Tree.

The Eisenhower tree came down in the ice storms of 2013 – 2014. It a piece of the geography of Augusta National lost to future generations.

The Eisenhower Cabin
This cabin—one of ten on the property—was built for President Eisenhower to Secret Service specifications. The front porch is adorned with a presidential Eagle.

Ike’s Pond
Eisenhower spent a lot of time at Augusta. One day, while on a walk through the woods on the property, he thought he located the perfect place for a fishing pond. Chairman Clifford Roberts agreed, the dam was built and today the pond is appropriately named.

The Big Oak Tree
Located on the golf course side of the clubhouse, the tree likely is 150 years old. It’s big. It’s an oak. Thus, the name.

The Crow’s Nest
Located just under the clubhouse cupola, the Crow’s nest offers living space for five. It’s most famously used by amateur golfers invited to the Masters Tournament. The Crow’s Nest measures 30’ x 40’ and consists of a single room, divided into three cubicles with single beds and a fourth with two. The Cupola, which rises above the room can only be reached by a ladder.

The Founders Circle
Located in front of the clubhouse at the end of Magnolia Lane, the Founders Circle consists of plaques honoring club founders Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts.

The Record Fountain
Located to the left of the 17th tee, the Record Fountain was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of The Masters tournament. It displays the course records and Masters tournament champions.

The Par 3 Fountain
Next to the first tee on the Par 3 course, the fountain has a list of Par 3 Winners. Sam Snead’s name is first, from his 1960 victory.

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