Reigning PGA Champion Jason Day has backed proposals to extend the 13th hole at Augusta National.
It has been reported the club is in discussion of moving the tee at ‘Azalea’, as the par five 13th is named, back to lengthen the hole to 510-yards.
When the first Masters was staged in 1934 the hole measured 480-yards and with most recent change being made in 2002 when the tee was moved back some 20 to 25 yards.
Overhead shot of the 13th hole at Augusta National
Last year, the 13th was ranked 17th and the second easiest during the 2015 Masters, and surrendering 20 eagles, 141 birdies but also 20 bogeys and 9 double bogeys.
Overall, the hole averaged 4.79 strokes at the 2015 Masters and with it being the second easiest on Thursday, the easiest on both Friday and Saturday and second easiest for the last round.
“When I play the 13th at Augusta I would be hitting anywhere between driver, 3-wood and 2-iron off the tee and that’s depending on how I feel, and how I’m playing,” said Day.
“I do understand they are going to lengthen the 13th and I’m okay with that.
“I guess what Augusta is trying to defend against is guys no caring and bombing it over the trees and past the corner, and then having 7-irons and 8-irons into the green.
“Even Bubba, to a certain degree who I understand was hitting sand-wedge or pitching wedge.
“So if everyone is hitting to the corner then everyone will have the same kind of second shot into the green, and if that’s the case it is going to be a lot more difficult in playing your approach shot.”
