The Enduring Legacy of Rae's Creek at the Masters

How a small stream in Augusta, Georgia has become an iconic part of the Masters Tournament

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:06am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the winding path of Rae's Creek at the Masters Tournament, with golfers and their golf balls navigating the treacherous waters.Rae's Creek, the iconic waterway that has challenged and captivated golfers at the Masters for decades, takes center stage in a vibrant expressionist painting.Augusta Today

Rae's Creek, a 10-mile stream that runs through Augusta, Georgia, has become an integral part of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. The creek, which was originally known as Kenyons Creek, plays a crucial role in the famous Amen Corner stretch of holes and has influenced the course's layout and design over the years. This article explores the history and significance of Rae's Creek, from its impact on the course's topography to its indirect influence on the breaks of putts across the entire 18 holes.

Why it matters

Rae's Creek is a central feature of the Masters Tournament, with its location and gravitational pull shaping the course's design and challenging golfers in Amen Corner. Understanding the history and importance of this small stream provides valuable context for appreciating the unique challenges and drama that unfold each year at the Masters.

The details

Rae's Creek, originally known as Kenyons Creek, runs through the southern boundary of Augusta National Golf Club, where it plays a crucial role in the famous Amen Corner stretch of holes. The creek's location and low point on the course have influenced the layout and design of the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, with the 12th hole's iconic tee shot over the creek becoming one of the most nerve-wracking moments in golf. The creek's gravitational pull also affects the breaks of putts across the entire course, with 'everything breaking toward Rae's Creek' being a common refrain among golfers and fans.

  • In the early 1930s, Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts purchased the 365-acre Fruitlands Nursery, which included Rae's Creek as a loose boundary between the nursery and the adjoining Augusta Country Club.
  • After the first Masters Tournament in 1934, the nines at Augusta National were reversed, with the current 10th through 18th holes becoming the opening nine and Rae's Creek playing a more prominent role in the tournament.

The players

Bobby Jones

Co-founder of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament.

Clifford Roberts

Co-founder of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament.

Alister MacKenzie

The renowned golf course architect who designed the layout of Augusta National, including the placement of the 12th hole and its iconic tee shot over Rae's Creek.

John Rae

The 18th-century settler in Augusta, Georgia after whom Rae's Creek is named.

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What’s next

As the 2026 Masters Tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Rae's Creek and the drama it is sure to bring to Amen Corner. Golfers and fans alike will be closely watching the wind and weather conditions to see how they impact the crucial shots over the creek on the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes.

The takeaway

Rae's Creek has become an iconic and integral part of the Masters Tournament, shaping the course's design and challenging golfers for nearly a century. Its history, location, and gravitational pull have made it a central character in the drama and excitement of the world's most prestigious golf event.