Nestled in the heart of Augusta, Georgia, Augusta National Golf Club is a sanctuary of serenity and natural beauty. Designed by renowned architect Alister MacKenzie and legendary golfer Bobby Jones, the course is a harmonious blend of meticulously manicured fairways, lush greens, and vibrant flora providing a cross between the Chelsea flower show and one of golf's great courses.
The layout of Augusta National is a masterpiece of design, challenging the world's best golfers with its strategic nuances and demanding shot-making that can make previous winners seem like novices of the course. From the daunting par-3 12th hole, famously known as "Golden Bell," where Jack Nicklaus a six-time Masters champion, has said “Sometimes I get there, and my hands just shake.” to the treacherous par-5 15th hole, aptly named "Firethorn," each hole presents a specific set of challenges and undoubted beauty with lightning-fast greens that will demand precision and nerves of steel.
While Augusta National embodies the essence of parkland golf with its lush greenery and pristine conditions, it contrasts beautifully to what I see most in Scotland in links golf courses. Unlike the manicured fairways of Augusta, links courses are characterised by undulating dunes, unpredictable weather conditions, and firm, fast-running fairways. From the windswept fairways of St. Andrews, Royal Dornoch, and where the Open is this year at Royal Troon all of which I have recently painted and you can view on my website. Links golf presents a unique set of challenges that test the skills and resilience of players in contrasting ways to Augusta. This is why I love this frustrating and hard game so much. You might be one of the best players in the world, you might be a previous champion but you will never Master the course and if you win one year then just wait until the next Major and it all starts again. I can’t wait to see the final round of the Masters tonight, and I wonder if it will be Scottie again?