The legendary Augusta National Golf Club has recently confirmed a modification of the key hole of the 2026 Augusta Masters. The change affects the 17th hole, known as ‘Nandina’, one of the most decisive par 4s in the final stretch of the course. This update seeks to maintain the tournament’s level of difficulty in the face of physical and technological developments in professional golf. We’ll tell you all about it in detail.

1. LENGTHENING OF THE 17TH HOLE TO INCREASE THE DIFFICULTY

The main modification consists of an extension of approximately 10 yards, bringing the hole to a total of around 450 yards. Although this may seem like a minor adjustment, at this competitive level it represents a significant change in the planning of the shot from the tee. The hole now requires greater precision and distance control. Augusta thus reinforces its strategic character without altering its historical essence. Every shot counts even more.

2. GREATER IMPORTANCE OF STRATEGY FROM THE TEE

With this new length, many players will have to rethink their choice of club off the tee. Going for power can leave the ball in difficult areas, while a more conservative tee shot complicates the second shot. Hole 17 thus becomes a real test of decision-making. Placement once again prevails over brute force. The margin for error is significantly reduced.

3. A KEY HOLE IN THE OUTCOME OF THE TOURNAMENT

Located in the final stages of the round, the 17th hole is often decisive on Sundays. A birdie can change a ranking and a bogey can cost the green jacket. With this adjustment, the psychological pressure increases considerably. Players will have to manage their nerves and concentration better. The spectacle for the fans is guaranteed until the very end.

4. AN EVOLUTION CONSISTENT WITH AUGUSTA’S PHILOSOPHY

Augusta National is known for making very measured and infrequent changes. This lengthening fits in with a progressive evolution of the course that has already been seen on other holes in previous decades. The aim is not to revolutionise the design, but to preserve the challenge for increasingly powerful players. Tradition and modernisation once again go hand in hand. The DNA of the course remains intact.

5. DIRECT IMPACT ON PLAYER PREPARATION

Professionals will have to adjust their specific preparation for the 2026 Masters. New distances, new landing zones and a different reading of the hole will mark the pre-tournament training sessions. Tournament strategy will be conditioned by this specific but decisive change. At Augusta, small details make a big difference. Hole 17 takes centre stage once again.

This modification of the key hole of the 2026 Augusta Masters confirms that elite golf continues to evolve without losing its identity. That same philosophy is what we uphold at Font del Llop, a course designed for golfers who enjoy the challenge, strategy and beauty of the game.
If you are a true golf lover and are looking for an experience where every hole requires you to think and feel the game, we look forward to seeing you at Font del Llop. Here, as in Augusta, golf is experienced shot by shot.