No. 15 Fire Thorn
Changes made in the last decade make reaching this par-5 hole in two shots a challenge, but plenty of birdies will be had. A pond guards the green in front, but those who lay up face a hard shot from a downhill lie.
1934 yardage
485, par 5
About the plant
- Large, thorny evergreen shrub is a member of the rose family.
- Creamy white April blooms are small and plain but profuse.
- Yields thick clusters of orange berries in summer to early winter Spot it on the course.
Spot it on the course
- It grows left of the 15th fairway.
Hole story
- No. 15 was once named Spanish Dagger.
Where and how the plant grows
- Grows fast; can reach 8 to 12 feet high
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil
- High drought tolerance
- Propagation by cuttings
- Plant in low-traffic area to avoid contact with thorns.
About the course
Design
Bobby Jones on the design of Augusta National
1. Dr. Mackenzie and I believe that no good golf hole exists that does not afford a proper and convenient solution to the average golfer and the short player, as well as to the more powerful and accurate expert.
2. We have always felt that the make-or-break character of many of the holes of our second nine has been largely responsible for rewarding our spectators with so many dramatic finishes. It has always been a nine that could be played in the low thirties or the middle forties.
Alister Mackenzie on the design of Augusta National
1. There should be little walking between the greens and tees, and the course should be arranged so that in the first instance there is always a slight walk forwards from the green to the next tee; then the holes are sufficiently elastic to be lengthened in the future if necessary.
2. There should be a minimum of blindness for the approach shots.
3. There should be a sufficient number of heroic carries from the tee, but the course should be arranged so that the weaker player with the loss of a stroke or portion of a stroke shall always have an alternative route open to him.
Fans' Guide
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