Seven Masters Holes Renamed from Original Plant Names

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The Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club is defined by tradition, but seven of the course's 18 holes have been renamed over the years, moving away from their original plant-inspired names. Hole names like 'Cherokee Rose,' 'Woodbine,' and 'Three Pines' have been changed, often to better reflect the current flora at each location on the famous golf course.

Why it matters

The renaming of nearly half the holes at Augusta National, a course known for its reverence to tradition, highlights how the iconic venue has evolved over time to adapt to changes in landscaping and the natural environment. These name changes provide insight into the club's efforts to maintain the course's botanical character while also updating it to modern standards.

The details

When Augusta National Golf Club was founded, co-founders Bobby Jones, Clifford Roberts, and Louis Alphonse Berckmans (the grandson of the Fruitland Nurseries founder) named each of the 18 holes after a specific plant or tree. However, over the decades, seven of those original names have been changed, often to better reflect the current flora at that hole. For example, the 4th hole was originally called 'Palm' but is now known as the 'Flowering Crab Apple' to match the trees lining the fairway. Similarly, the 12th hole was once 'Three Pines' but was renamed after the original pines died.

• Augusta National Golf Club opened in 1933.
• The first Masters tournament was held in 1934.

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