There is no controversy in saying Augusta National has a distinct place in golf’s landscape.
The Masters is the only major that returns to the same venue every year, with Augusta National hosting the event since its first edition in 1934.
It is a course that rewards experience. Fuzzy Zoeller was the last player to win The Masters on his debut, back in 1979, and it has not happened since.
Understanding all of Augusta National’s challenges can take years. Between his 2011 collapse and eventual triumph more than a decade later, Rory McIlroy did not often look like a serious contender.
Sir Nick Faldo reveals what helped him shine at Augusta National
There might be a lesser-known tip that can make a real difference at Augusta National, one that many players have not picked up on.
Sir Nick Faldo had some of his best moments in golf on the famous greens of Georgia, claiming three Masters titles during his career.
In a 2011 interview with Golf Digest, Faldo spoke about what he believes was key to his success, especially during his second win at Augusta.
He explained: “When I won the 1990 Masters, I don’t recall missing a single green to the left or right. I missed only short or long – a secret to playing Augusta National not all players are aware of.
“It all goes back to my days as a teenager at Welwyn Garden City Golf Club, in England. It had a short, narrow practice area, no more than a seven iron shot in length to a small target green, and naturally I developed an iron game more oriented toward direction than distance. Controlling distance gets most of the emphasis these days, and I appreciate that, but the mark of a pure swing is whether you hit the ball dead on line. If you can learn to do that, your distance control will follow eventually.”
The exclusive club Sir Nick Faldo finds himself in along with Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods following his three Masters wins
Faldo’s place in Masters history is well established.
Only Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer have more victories at Augusta National than the Englishman. Sam Snead, Gary Player and Phil Mickelson also sit alongside him with three wins each.
But there is one distinction that separates Faldo even further. Alongside Nicklaus and Woods, he is one of only three players to ever successfully defend their title at Augusta.
What stands out about Faldo’s record is that his three victories were also the only times he finished inside the top 10 at The Masters – the fewest of any major in his career.
It goes to show that even someone who knows every corner of Augusta cannot always put it all together every year.
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