The 89th Masters at Augusta National is seeing a change in tradition for the final round, all in honor of golf legend Jack Nicklaus. The pin placement at the iconic short par-3 16th has been moved to the back right corner, a departure from its usual position. This adjustment pays tribute to Nicklaus’ historic 40-foot birdie putt 50 years ago, which led to his fifth Masters win.
In previous years, the Sunday pin placement at the 16th green has been on the bottom left, offering birdie opportunities as tee shots roll towards the hole. However, this year, the cup is positioned in a challenging spot, promising an exciting final round showdown between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau.
During the 1975 Masters, Nicklaus made a memorable birdie putt to the back pin placement, ultimately securing his victory by a single stroke. This win was part of his remarkable five victories on the PGA Tour that year, including his fifth Masters title. Now 85, Nicklaus remains a legend in the golf world, with 73 PGA Tour wins and a record 18 major championships to his name.
McIlroy currently leads by two shots going into the final round, putting him in a prime position to achieve a career grand slam with a Masters victory. DeChambeau, on the other hand, is hot on his heels after a strong finish on Saturday. Both players are vying for their first Masters win, setting the stage for an intense battle on the Augusta greens.
While the outcome may not be determined solely by the 16th hole, the Masters promises a thrilling conclusion to the tournament. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on Sunday.