Several "slight changes" have been made to the course at Augusta National ahead of next year''s Masters.
The Georgia club announced that a total of five holes have been altered for the first Major of 2009, with the course now shorter by ten yards on the scorecard.
At the first hole, the tee has been moved forward seven yards to create more space for spectators walking between the first tee and the practice green.
Elsewhere, greens at holes five and six have been rebuilt for "agronomic reasons", while a landscaping project at the rear of the tee at hole seven is now complete.
The fairway at hole 15 has seen several trees removed, with about nine yards added to the front of the tee, although the scorecard yardage is unchanged.
"As we''ve done nearly every year since the inception of the Masters, we evaluate the golf course and make refinements we think are necessary," said tournament and club chairman Billy Payne.
He added that the main reason for this year''s alterations was to "provide greater flexibility in the event of adverse weather conditions".
Nike golfer Tiger Woods is expected to make his comeback from injury at the 2009 Masters, which begins on April 9th.
05/11/2008