Letter from Augusta: Longer Par 5 an issue for Shane Lowry but not Rory McIlroy

“Funny, I was here last week and I wasn’t playing with Rory. I asked him, ‘Can you carry that bunker?’ And he says, ‘Yeah,’ and I’m like f--- hell. I certainly can’t," said Lowry.

MASTERS CHANGES: Shane Lowry of Ireland laughs on the second green during a practice round prior to the 2023 Masters Tournament. Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images.

Among the Masters traditions unlike any other is spotting all the changes and enhancements to the course and grounds thanks to a seemingly bottomless well of funds at Augusta National Golf Club’s disposal. There is a lot to take in this year.

The only announced significant course change involves the par-5 second hole – Pink Dogwood. The tee box was moved 10 yards further back and slightly to the golfer’s left, requiring a little more shape to drives to avoid the fairway bunkers on the right side where the hole doglegs left down the hill.