Some minor changes to Augusta National Golf Club and an expanded viewing area for patrons will greet golf fans next spring at the 2008 Masters Tournament.

After a decade of changes that added length and more trees to the layout, the tweaks made over the summer will actually offer golfers some small measures of relief.

Zach Johnson won the 2007 Masters in unusually cold and blustery conditions. His 1-over-par total of 289 matched the highest winning score in Masters history.

"Overall, we are happy with the golf course," Augusta National and Masters Chairman Billy Payne said Tuesday in a prepared statement. "We think last year's exceptionally high scores were an anomaly due to the frigid, windy weather."

On the 455-yard first hole, extending the tee box 10 yards forward will give the Masters committee a chance to move the tees up in the event of unfavorable wind conditions.

The first hole played to an average of 4.6 in the final round of 2007, making it the most difficult hole.

The green at No. 7 will be enlarged to allow for more pin placements on the left side. At No. 9, the first and middle plateaus of the green were "softened" to make pin positions on the right side more playable. The sloping front on the ninth green has traditionally vexed golfers.

A new patron viewing area was created on the hillside overlooking the pond at the 16th hole. The area will provide seating for 2,000 people and will allow patrons to see action on four holes: No. 6 green, No. 15 green for approaches and putts, No. 16 green, and No. 17 tee and fairway shots.

The viewing area can be reached by the newly renovated back entrance off Berckmans Road. Construction to the course's main parking lot also continued over the summer in preparation for the new practice facility that will open in 2010.

"We are very excited about these significant improvements for our patrons, and hope that we have made an already special experience even better," Payne said.