Augusta is a daunting prospect for even the most seasoned golfers, but for those teeing it up at the Masters for the first time next week, taking any wisdom they can get is a necessity.
The 88th edition of arguably golf's most prestigious tournament begins on April 11, with Jon Rahm defending his title after holding off Brooks Koepka in the final round last year. Scottie Scheffler, the 2022 champion, starts as the hot favourite after a sensational start to the season, while World No.2 Rory McIlroy will make another attempt at completing the career grand slam and chase the elusive green jacket.
In a recent poll, dozens of pro players say they leaned on their more experienced friends in the field for advice on tackling the most famous 18 holes in golf. Legends like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bernhard Langer, who have won the green jacket 10 times between them, have shared their knowledge during practice rounds with many up-and-coming players desperate for information on navigating one of the toughest tests in the sport.
Two-time major champion Justin Thomas, however, had a different strategy when he made his Masters debut in 2016. When asked who he played practice rounds with to learn the course, he told GolfWeek: "Jeff Knox. My first multiple Masters playing those rounds with him was extremely helpful."
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Knox is a revered amateur golfer and has served as the non-competitive marker for the Masters, meaning he is called into action on the weekend if an odd number of players make the cut, serving as their playing partner to mark their card.
Knox holds the course record at Augusta National, shooting a 61 from the members' tees, and he even beat McIlroy with a two-under-par round of 70 to the four-time major winner's 71 when they were paired together on the Saturday of the 2014 Masters.
Thomas has a solid record at the Masters, missing the cut for the first time in his eight starts in 2023. However, he is yet to mount a serious challenge for the green jacket, with a best finish of fourth place in 2020.
Phil Mickelson has shared his knowledge of Augusta National with many players (AFP/Getty Images)Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, appears to have been particularly helpful to his peers. Matt Kuchar said: "[Mickelson showed me] the differences in chipping and putting around the greens. He taught me to go out Wednesday because there are areas that get cut differently on Tuesday than on Wednesday and Wednesday from Thursday. Certain areas that you putt from and others you chip from and was awesome to have Phil’s level of input."
Keegan Bradley added: "He has this scrapbook where he writes down notes. He showed me that certain putts go the opposite direction and when the pin on 2 is on the back left, lay it up short right. That was really helpful."
Nine-time major champion Gary Player said he turned to his late wife, Vivienne, for advice about his game ahead of the majors, saying she "was a talented golfer herself and knew the swing well".
Langer's knowledge, meanwhile, has been an asset particularly for European players, with the likes of Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick and Padraig Harrington taken aback by his attention to detail. But he also shared his insight with 2021 American Ryder Cup star Harris English.
"I love playing with Bernhard Langer," English said. "He has this persona of being stern and robotic but he’s awesome to play with and very helpful. We got lucky to join up with him last year and I loved playing with him.
"He knows the place like the back of his hand. I’ll definitely reach out to him because he’s super engaging and one of the nicest guys I’ve ever been around."
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