Augusta has a fixed place in golf because it hosts the Masters and follows the same course setup each season. Players return to the same layout, which makes experience matter. The 2023 Masters winner, Jon Rahm, will play the event again in 2026, marking his 10th appearance at Augusta.

Speaking during LIV Golf South Africa at Steyn City, Rahm drew a clear contrast between Augusta and other venues.

"But golf course-wise, it's impossible to compare anything to Augusta National."

Jon Rahm is currently in action at LIV Golf South Africa 2026 at The Club at Steyn City, where he is tied for third at 18-under par.

He entered the final round on March 22, three shots behind Bryson DeChambeau after a third-round 64. So far, he has recorded just one bogey through 54 holes.

While the 2021 U.S. Open winner made it clear that no course compares to Augusta, he pointed out that the atmosphere can still offer some carryover:

"There's no golf course on the planet that can be comparable to Augusta National. That's just—you can do a good job mentally to try to prepare for it, but playing-wise, nothing plays like it. The crowd does help, though, in that sense. If you're playing the weekend at Augusta, you're going to have a lot of people following you. It's going to be a great atmosphere."

Rahm also pointed out what makes the Masters different from other events.

Jon Rahm on What Makes the Masters Atmosphere Different

The 31-year-old explained why the setting at Augusta stands apart: "It's one of those that I believe, because phones aren't allowed, it's just much more electric because everybody is just focused on the golf, and the essence of the Masters is so special."

That setting comes from the way Augusta National Golf Club operates and how the event is run.

The club hosts the Masters Tournament every year on the same course, which opened in 1933 after being developed by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, with the layout designed alongside Alister MacKenzie.

Each of the 18 holes is named after a plant found on the property, and areas like Amen Corner, Rae’s Creek, and Magnolia Lane are part of how the course is identified during the tournament.

The event follows the same structure each year, with traditions such as the Green Jacket for the winner, the Champions Dinner, and the opening tee shots by past players.

The club also sets rules for spectators, including a ban on phones, which keeps the focus on the game.

Read more at Daily Club Golf!

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Shraabona Sengupta