Augusta National Alters Iconic Redbud Hole, Stirring Debate Over Tiger Woods’ Legacy
In 2005, during the final round of the Masters Tournament, Tiger Woods delivered one of the most iconic moments in golf history on the 16th hole—Redbud. His chip shot, after landing near the edge of the fairway, rolled across the green, paused dramatically on the edge of the cup for 1.8 seconds, and finally dropped in. It wasn’t just a shot; it was magic.
That single moment became a symbol of Woods’ greatness. The Nike-branded ball, the breathless pause, and the eruption from the crowd became legend. So much so that Augusta National honored it by placing the hole in the same location every final round since.
A historic hole location on No. 16. #themasters pic.twitter.com/K4324Fx4yC
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 13, 2025
But in 2025, the tradition has been broken.
As part of the 50th anniversary of Jack Nicklaus’s fifth Masters win in 1975, Augusta National has moved the cup from its iconic center-left position to the top right of the green—where Nicklaus played his pivotal shot during his historic win. This decision, announced by The Masters’ official account, marks a significant break from two decades of tradition.
The response? A storm of discontent from golf fans and purists.
Many fans expressed disappointment, seeing the move as erasing Tiger Woods’ legacy. “Yea….not sure I like this call. Traditional Sunday placement is better,” one user commented. Another, frustrated with the recent controversies surrounding the tournament, wrote, “You guys never screw up, but let me tell ya, you screwed up big time.”
Yet not everyone was upset. Some viewed the move as a respectful nod to another legend of the game, with one user noting, “In honor of Jack on 16! Epic pin placement!” This sentiment acknowledged that while Woods’ moment defined a generation, the new placement celebrates the golden history of Nicklaus as well.
The change also sparked speculation about competitive implications. One sharp-eyed fan suggested the new pin placement favored Rory McIlroy’s fade shot over Bryson DeChambeau’s draw, potentially altering the leaderboard dynamics at Redbud.
Regardless of opinions, the decision marks a rare shift in how Augusta National balances legacy and history. Tiger’s unforgettable 2005 chip will remain immortalized in the memories of fans and golf lovers—but for now, the stage is set for a different kind of history on the 16th green.