After shooting 78-75 through two rounds at the Masters, Fred Couples reaffirmed his deep affection for Augusta National despite repeated water woes on holes 12 and 15. The 66-year-old 1992 champion called the course paradise and dismissed critics bluntly.
Fred Couples followed his frustrating opening 78 at the 2026 Masters—with its infamous quadruple-bogey 9 on the par-5 15th after two wedged shots into the pond—with a 75 in round two. Troubles persisted: his approach on the par-3 12th splashed into Rae's Creek, reminiscent of a 1992 victory mishap, and he again found water on 15. Reflecting on the 15th, Couples said, “I’ve never wedged it into the water or really wedged it 15 yards over the green. In the old days, I went for it every time, but not for 10 or 12 years, and then now it’s water, water, water every time I look at the goddamn thing, and I don’t know why.” Despite the scores, Couples engaged warmly with fans, fist-bumping patrons, walking among spectators, and maintaining his signature smooth swing tempo. Adored by crowds—security calls him king, amateurs dream of practice rounds with him—he explained his love for Augusta: childhood memories watching legends like Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, and others. “It’s like paradise. People love it, but I consider it to be just the greatest walk you could ever have. There are great courses all over the world, but there are none of them like this,” he said. He added bluntly, “First of all, you would have to be an idiot not to love Augusta National."
