Revamped 11th will pose new problems

Augusta National's revamped par-four 11th hole will provide a daunting challenge at this week's U.S. Masters, Ernie Els warned on Monday.

The 490-yard 11th is the only hole to have been significantly changed since last year's tournament, with 36 pine trees planted along the right side of the fairway.

"As you'd expect from Augusta, these aren't mere saplings," world number three Els said on his official website. "They are mature trees and already they look like they've been there for years.

"It's going to make a big difference to the way the hole plays. It's always been easy to hit driver at 11 and bomb it down the right side, leaving only a short-iron approach. Not now, though.

"There's no bail-out to the right. You'll get caught up in the newly-planted trees. It's 'bogey territory' in there," he added of the first of three holes that form the course's famed "Amen Corner".

South African Els, who has finished no worse than tied for sixth in his last four starts at Augusta, had his first look at the hole when he visited the course last week.

"On Thursday I flew up to Augusta National for the day, to get a sneak preview of the course," he said.

"Obviously we come here every year, so there are no major surprises. But it's still nice to get reacquainted with the overall nature of the challenge and soak up that Augusta magic.

"Plus I got to see the changes the tournament committee has made to the layout."

The problem now facing players on the 11th tee, the 34-year-old Els added, is whether to risk using a driver or adopt a more conservative approach with a three-wood.

"If you hit a good one (drive), naturally it sets you up for an easier second shot," he said.

"It's a bigger risk but, if the wind is gusting strongly, a driver off the tee might be the best play to get as close to the green as possible.

"If you play a little safe off the tee and hit a three-wood for position, it leaves you further back in the fairway and you're then looking at one of the toughest mid-iron shots in golf."

All but two of the Masters playoffs have been decided at the 11th hole, with American Larry Mize chipping in there for the title in 1987.

Els, whose best Masters finish was runner-up behind Vijay Singh in 2000, is in confident mood for this week.

"I'm really psyched-up for it," he said. "I did some work last week with (coach) David Leadbetter in Orlando and my swing feels good.

"I can't get wait to get down to business and just get out there and play."

Three-times major winner Els has won twice this year, at the Sony Open in Hawaii and the Heineken Classic in Australia.