Thanks for the “David Owen” book tip, I must read it some time.
I don’t pretend to be an expert on the history of the evolution of the ANGC bunkers - but purely from observation of this aerial one can see the 2nd, 7th, 8th, 15th and 17th have no greenside bunkers. Other greens are off the picture so I can’t comment.
Of course an explanation would be the arial photo is taken during the construction or grow-in period and the bunkers have still to be cut.
With some minimal research (by checking out the “Masters” website), some of my questions have been answered by the useful “Brief History” comments.
“In 1935 the 1st hole featured a bunker on the left side of the fairway. It was later removed. A left-front greenside bunker was added in 1951.”
“Originally, the 2nd green was guarded by a lone bunker on the right side. It was reduced in size in 1966. The left bunker was added in 1946.
“Architect Alister Mackenzie believed the 3rd hole to be nearly perfect in design. Thus, this green has been changed less than any other on the golf course.
“The 4th green resembled a boomerang in shape in 1935. It's now a bit wider, the bend slightly less extreme, but the hole remains an elusive target.
“The Road Hole of the Old Course at St. Andrews inspired the design of No. 5 at Augusta National. Bob Jones initially disapproved of the fairway bunkers.
“In the 1930s, the elevated 6th green was fronted by a stream; in the 1950s, by a pond. The hazard rarely came into play and was removed in 1959.
“The 7th hole lacked character until Horton Smith, the 1934 and 1936 Masters champion, suggested that the green be rebuilt and bunkers added.
“The mounds surrounding No. 8 green were removed in 1956 to improve sight lines for spectators. Byron Nelson supervised their restoration in 1979.
“The original 9th green had a more extreme 'false front' than the current green. Shots landing there invariably rolled back down the fairway.
“In 1935 the 10th green was positioned right of the huge fairway bunker. In 1937 it was moved to the rise beyond the bunker, making No. 10 a demanding par 4”
“Prior to 1950, Masters competitors had to contend with Rae's Creek, which fronted the 11th green, on their approach shots. Now they face a larger pond.”
“The 12th hole was a heartbreaker from the start. Its fickle winds, narrow green and proximity to the water have thwarted many runs for the Masters title.”
“More discovered than designed, the 13th hole was a field originally. Virtually all Alister Mackenzie had to do was build a green on the far side of the stream.
“No. 14 is the only hole on the course without a bunker. A fairway bunker right of the tee shot landing area was removed after the 1952 Tournament.
“In 1935 the 15th green had no greenside bunker. Bob Jones firmly believed that all par 5s should be within reach of two shots by better players.
“Alister Mackenzie's original 16th hole resembled the 12th, but it was too easy for Masters competitors. In 1947 a pond was built and the green moved right.
“The original 17th green, undefended by bunkers, was designed to accept run-up shots. Now, front bunkers make lofted approaches a safer bet.
“Even in its original form, the 18th green had two distinct tiers. The terrain surrounding it has been contoured to allow good sight lines for spectators.”
Hopefully the GCA historians can throw in some interesting info for us to enjoy?
However, purely from observation, I would guess the 12th, 13th and 16th all have “Saving” bunkers to assist the Members play rather than any strategic value.