Broadcaster Jim Nantz. Christine Tannous/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jim Nantz reveals reason Masters changed traditional 16th hole location

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 10:22 AM ET

The final round of the Masters on Sunday featured a significant change from past years, but there was a very specific reason tournament organizers decided to make it.

When the Masters announced the hole locations for the final round at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., fans immediately noticed that the pin placement for the 16th hole was not in its usual spot. Rather than being in its usual accessible location just beyond the left greenside bunker, the hole was cut in the back right.

Shortly after coverage of the final round began on CBS, Jim Nantz revealed that the surprising hole location on 16 was a tribute to Jack Nicklaus. The hole was cut in the same spot where it was 50 years ago, when Nicklaus drained a 40-foot birdie to take a one-shot into the final two holes.

Nicklaus held on to win his fifth green jacket.

50 years ago, a 35-year-old Jack Nicklaus captured his fifth Green Jacket. The thrilling finish in 1975 included Nicklaus’ 40-foot birdie putt on No. 16. The birdie gave him a one-shot lead that he held to the finish. #themasters pic.twitter.com/FTD5IFOfwC
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 13, 2025

There is even a blurb on the official Masters website about how the 16th hole is best known for its famous Sunday hole location. A total of 24 holes-in-one have been made at the 16th hole during the Masters, most of which came in the final round. There have also been numerous birdies that have impacted the outcome of the tournament.

With Sunday’s hole location being an ode to Nicklaus, we will likely see the pin return to its usual spot at the Masters next year.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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