Hole 12- Golden Bell

155 Yards Par 3

Copyright ©1996 by the Augusta National Golf Club Illustrator: Donald Moss

Fred Couples Says... No. 12 (155 yards, par-3) - This is probably the most dangerous par-3 around besides maybe the ones at Pebble Beach or Cypress. I think it's an unbelievable hole. I either have trouble with it or I don't, there's very little in between. If I'm cutting the ball well with a 7-iron, I can hit a soft little cut. If not, then I try to hit a hard 8-iron. You have a tendency to leave it to the right and if it doesn't carry it hits the bank and goes in the water. And a lot of times if you're trying to cut it and you pull it, it will go further and I'll hit it in the back bunker. It's kind of hit or miss with me. There are weeks where I've been very comfortable and hit the green every time and there have been weeks when I've hit it in the water and hit it over and I just don't feel comfortable on the hole. It doesn't seem to be that difficult of a shot, but it can be. (In 1992's final round) The ball hit so far down the bank that it really never gave itself a chance to trickle and go in the water. It was very lucky. Now the bank is totally shaved. Back then it had rough so it stayed up. The only thing thought about then was chili-dipping the chip and having it hit and roll right back down and in the water. I sat there and put a little more pressure on it like everyone else. No one stands there with the lead and says all I have to do is hit this green. Very rarely do you think about that except for Augusta because it's (hitting into the water has) happened s o many times. For me, I just got the break of a lifetime. I know it and everyone else does. If I never get another break I can say I got one and it was at a pretty good time for me. Listen To Fred Couples Describe The Hole!