A two-time Masters champion has opened up concerning the issue he faces at Augusta Nationwide.
Jose Maria Olazabal has admitted that he can barely attain the greens (Picture: Getty)
Two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal has confessed he’s discovering it more and more tough to achieve a few of Augusta Nationwide’s par-four greens in two strokes. As with most tournaments, the long-lasting course routinely makes changes in a bid to maintain up with modern-day golf professionals who hit the ball additional than ever earlier than. These alterations usually contain extending the size of holes.
Prior to now 5 years alone, the tees on the second gap had been moved again 10 yards, the tees on the eleventh had been moved again 15 yards, the tees on the thirteenth had been moved again 35 yards and the tees on the fifteenth had been moved again 20 yards. This 12 months, the tee field has been pulled again on the seventeenth, successfully including one other 10 yards to the opening on prime of all the assorted holes which have already been lengthened in earlier years.
Whereas rollback guidelines are set to be launched in 2028, it seems programs similar to Augusta Nationwide will proceed lengthening holes for the foreseeable future.
This may occasionally current little issue to the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, however for Olazabal, these modifications are a real concern. The Spaniard lately made no secret of his displeasure on the ongoing alterations.
When requested if he was rising accustomed to the modifications, the 60-year-old replied bluntly: “That does not imply I prefer it.
“Sure, clearly I am getting used to the golf course taking part in extraordinarily lengthy for me. There are particular holes that I barely attain the inexperienced in two. No. 5 is an effective instance of that, No. 11 is one other one.
“Then I do have loads of par-fours that I am hitting actually lengthy irons, even seven-woods on to the greens. As I mentioned, it is all the time nice to be right here.
“My aim is simply to place a few first rate scores the primary two days and attempt to get pleasure from it as a lot as I can.”
The veteran Spaniard is a two-time champion at Augusta Nationwide (Picture: Getty Pictures)
Olazabal, nonetheless, is one thing of an authority across the greens, which provides him a definite edge to name upon. He claimed his first Inexperienced Jacket in 1994 earlier than repeating the feat in 1999.
“The extra you play this golf course, the higher it’s,” he mentioned. “We have all the time mentioned, this golf course these days calls for an entire sport.
“You must be lengthy and straight off the tee. You must be sharp along with your irons, and on prime of that, your quick sport needs to be actually good.
“Figuring out the contours of the greens and all that clearly helps you across the greens, and while you play it, I do not know, 37 instances or 38 instances over years, you get to know the course a bit of higher.”
Regardless of his reservations concerning the modifications, Olazabal has no intention of criticising Augusta Nationwide. Having triumphed twice on the legendary membership, he appreciates higher than virtually anybody simply how exceptional the Masters actually is.
Event schedules, scores, gamers updates and majors information plus chosen affords and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embody adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
“The sentiments are nice,” he mentioned. “Each time I come right here, it is a very particular place for me, for my coronary heart. I’ve fantastic recollections. This place has given me a lot in my profession for main occasions. It is all the time implausible to be again right here.”
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the very best sports activities information and way more on our Fb web page.
Leave a Reply