Augusta National's greens are legendary for their speed and difficulty, but during the second round of the 2026 Masters, a surprising trend emerged. According to PGA Tour pro Andrew Novak, the hallowed putting surfaces were noticeably slower on Friday morning, a shift that caught several players off guard and impacted scores.

"I three-putted four times early because I wasn’t prepared at all for how slow the greens were," Novak revealed after shooting a 76. He noted that the practice putting green still felt fast, creating a deceptive warm-up. "I didn't realize how much slower they were going to be this morning."

This subtle change in green speed is a classic Augusta National variable, where course conditions can evolve daily based on weather, maintenance, and the tournament committee's strategy. For players and fans alike, it's a reminder that mastering Augusta requires not just skill, but constant adaptation—a challenge that defines the Masters and separates the contenders from the field.