“I Don’t Think It’s That Firm,” Min Woo Lee Flags Early Augusta Surprise Ahead of Masters
PGA, Golf Herren The American Express - First Round Jan 22, 2026 La Quinta, California, USA Min Woo Lee hits his tee shot on the ninth hole during the first round of The American Express golf tournament at the Nicklaus Tournament Course. La Quinta Pete Dye Stadium Course California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDenisxPoroyx 20260122_djc_pt6_004
PGA, Golf Herren The American Express - First Round Jan 22, 2026 La Quinta, California, USA Min Woo Lee hits his tee shot on the ninth hole during the first round of The American Express golf tournament at the Nicklaus Tournament Course. La Quinta Pete Dye Stadium Course California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDenisxPoroyx 20260122_djc_pt6_004
The weather forecast predicts sunny skies at Augusta National this week. As a result, players strongly believe that the greens of Augusta will be firm and fast on Thursday.
Australian golfer Min Woo Lee was spotted practicing on the course on Wednesday. Right after that, he had views quite a bit different than the other golfers regarding the firmness.
“I don't think it's that firm right now. I think it's somewhat soft. But it's going to get to the firmness that the committee would want it to. But it's leading up to it which is great. It's not -- it was a little slower yesterday, bit faster today, and going to be fast tournament time,” said Min Woo Lee.
Georgia experiences sudden bursts of spring showers in April. This leads to the moisture dampening the course and slowing the famous fast-paced greens of Augusta. The speed and break of putts depend highly on the firmness of the greens.
Amen Corner’s always a topic of discussion, considering the innumerable defining moments that have been conjured up at those three holes. Min Woo Lee was asked about that.
“I mean, 12 is probably -- it's in the shade a little bit so it's going to be a little wet. I spun it back downwind yesterday, so it'll be fine then.”
Min Woo Lee further explained that the Amen Corner wasn't going to be significantly different from the rest. The long green on the upside of the 11th hole will make sure that no shot to the middle of it will go quite far, according to Lee.
“So you probably hit the wrong club if that's the case. Yeah, I don't think it's that firm right now.” The degree to which the iron shots will hold up on the greens will also be based on the firmness.
As the days pass by, the temperature in Augusta rises. The way things stand, it should be a monsoon-free Masters this time around. Over time, the firmness shall increase to meet the standards of the Masters, Lee stated.
What Did Other Golfers Say About the Augusta National's Firmness?
Min Woo Lee wasn't the only one with an opinion on the Augusta National's firmness.
World No. 35, Paul Cantlay, thought this was the best shape Augusta has been in for years.
“Looks like we’re going to get good weather this week, so expect it to be really firm and fast,” he said.
The two-time Masters Champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was also excited about the tournament.
“We might get a little bit of wind, too. The golf course is shaping up nicely. This is the best forecast I’ve seen for this tournament in a while. Definitely excited to get the week going on the greens,” said Scheffler.
Bryson DeChambeau mentioned that the greens would be more difficult to hit than they already are. Who will adapt to the conditions well and conquer the Masters? Tell us in the comments!
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Kalp Thaker