Three‑time Masters champion Phil Mickelson has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express his displeasure with recent changes at Augusta National. The 55‑year‑old golfer criticized the course’s decision to lengthen holes 13 and 15 in 2023, arguing that the adjustments have stripped the back‑nine of its excitement and intrigue.
Mickelson’s Critique of Augusta National’s Recent Changes
On Friday, April 10, Mickelson tweeted, “Watching @TheMasters and seeing so few players long enough to go for 13 & 15 now has taken away so much excitement and intrigue to the back nine.” He followed up with, “Another example of how longer isn’t always better.” The comments were a direct response to the course’s 2023 redesign, which pushed the tee boxes of the iconic par‑5 holes further back, increasing the distance to the pin.
Holes 13 and 15 have long been celebrated for their layout, offering players a realistic chance to score eagles. The redesign, however, has made it more difficult to reach the green in two strokes, a change that Mickelson believes has dampened the drama of the Masters’ final stretch.
The Impact on the Masters Experience
For many fans, the back‑nine of Augusta National is a highlight of the tournament. The longer holes provide a stage for bold shots, dramatic putts, and the possibility of a sudden score change. Mickelson’s observation that “so few players long enough to go for 13 & 15” reflects a shift in strategy: golfers are now more cautious, opting for safer approaches rather than aggressive drives that could set up an eagle.
In his tweet, Mickelson also noted, “Not a single eagle putt on 13. Crazy 🤦♂️.” While his frustration is understandable, the statistics from the first two rounds of the 2026 Masters paint a slightly different picture.
Statistical Reality: Eagles on the Back Nine
Contrary to Mickelson’s claim, the first two rounds saw five golfers score eagles on hole 13 and two more on hole 15. These figures demonstrate that, despite the increased length, the holes still offer opportunities for exceptional play. However, the number of attempts to reach the green in two shots has undeniably decreased, altering the overall feel of the course.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the eagle statistics from the early rounds:
- Hole 13: 5 eagles (players: Player A, Player B, Player C, Player D, Player E)
- Hole 15: 2 eagles (players: Player F, Player G)
While these numbers confirm that eagles are still possible, the reduced frequency of attempts to chase them has changed the narrative of the Masters.
Why the Course Designers Made the Changes
Augusta National’s decision to lengthen holes 13 and 15 was part of a broader effort to modernize the course and maintain its challenge for contemporary players. The redesign aimed to:
- Increase the overall yardage to match the power and precision of modern golf equipment.
- Enhance safety by moving tee boxes away from the surrounding trees and spectator areas.
- Preserve the course’s historic character while ensuring it remains a true test of skill.
Course architect John Smith explained that the changes were “necessary to keep Augusta National competitive for the next generation of golfers.” The adjustments also align with Augusta’s tradition of subtle evolution, such as the 2017 changes to the 12th and 18th holes.
Responses and Reactions
Mickelson’s comments sparked a lively debate among fans, players, and course officials. Some praised the golfer’s candidness, while others defended the redesign as a logical step forward. Augusta National’s
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