[Terry Lavin]

Watching the first two days of play at the Masters has me wondering if the committee has found the way to defend this hole or if they’ve crossed the line.  We’ve seen epic shots and epic fails.


What say ye?

[John Kavanaugh]

I wouldn't be surprised if you are friends with Chip Beck. I couldn't help but think of him before, during and after Leishman's second shot. Who doesn't love epic?

[Terry Lavin]

I was awestruck by Leishman’s shot, but many more aw shucks shots, which probably supports the tougher setup decision.

[John Kavanaugh]

I wonder if Fred being an elite player himself has helped steer the set up to near perfect condition. This seems to be a perfect mix of agronomy and technology. Techgronomy.

[jeffwarne]

I wonder if Fred being an elite player himself has helped steer the set up to near perfect condition. This seems to be a perfect mix of agronomy and technology. Techgronomy.

I daresay the fairways look the least tight I have ever seen them-almost fluffy as if they would be flier inducing. (in person-and they look fluffy/scruffy/grainy on TV)
Bermuda explosion from the early week heat?
am I nuts?

[Jeff Schley]

Leishman's shot was so epic, it is hard to believe as it was only Friday and he was I think 1 shot out of the lead at the time.  Was it the smart play?  I certainly don't think so, but because it not only hit the green but rolled to 5 feet that certainly is the shot of the tourney so far and he needs some carbon fiber reinforced jock strap to hold up the balls he has.

Also on 15 how about Fowler 2nd shot from 224 from the pine straw on the right with branches hanging in his way.  He belted it onto the green, albeit almost 70 feet away.  That took balls as well.

Now if we add some wind and weather on Saturday, which is expected I think the approaches will be from 20-30 yards farther back and will see some guys rinse their 2nd shots.  15 historically is the 2nd easiest hole on the course after 13 and combined with 16 the last birdie holes which sets up the drama so well.

I think 15 needs tough pin placements and so far they have had them for both days, it is not only fun to watch Leishman type shots, but if guys don't pull them off they are throwing away their tourney chances come Sunday.  Pass the popcorn as I can't wait for the final 2 days.

[Mark Pearce]

15 historically is the 2nd easiest hole on the course after 13 and combined with 16 the last birdie holes which sets up the drama so well.

!6 historically is the easiest hole on the course.  If, by easiest, we mean lowest average score against par.  13 is, historically second easiest.

[Jeff Schley]

15 historically is the 2nd easiest hole on the course after 13 and combined with 16 the last birdie holes which sets up the drama so well.

!6 historically is the easiest hole on the course.  If, by easiest, we mean lowest average score against par.  13 is, historically second easiest.

4.78 vs. 4.79 but i factored in Sergio's 13    as this year 13 is the easiest.
 

[Matthew Essig]

I say it every year. The shaved bank catches more wedge shots than second shots, which I think was not the original purpose of shaving it down; they shaved the bank down to help defend against second shots. The wedge shot is already so difficult off the severe downhill lie (we have a how many page thread talking about how the shot is nearly impossible for a high handicapper?) that I think that it makes the hole even more biased to the long hitter to the point that its unfair, IMO.

[Ronald Montesano]

Good defense.


Fair hole locations.


It's the only event like it in the world. I'm fine with this, one week a year.


Someone always wins.


No one dies.

[Rick Shefchik]

I say it every year. The shaved bank catches more wedge shots than second shots, which I think was not the original purpose of shaving it down; they shaved the bank down to help defend against second shots. The wedge shot is already so difficult off the severe downhill lie (we have a how many page thread talking about how the shot is nearly impossible for a high handicapper?) that I think that it makes the hole even more biased to the long hitter to the point that its unfair, IMO.

Maybe near-impossible for the high handicapper, but for a single-digit amateur, I would think the wedge into 15 would be easier than it is for a pro like Garcia. Four times he tried to take enough spin off his wedge so his ball would stay above the hole, and, dammit, his ball-striking was just too good. A single-digit could certainly chunk that shot, but not spin it off the green four times in a row.

[jeffwarne]

Define unfair.


If you hit a wedge pin high,and you hit it "perfect" and it spins and gains momentum and goes in the water, do you try the exact same shot again?...or do you choose a less lofted club or, God forbid, hit the same club 2-8 yards further....?


I can understand being suprised once...


Spieth played it well past-with a good result.


That said, the hole and setup are a concession to the new game where pros hit 6 irons to par 5's, not 4 woods---to acheive the same scoring patterns.

[MClutterbuck]

I say it every year. The shaved bank catches more wedge shots than second shots, which I think was not the original purpose of shaving it down; they shaved the bank down to help defend against second shots. The wedge shot is already so difficult off the severe downhill lie (we have a how many page thread talking about how the shot is nearly impossible for a high handicapper?) that I think that it makes the hole even more biased to the long hitter to the point that its unfair, IMO.

Maybe near-impossible for the high handicapper, but for a single-digit amateur, I would think the wedge into 15 would be easier than it is for a pro like Garcia. Four times he tried to take enough spin off his wedge so his ball would stay above the hole, and, dammit, his ball-striking was just too good. A single-digit could certainly chunk that shot, but not spin it off the green four times in a row.

The single digit handicapper will also be playing slower greens. The shot is not that tough the rest of the season. It does hold.

[John Kavanaugh]

So Patrick Reed hits 3 wood from 268 like a total knumbnut. Makes eagle. We have never seen such a bunch of young guys who lack any sense of fear. It's not the ball.

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