SUBTLE CHANGES TO AUGUSTA NATIONAL
FOR NEXT YEAR'S MASTERS TOURNAMENT

The changes won't be as significant as the lengthening of the course a couple of years ago but the Augusta National course will look slightly different for the 2008 staging of the Masters.
The changes, announced by Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament chairman Billy Payne are described as "subtle."
Four holes -- the first, seventh, ninth and 11th -- will see slight changes.
The tee on the first hole will have 10 yards added to the front of it, giving tournament officials flexibility on windy days. Wind at this year's Masters caused scores to soar.
The greens on the seventh and ninth holes will be altered slightly. On the seventh, six feet will be added to the left side of the green, giving tournament organizers two or three additional pin placement possibilities, according to Payne.
The ninth hole will also be "changed for agronomic reasons" and the right pin placement "softened" on the first and middle plateaus.
In addition, some additional trees are being removed on the right side of the 11th fairway.
For spectators, there will be additional viewing areas near the 16th green, allowing room for nearly 2,000 people.
"Refinements to the golf course and grounds have been made almost every year since the Tournament's inception and this year was no exception," Payne said.
"Overall, we are happy with the golf course. We think last year's exceptionally high scores were an anomaly due to the frigid, windy weather."