Phil Mickelson Criticizes Augusta National's Lengthened Par 5s at Masters Phil Mickelson, who skipped the 2026 Masters due to a "personal health matter," took to social media to voice his concerns about the lengthened 13th and 15th holes at Augusta National. In a tweet, he lamented the reduced excitement and intrigue on the back nine, arguing that the changes have dulled two of golf’s most iconic par 5s. His comments sparked a broader debate about the impact of course modifications on the game’s most prestigious tournament. Mickelson’s critique centered on the difficulty of reaching the greens in two shots on holes 13 and 15, which he claimed have made the holes less thrilling for fans. He noted that few players are long enough to attempt the second shot, a claim that drew scrutiny. When a colleague pointed out that six players had successfully holed putts for eagle on the 13th hole in round two, Mickelson responded, "6 of 90. Like I said 'so few.'" This exchange highlighted the tension between his perception and the statistical reality of the holes. The data revealed that Mickelson’s assertion was misleading. On the 15th hole, 63% of players attempted to reach the green with their second shot on Thursday, 48% on Friday, and 72% on Saturday. Even players with shorter driving distances, like Brian Harman, opted to go for the green after a strong opening drive. These figures underscore that the holes remain challenging, but the lengthened design has not eliminated the risk of attempting a long second shot. On the 13th hole, Mickelson’s claim was slightly more accurate. In the first round, 33% of players attempted to reach the green, rising to 42% in the second round and 43% in the third.#masters_tournament #augusta_national #bobby_jones #phil_mickelson #13th_hole
Masters Champions Dinner Menus Through the Years: A Tradition of Culinary Choices The Augusta National Golf Club’s Champions Dinner, a cherished tradition at the Masters Tournament, has long been a highlight of the event. Each year, the winner of the Masters selects the menu for the following year’s dinner, which takes place on Tuesday during tournament week. This custom dates back to 1952, when defending champion Ben Hogan established the “Masters Club” for past champions. The club’s founding included honorary memberships for co-creators Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, with tournament chairmen later joining the annual gathering. Attendees receive an inscribed gold locket shaped like the club’s emblem as a token of membership. A unique aspect of the tradition is that each champion covers the cost of their chosen menu for all past winners. The menus have evolved over decades, reflecting the personal tastes and cultural influences of the champions. For instance, Rory McIlroy, who won his first Masters in 2026, opted for a menu featuring grilled elk sliders, aligning with his previous interest in wild game. Scottie Scheffler, the 2022 champion, maintained a consistent approach in 2023, offering a balanced selection that appealed to a broad audience. In 2020, Tiger Woods returned to his childhood favorites, serving fajitas and sushi alongside steak and sashimi, a nod to his early years in Southern California. Other notable menus include Patrick Reed’s elaborate spread in 2019, which showcased his depth of culinary planning, and Sergio Garcia’s 2018 dinner, which incorporated traditional Spanish dishes like lobster rice. Danny Willett’s 2017 menu was described as quintessentially English, rivaling Sir Nick Faldo’s 1997 fish and chips.#masters_tournament #augusta_national_golf_club #ben_hogan #bobby_jones #clifford_roberts
