Harrington praying at Amen Corner
From Brian Keogh at Augusta
Padraig Harrington is praying that Amen Corner won't be the graveyard for his Masters hopes.
The 11th, 12th and 13th holes feature the most intimidating selection of pressure shots in golf and the Dubliner knows he must come through that test with flying colours.
The three holes from hell are the most beautiful on the course, but disaster is waiting to happen every yard of the way
Here Harrington describes the key challenges of holes he has played 32 times in nine years.
No 11 White Dogwood - Par 4, 505 yards
Key: Second shot
The beginning of Amen Corner, the wind if often a factor on this hole, which plays downhill and left to right. A pond guards the green to the left and a bunker has been strategically placed on the right. Famous for Larry Mize’s 140-foot chip in birdie to win the 1987 Masters.
Harrington explained: “You are playing to a small target with a swirling wind. There is water on the edge of the green, which is a no-no and you don’t want to miss it right either, for obvious reasons.
“It’s a four iron approach for me now, whereas it was a nine iron in 2000, so it has changed quite a bit. It’s also the start of Amen Corner and you are always happy to come away with a par.”
Harrington’s history at 11th: Birdies 4. Average score 4.21.
No 12 Golden Bell - Par 3, 155 yards
Key: Tee shot
With Rae’s Creek in front and three bunkers to avoid, the shortest par three on the course is historically the second most difficult hole at Augusta National.
Harrington said: “You have a swirling wind with a small target and you don’t want to hit it long and you don’t want to be short either. The green is relatively flat although there is grain to take into account.
“With experience you know where it breaks but it is not a green where you want to be long or short of the hole. It can play anything between a six iron and a pitching wedge. Generally it is about an eight iron and it is one of the toughest shots you will face anywhere.”
Harrington’s history at 12th: Birdies 5. Average: 3.12.
No 13 Azalea - Par 5, 510 yards
Key: Second shot
For Harrington it is a classic risk-reward hole and he is contemplating cutting off as much of the dogleg as he dares to give himself the shortest possible approach to the green.
He said: “Even though they have pushed the tee back over the years, the drive hasn’t really changed because we all hit the ball further. But with the second shot you have a hanging lie and you are aiming right to draw the ball.
“The creek is right and you don’t want to smother it too much either because it is going to go through the green on the left and that is no fun either.
“It might give you a reason to be more aggressive off the tee and miss that slope to give yourself a six-iron to the green. Otherwise you are left with a three-iron to the green from that hanging lie, which ain’t easy.
“So I might be a bit more aggressive off the tee and cut across the trees on the left a bit more to get down further.
“Yes, you are bringing more trouble into play with your tee shot. But you are working on the principal that if you miss it right you can still lay up and if you hit it down the fairway you have got a much easier shot.”
Harrington’s history at 13th. Eagles 1. Birdies 11. Average: 4.93.