Change in placement of 16th hole pin a tribute to six-time Masters winner

Many fans were puzzled with hole No.16’s pin placement during the final round of the Masters on Sunday, but the location change was for good reason.On the CBS broadcast Sunday, Jim Nantz revealed that the placement was changed in tribute to six-time Masters winner Jack Nicklaus.It was 50 years ago when Nicklaus won his fifth Masters, and the most crucial moment in his victory came on hole 16 when he sunk a 40-foot birdie to take a one-shot lead.

Nicklaus would hold on to that edge the rest of the way.The pin was located deep in the back right of the hole for that legendary moment, and that’s where it was moved to on Sunday to pay tribute. The 16th hole, known as “Redbud,” has a typical Sunday pin placement that is a particularly iconic one.“The 16th green is best known for the famous Sunday hole location just behind the left greenside bunker,” the Masters describes on its website.“This particular hole location is the primary reason ‘Redbud’ has seen 24 holes in one in the Masters tournament, more than any other hole at the Augusta National.”Slashing the chances at seeing a hole in one, then, perhaps?It’s no wonder fans were initially upset.

But a tip of the hat for one of the most legendary golfers of all time is a respectable move from the tournament’s staff.Nicklaus’ six Masters wins are the most ever in the history of the event. The now-85-year-old won the Masters in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972 and again in 1975, the tournament during which his iconic 40-foot birdie took place.He then went 10 years before winning one last time in 1986....