How Many Bunkers Are There At Augusta National... And Can You Guess The Largest And Smallest?

Augusta National is one of the most iconic golf courses on the planet, playing host to The Masters since 1934. But, do you know how many bunkers there are?

Patrick Cantlay hitting a bunker shot at Augusta National, with an inset image of Cameron Young also hitting a bunker shot at Augusta National during The Masters
The bunkers at Augusta National are majestically beautiful in their own right, but how many are there?
(Image credit: Getty Images)

It's that time of year again, as we countdown towards The Masters. The excitement and anticipation of the golfing community surges as we patiently wait to get our annual fill of Augusta National. The start of Major season is kicked off in style, as a stellar field battles it out to secure the illustrious Green Jacket and etch their name into the game's history books.

For me, much like Christmas, The Masters is a period of over-indulgence. I simply can't get enough of all things Augusta National, fuelled by the traditional binge of old Masters films, but this year I decided I wanted to find out a little more about my favourite venue on the circuit.

One of the things I love most is the iconic, pristine white sand bunkers. Their unrivalled majesty masks their perilously punitive nature, providing the backdrop for some legendary moments in the event's history.

In a move that is very on brand for me around this time of year, and in a bid to feed my unhealthy obsession with the first Major of the season, I decided that I wanted to learn more about these seductive sand traps. My question to you is... how much do you really know about the bunkers at Augusta National?

How many bunkers are there at Augusta National?

In total there are 44 bunkers at Augusta National Golf Club, each filled with immaculate Spruce Pine sand. There are for more greenside bunkers than fairway traps, at 32 and 12 respectively, ensuring players constantly have them in forefront of their mind when planning their approach shots towards the putting surface.

Scottie Scheffler hitting a bunker shot on the 15th hole at Augusta National

The familiar white sand that we see every year at Augusta National is a variety called 'Spruce Pine'

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Which is the largest bunker at Augusta National?

The biggest bunker is a bit of a monster. The right-side fairway bunker on the 8th hole measures 6,107 square feet and is filled with more than 100 tons of sand. in 2023, Cam Smith hit a sublime shot from this spot to setup an eagle chance, that he would then go on to convert.

The second largest on the course is the fairway bunker on the 10th hole, measuring at 5,788 square feet. Named Camellia, the hole is consistently ranked the hardest in terms of scoring average at The Masters.

Which is the smallest bunker at Augusta National?

The smallest bunkers at Augusta National all come on the famous 12th hole, Golden Bell, with one guarding the front of the green and two lurking at the back. Scottie Scheffler famously chipped in from a bunker behind the 12th green on his way to securing a second Green Jacket in 2024.

Nicolai Hojgaard standing with his caddie in front of the 12th green at Augusta National

The 12th hole at Augusta National is home to the smallest bunker on the course

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What is the deepest bunker at Augusta National?

The course saves the deepest bunker until last, courtesy of the fairway trap on 18. The bunker measures 11 feet from it's deepest point to its highest edge, making it a nightmare for players to negotiate.

In one of the most memorable Masters moments, Sandy Lyle flushed a 7-iron from the sand and converted the long birdie putt to become the first champion from the United Kingdom.

Which is the best bunker at Augusta National?

Clearly, this is just a matter of personal opinion, but I certainly do have one. The single bunker at the back of the green on the par-5 13th hole, called Azalea, is equal parts captivating and challenging. It's located as the second from the left in a quartet of tricky traps, ramping up the pressure in the final push for home.

Players face a tricky shot to a green that runs away from them, with water lurking the other side of the pin for any overly exuberant efforts.

The four bunkers on the 13th hole, Azalea, at Augusta National

The bunkers around the 13th hole at Augusta National are the perfect balance of dazzling and difficult

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Which is the worst bunker at Augusta National?

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I would happily get rid of the front bunker on the 12th hole. I love to see a bit of jeopardy, so I say shave down that bank and allow anything short to feed down into Rae's creek. Bring on the carnage!

QUIZ TIME: Can You Name Every Masters Winner Of The 80s and 90s?

Barry Plummer
Staff Writer

Barry joined Golf Monthly in January 2024, and now leads the instruction section across all platforms including print and digital. Working closely with Golf Monthly's Top 50 Coaches, he aims to curate and share useful tips on every aspect of the game - helping amateurs of all abilities to play better golf. A member at Sand Moor Golf Club in Leeds, he looks forward to getting out on the course at least once a week in the pursuit of a respectable handicap.

Barry is currently playing:

Driver: Benross Delta XT Driver

Hybrid: TaylorMade Stealth 4 Hybrid

Irons: Benross Delta XT 5-PW

Wedges: TaylorMade RAC 60, Callaway Jaws MD5 54

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.