AUGUSTA — “There’s no mountains, there’s no oceans — it’s just pure natural beauty,” 1979 Masters champion Fuzzy Zoeller once said about Augusta National Golf Club.
What the course lacks in white sand beaches and majestic summits, it more than makes up for with emerald green grass, towering pines, stately magnolias and vibrantly colored flowers that are meticulously maintained.
Even though there is evidence that some of the azaleas and dogwoods reached their zenith before Masters Week in 2026, plenty of other blooms are bustin’ out all over.
“This year the Chinese fringetrees are absolutely incredible,” said Heather Harrison of Savannah, Georgia, on April 7. “Their white blooms are just everywhere. They’re soft, they’re fluffy and they’re beautiful.
“And then you have the native azaleas, which can be a light pink and also are a bright orange,” she continued. “They look completely different than the regular, typical azaleas that you’re used to seeing. They’re almost like a whole bunch of honeysuckles put together. They are at their peak right now and they’re perfectly gorgeous.”
In addition, Augusta National’s Japanese maples also are putting on a show, according to Harrison, who has a garden center and landscaping business.
“They’re bright red and they’re bright green and they’re coming out beautifully,” she said.
In an interview April 6, golfer Justin Rose, who has three runner-up finishes in the Masters (2015, 2017 and 2025), described himself as “not much of a gardener,” but added, “my mum is all over that,” which contributes to his appreciation of Augusta National’s flora.
“Whenever I come back here, I think of her,” he said. “How are the flowers going to be this year? Are they in full bloom? Always with her in mind.”
Rose also talked about the course’s appearance from a golfer’s perspective.
“Obviously I think, from our point of view, it’s a spectacle, right?” Rose said. “The whole place and the whole environment and the whole week, whether that’s the golf course itself and the pristine conditions, whether that’s the surroundings, the beauty, the plantings, all the patrons as well, they add so much color and class to the event. … The whole thing is a pretty beautiful show.”
