Amen Corner Drama Unfolds As Masters Tournament Heats Up
Amen Corner Drama Unfolds As Masters Tournament Heats Up...
The famed Amen Corner at Augusta National is living up to its reputation as the pivotal stretch of the 2026 Masters Tournament, with Saturday's action dramatically shifting leaderboard fortunes. Three top contenders saw their hopes dashed in holes 11-13 during the third round, while two underdogs surged into contention, sparking intense reactions from fans and analysts.
World No. 3 Jordan Spieth carded a triple bogey on the par-3 12th after his tee shot found Rae's Creek, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler three-putted the 13th green to fall four strokes back. Meanwhile, 24-year-old amateur phenom Lucas Johnson holed out from the fairway on 11, triggering massive cheers from the Georgia crowds.
Augusta National's most treacherous three-hole sequence is trending nationwide as golf fans debate whether tournament organizers made the course too punishing this year. Social media erupted when CBS's broadcast showed the hole locations had been placed in what players called "brutal" positions, particularly on the 12th's tiny green.
The drama comes at a critical moment for golf, with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf still negotiating their proposed merger. Several LIV players competing this week, including Brooks Koepka, successfully navigated Amen Corner, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about tour competitiveness.
Sunday's final round begins at 10:15 AM ET with Johnson and veteran Justin Thomas sharing the lead at 8-under. Tournament officials confirmed they'll use more traditional pin placements for the finale, potentially setting up a dramatic shootout. The last group tees off at 2:30 PM, with CBS's coverage starting at 1 PM.
Amen Corner has decided 11 of the last 15 Masters champions, and today's developments suggest the tradition will continue. Golf Channel's Brandel Chamblee tweeted: "Augusta always finds a way to write the script. Today she chose heartbreak for favorites and glory for newcomers."
