Golf Digest's architecture editor Derek Duncan uncovers the hidden history of Augusta National's famous 16th hole. While now a cornerstone of the Masters drama, the hole was not part of the original Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones design. This feature traces its complete post-World War II transformation.
The original 16th, a short par-3 over a creek, was considered too similar to the 12th hole and not challenging enough for tournament play. In 1946, Bobby Jones and Chairman Clifford Roberts enlisted architect Robert Trent Jones to reimagine it. The solution was radical: rotate the hole's orientation and dredge a large basin to create the now-iconic pond that stretches from tee to green.
The new design featured a long tee, a menacing water hazard, and a large, sloping two-tiered green—a modern architectural statement in 1948. Despite initial settling issues, the hole was perfected and has since been the stage for historic moments, including Tiger Woods' famous chip-in in 2005. Its unique green complex, with distinct pin placements, continues to test the world's best players every April.