Trevor Ng
Amen Corner is a famous stretch of holes at Augusta National Golf Club, considered hallowed ground in the golf world. It refers to the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, a trio of holes that has been the stage for some of the most dramatic moments in golf history. The term was coined by sports journalist Herbert Warren Wind in a 1958 article for Sports Illustrated, inspired by a jazz song by Mildred Bailey titled Shoutin' in that Amen Corner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Holes | 11th, 12th, and 13th |
| Course | Augusta National Golf Club |
| Tournament | Masters |
| Rae's Creek | Intersects the 13th fairway, parallels the 12th green, and swirls alongside the 11th green |
| Bridges | Hogan's Bridge and Nelson's Bridge |
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What You'll Learn
The origin of the term 'Amen Corner'
The term "Amen Corner" was first used by sports journalist Herbert Warren Wind in a 1958 article for Sports Illustrated titled "The Fateful Corner". The phrase was coined to describe the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes at Augusta National Golf Club, which is considered the most famous three-hole stretch in golf.
Wind's inspiration for the term came from a jazz song by Mildred Bailey titled "Shoutin' in that Amen Corner" or "Shouting in that Amen Corner". The song's lyrics evoked a sense of finality and fervor, qualities that Wind found fitting for the crucial and dramatic stretch of holes at Augusta National. In an excerpt from his article, Wind described the location of Amen Corner in poetic detail:
> "At the farthest reach of the Augusta National course—down in the Amen Corner where Rae’s Creek intersects the 13th fairway near the tee, then parallels the front edge of the green on the short 12th and finally swirls alongside the 11th green."
Technically, Amen Corner encompasses the second half of the 11th hole, all of the 12th, and the first half of the 13th. The 11th hole, known as "White Dogwood", is a long par 4 that requires precision and strategy. The 12th hole, "Golden Bell", is a deceptively challenging par 3. The sequence concludes with the 13th hole, "Azalea", a beautiful but treacherous par 5.
Amen Corner has become synonymous with drama and pivotal moments in golf history. Its natural beauty, strategic demands, and historical significance have contributed to its almost mythological status within the golfing world.
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The holes that make up Amen Corner
The Amen Corner is a well-known trio of holes at Augusta National Golf Club, which is considered hallowed ground in the golf world. The term Amen Corner was first used by Herbert Warren Wind in a 1958 Sports Illustrated article. Wind described the farthest reach of the Augusta National course:
> "Rae’s Creek intersects the 13th fairway near the tee, then parallels the front edge of the green on the short 12th and finally swirls alongside the 11th green."
Technically, the corner is made up of the second half of the 11th hole, all of the 12th, and the first half of the 13th. The 11th hole, also known as White Dogwood, features a pond guarding the left front of the green. The 12th hole, called Golden Bell, is the most notorious part of Amen Corner. The 13th hole, Azalea, has Rae's Creek running in front of the tee.
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Rae's Creek
Raes Creek is a body of water that flows through Amen Corner, the iconic stretch of holes at Augusta National Golf Club. The creek has been described as "the most fearsome body of water in professional sports" outside of the Olympic Swimming Pool. It has been a feature of many Masters lowlights over the years, striking doom into the hearts of golfers.
Raes Creek intersects the 13th fairway near the tee, then runs alongside the front edge of the green on the 12th hole, before swirling next to the 11th green. There are two bridges that traverse Rae's Creek at Amen Corner: Hogan's Bridge and Nelson's Bridge. Hogan's Bridge leads to the left side of the 12th green, commemorating Ben Hogan's record-low score of 274 in 1953. Nelson's Bridge crosses the creek in front of the 13th tee, honouring Byron Nelson's win in 1937.
The creek is not only a feature of Augusta National but also its neighbouring course, Augusta Country Club, where security is more relaxed towards kayakers. The Rae's Creek Aqueduct, a pre-Civil War structure, is now part of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. It attracts visitors with its ancient stone arches, rocky outcrops, and rushing waters, which include one of the best waterfalls in Augusta's River Region.
The term "Amen Corner" was coined by golf writer Herbert Warren Wind in a 1958 issue of Sports Illustrated. He described the treacherous three-hole stretch at the far end of the Augusta National course, inspired by the song "Shoutin' in that Amen Corner" by Mildred Bailey and the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. While Amen Corner typically refers to the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, it technically includes the second half of the 11th hole, all of the 12th, and the first half of the 13th.
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Iconic moments at Amen Corner
Amen Corner at Augusta National Golf Club is the site of some of the most dramatic moments in golf history. The three-hole stretch, comprising holes 11, 12, and 13, has been dubbed the "most famous three-hole stretch in golf." Here are some iconic moments that have taken place at Amen Corner:
Jordan Spieth's Quadruple Bogey (2016)
Jordan Spieth's unfortunate quadruple bogey at the 12th hole in 2016 is one of the most memorable moments at Amen Corner. Spieth, who was leading the tournament at the time, bogeyed the 11th hole and then struggled on the 12th, shooting a four-over-par seven just on that hole. This dramatic turn of events altered the course of the tournament.
Rory McIlroy's Struggle (2011)
Rory McIlroy had a challenging time at Amen Corner in 2011. After a difficult hole 10, he responded with two good shots into hole 11, but then took three putts from a manageable distance. On hole 12, he walked away with a double bogey after a decent iron shot. McIlroy's race was all but over after a smother-hooked drive on hole 13, making him one of Amen Corner's high-profile victims.
Larry Mize's Sudden Death Chip-In (Year Unknown)
Larry Mize's sudden death chip-in on Hole 11 is another iconic moment at Amen Corner. The pressure and unpredictability of this section of the course were on full display during this dramatic swing in fortune.
Ben Hogan's Record-Setting Score (1953)
Ben Hogan's performance at Amen Corner in 1953 is commemorated at the course. Hogan's Bridge, leading to the green on the par-3 12th hole, celebrates his record-setting low score of 274.
Byron Nelson's Masters Win (1937)
Byron Nelson's triumph at the Masters in 1937 is also honoured at Amen Corner. Nelson's Bridge, crossing Rae's Creek in front of the 13th tee, recognizes his birdie on hole 12 and eagle on hole 13 that contributed to his victory.
These moments showcase the thrilling nature of Amen Corner, where every shot can lead to glory or disappointment, and where golfers must bring their best in terms of physical skill, mental toughness, and emotional resilience.
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The Masters Tournament at Amen Corner
The Masters Tournament is an annual golf tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club. The course's 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, known as Amen Corner, are considered the most famous three-hole stretch in golf. The term "Amen Corner" was coined by golf journalist Herbert Warren Wind in a 1958 Sports Illustrated article recapping the Masters Tournament won by Arnold Palmer.
Amen Corner is known for providing plenty of drama due to its technical challenges, including water hazards and tricky green setups. The 11th hole, known as White Dogwood, features a pond guarding the left front of the green, making it one of the toughest approach shots on the course. The 12th hole, or Golden Bell, has a bunker both beyond and in front of the green, along with Rae's Creek positioned short of the green. The 13th hole, Azalea, completes the trio of holes that make up Amen Corner.
The two bridges that traverse Rae's Creek at Amen Corner are named after important players and moments in Masters history. Ben Hogan's Bridge leads to the left side of the 12th green, commemorating his record-low score of 274 in 1953. Nelson's Bridge crosses the creek in front of the 13th tee, honouring Byron Nelson's 1937 Masters win.
The natural beauty of Amen Corner also adds to its allure, with vibrant azalea bushes surrounding the green at hole 12 and lining the creek to hole 13. The open vistas from the 11th fairway allow spectators to watch the drama unfold as golfers navigate this challenging stretch of the course.
Over the years, Amen Corner has been the site of many memorable moments in golf, contributing to its reputation as one of the most iconic and enduring phrases in the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
Amen Corner is a famous stretch of holes at Augusta National Golf Club, considered hallowed ground in the golf world. It refers specifically to the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, which have been the stage for some of the most dramatic moments in golf history.
The term Amen Corner was coined by Sports Illustrated writer Herbert Warren Wind in 1958. Wind drew inspiration from a jazz song by Mildred Bailey titled "Shoutin' in that Amen Corner" or "Shouting in that Amen Corner".
Amen Corner is considered special because of its propensity to deliver excitement year after year. The strategic demands of these holes, combined with their natural beauty and historical moments, contribute to their almost mythological status in the golfing world.
The 11th hole is called "White Dogwood", the 12th hole is "Golden Bell", and the 13th hole is "Azalea".
