The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia is a premiere event on the PGA tour.

This year’s tournament is sure to include great action from the world’s top golfers. Golden Ocala’s golf director Mike Cooney predicts it will be a playoff between Rory McIlroy and Jason Day for the green jacket.

Fan sitting in Masters chair during the LPGA Coates Golf Championship at Golden Ocala

He said McIlroy has won three legs of the Grand Slam — U.S. Open, PGA and British Open – and knows how to handle pressure well. On that note, Cooney said Day has had a great season so far and should do well. Jordan Spieth is also one to watch.

Cooney along with Jack Creveling, superintendent of the Golden Ocala Golf Course, spent part of the week at Augusta National close to the action.

Jack Creveling, Golf Course Superintendent and Mike Cooney, Director of Golf

This week marked Cooney’s 20^th visit to Augusta National over the years dating back to his college days at Georgia Southern University. He was able to be there to see his former GSU coach Buddy Alexander play in the Par 3 Tournament on Wednesday. Alexander coached the University of Florida’s Gator Golf team for 26 years and retired in 2014.

While Cooney has never played Augusta National, he said when it comes to the toughest hole at the course it’s a toss-up between Hole 10 and 11.

“Hole 10 plays downhill…it’s tough to hit that green because it’s pitched upside down like a cereal bowl,” he said.

At Hole 11, the water guarding the green makes it an overall difficult hole to play Cooney said.

“It’s a difficult second shot so you have to get the right club in your hands,” he said.

Patterned Hole 6 at Golden Ocala Golf Course to Hole 16 at Augusta National.

As the action gets under way, local golfers can have a sense of playing Augusta with three patterned holes here at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.

• Hole 6 at Golden Ocala: Augusta National Golf Club’s Par-3 16^th

The key to this par 3 is to club yourself so you leave with an uphill putt. If the hole is on the right side of the green it is wise to keep your ball short and left of the hole. The entire green is well bunkered.

• Hole 11 at Golden Ocala: Augusta National Golf Club’s Par-3 12^th

One of the prettiest par 3’s in all of golf, particularly in the spring time when the Azaleas behind the green in full bloom provide a spectacular backdrop. This green is narrow depth wise. It is necessary to choose the correct club.

• Hole 12 at Golden Ocala: Augusta National Golf Club’s Par-5 13th

One of the best risk/reward par 5 holes on the course. The long hitters will normally hit the green in two shots. The creek runs down the entire left side of this hole and meanders in front of and along the right side of the green.

Golden Ocala golfers are encouraged to stop by Knickers during the Masters before or after playing a round to watch live coverage from Augusta on our big screen television. Make sure to follow the golf blog to learn more about the course at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.