Augusta set to become an even longer drive

NEXT year’s U.S. Masters will be contested on the second longest course in major championship history after tournament organisers announced that six holes at Augusta National would be lengthened.

The par-72 Augusta National measured 7,290 yards when Tiger Woods clinched his fourth U.S. Masters title in April, but the course will be extended to 7,445 yards for the 2006 edition.

The tees at the par-four first, par-three fourth, par-four seventh, par-four 11th, par-five 15th and par-four 17th will all be moved back, Augusta National chairman Hootie Johnson said in a statement.

“Since the first Masters in 1934, this golf course has evolved and that process continues today,” Johnson said.

“As in the past, our objective is to maintain the integrity and shot values of the golf course as envisioned by Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie.

“Players’ scores are not a factor. We will keep the golf course current with the times.”

Construction work began this month with the completion scheduled for around October.

Par-72 Augusta National, the only permanent venue for any of golf’s four major championships, was designed by Mackenzie and Jones and opened for play in 1932.