What condition can we expect Augusta to be in this November?

Related Articles

• Meet the greenkeepers: Craig Haldane and Scott Fenwick
• How to utilise soil biology to minimise excessive thatch
• A look at the course machinery at Toot Hill Golf Club

It is going to be fascinating to see Augusta National Club in November this year for the 2020 US Masters. The course in Georgia is a favourite of many golf fans, not just aesthetically but also the challenge it creates for the world’s best players.

With a later than usual slot on the calendar, will Augusta be any different in November? We’ve taken a look at how the course is likely to play.

Course Set To Feel Longer

With temperatures set to be much cooler and a higher wind speed, Augusta should play much longer in November. This is likely to suit the big hitters in the field.

The par-72 course is 7,768 yards long but it may feel over 8,000 yards this year. It will be the par-five holes that some players may struggle with if they are hitting into the wind. Although precision is still key at Augusta, as Zach Johnson proved when winning in 2007, it is a huge advantage to get length off the tee.

The top three players in the golf betting for this year’s tournament are Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. All three of those men should relish the course being longer than usual and have a great chance of securing the Green Jacket for the first time in their careers.

Bryson DeChambeau

Earlier Tee-Time

Augusta have indicated that the tee-times for the US Masters this year are likely to be earlier to coincide with the sunlight at the course. Some tee-times could be as early as 5.30am local time, particularly on the opening two days before half the field is lost at the cut.

There is also the possibility of two-tee starts with some three balls starting their round on the 10^th hole. This will allow the full field to complete their round before darkness sets in. The organisers will also be conscious of a play-off being required so they must allow for some time at the end of the final day in case extra holes are needed.

This is something which is going to benefit those watching live in the UK as the final play of the day will be a little earlier. The conclusion of the tournament is unlikely to go on into the early hours on Monday morning this year.

Slower Greens

The greens at Augusta can be some of the fastest on the PGA Tour when the sun has had the opportunity to bake them. Given the amount of rain which is likely to fall in Georgia before November, we can expect them to be much slower this year.

This is good news for the players who struggle with glass-like greens as those at Augusta can really do a lot of damage to a card. Although the greens are unlikely to be completely dead of speed, a little more force than usual will be required, so it will be interesting to see if the players can make that adjustment.

This year’s US Masters takes place between 12-15 November, with Patrick Reed being the defending champion following his maiden Major success in 2019.