Hole 9 at Augusta National Golf Club

Par 4 • 460 Yards • Augusta, Georgia

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Brutal

The 9th hole at Augusta National, "Carolina Cherry," presents one of the most demanding approach shots in golf with its famous stair-stepped green that creates treacherous putting angles. Length off the tee becomes crucial here, as the severely sloped putting surface can force players into impossible positions where they must putt with their backs to the cup.

Tees:

460y

Green:35y × 22y

Fairway @250y:39y wide

1 Bunker dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 460 yds
Green: 4360 sq ft
Bunkers: 1

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Recommended Gear

This long par 4 demands distance off the tee — the right driver matters.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

At 460 yards, this par 4 demands length off the tee to set up the optimal approach angle. The fairway widens significantly from 26 yards at the 200-yard mark to 39 yards at 250 yards, so aggressive drivers should target the 250-yard area for maximum room and a shorter approach to the stair-stepped green.

approach

The approach shot is critical due to the green's severe slope and 34-yard length. Position is more important than proximity - aim for the correct tier of the green based on pin position to avoid the dreaded uphill putt with your back to the cup that this hole is famous for creating.

hazard warning

A bunker positioned at 414.5 yards from the tee guards the approach area. Long hitters who successfully reach the 250-yard landing zone will have approximately 165 yards remaining, but must account for this greenside bunker when selecting approach club and trajectory.

green

With only 4,360 square feet of putting surface (34x22 yards), this green demands precision. The compact target combined with the famous stair-step design means club selection and distance control are paramount - better to be short and below the hole than long and facing a nearly impossible downhill putt.

tee shot

Conservative players should note the fairway is narrowest at 26 yards wide at the 200-yard mark. A controlled tee shot to this area, while leaving a longer approach, ensures finding the fairway and avoiding the pampas grass that gives this hole its name.

train this shot at home

This 460-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Long par 4s are scoring holes only if you keep the ball in play off the tee. Accuracy over distance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 460-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 9?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 9?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 9?

The green is small and requires precision. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 9?

This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.

Can I practice hole 9 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Augusta National Golf Club. You can play this exact 460-yard par 4 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →