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Masters No. 7: From Birdie Gem to Brutal Test
6 Apr
Summary
- Byron Nelson achieved a rare birdie on the par-4 seventh in 1937.
- The seventh hole has been significantly lengthened and redesigned over time.
- Modern players now find the seventh hole a difficult challenge requiring accuracy.
The seventh hole at Augusta National, known as "Pampas," has evolved dramatically since Byron Nelson's legendary 1937 Masters victory. In that year, Nelson drove the green on the 340-yard par-4 and two-putted for birdie, a feat unimaginable today.
The hole's design was significantly altered shortly after Nelson's win, with elevated greens, added bunkers, and strategic tree planting transforming it into a more challenging test. Perry Maxwell, a renowned architect, was enlisted for these changes, costing $2,500.
Further modifications, including moving the tees back by approximately 40 yards, have extended the hole to its current 450-yard length. This transformation means players can no longer easily aim for birdies, with Scottie Scheffler noting that missing the fairway can make the hole exceptionally difficult.
Modern players, including Xander Schauffele and Brooks Koepka, describe the seventh as a hole where par is a good outcome, especially if the fairway is missed. The hole's scoring average of 4.156 makes it the 10th-toughest at Augusta National, a stark contrast to its earlier, more accessible reputation.
