Augusta’s Par 3 course redesign is long on changes

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA | All the course architecture chatter this week at the Masters is about the long-threatened and now-implemented lengthening of the iconic par-5 13th hole. But the most extensive undertaking on the grounds will be on display at Wednesday's annual Par 3 Contest.
Patrons and viewers on the ESPN broadcast will get their first glimpse of the major renovation of Augusta’s famous Par 3 course – a project that was completed in 150 days and is designed to greatly enhance the experience of patrons who attend one of the tournament’s most popular and cherished traditions.
Augusta’s short course – which Ben Crenshaw calls “a little piece of art” and Paul Azinger dubbed “the best golf course in the world” – received its biggest makeover in 44 years. While the last four holes remain unchanged, the first five have been totally redesigned to enhance the course and to open up views of multiple holes for the patrons.
The Masters media guide says the changes will allow “more golf holes to be adjacent to DeSoto Springs Pond and for the da...