The Masters preview: Re-designed 13th hole at Augusta could prove unlucky for some

Augusta National Golf Club spent $26 million to push the tee box back and restore the 'risk and reward' factor.

RISK AND REWARD: Zach Johnson watches his tee shot on the 13th hole during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Both the R&A and USGA presented a new model local rule proposal last month that would roll back the distance the golf ball can fly for the game’s elite male players by 2026.

Augusta National Golf Club decided it couldn’t wait that long to address what modern players and modern equipment has done to the formerly risk-reward par-5 13th hole.