Augusta gives with one hand but takes with the other

One of the greatest challenges of competitive golf is no two courses are alike. As a result, competitors this week have been frantically trying to work out the best course strategy that reflects not only their ability but also their current form.

Augusta National has a habit of making great golfers look decidedly ordinary. Much like St Andrews in Scotland, no-pressure practice rounds and easy pin positions can easily give players the wrong impression the course is there for the taking. But nothing could be further from the truth, for once the ceremonial shots are hit, the course comes alive.

Gone are the wide open fairways, the easy carries over doglegs and the quiet appreciative reverence of the galleries, replaced instead by raucus crowds cheering on every birdie around Amen corner. Gone too are the easy executions because from here on out, precision counts, with missed drives and inaccurate approach shots now threatening the player’s survival.