Painting Augusta National: A Watercolor Tribute to Golf’s Most Iconic Course
Exploring The Golf Artwork Of Bill Holkham
Few places in the world of sport are as revered as Augusta National Golf Club. Tucked away in Georgia’s rolling pines, this exclusive course is home to the legendary Masters Tournament, one of golf’s four major championships and perhaps its most prestigious. Since 1934, Augusta has set the stage for unforgettable moments in golf history, where legends have risen, hearts have been broken, and tradition reigns supreme.
From Jack Nicklaus’s improbable victory at age 46 in 1986, to Tiger Woods’ iconic chip-in on the 16th hole in 2005, Augusta is where golf’s most memorable stories unfold. The course itself is a character in these stories: perfectly manicured, deceptively challenging, and steeped in Southern charm. Nowhere is that more evident than Amen Corner—a treacherous trio of holes (11, 12, and 13) that often decides the fate of the green jacket.
A Painter’s Tribute to a Golfer’s Cathedral
For watercolor artist Bill Holkham, Augusta National isn’t just a golf course—it’s a masterpiece of natural beauty and design. With over 35 years of experience painting golf artwork, Bill has long admired the poetic harmony between Augusta’s rolling greens, golden sunlight, and flowering azaleas.
His watercolor painting captures the magic of the 12th hole at Amen Corner, perhaps the most famous par-3 in golf.
"What drew me to the 12th," Bill says, "was the quiet tension it holds. It’s serene, almost peaceful in appearance, but every player who’s walked up to that tee box knows how unforgiving it can be."
Bringing Augusta to Life in Watercolor
Bill began the painting with delicate washes of spring greens and soft sky blues, establishing the calm atmosphere that contrasts with the competitive pressure this hole is known for. He carefully layered transparent tones to capture the gentle ripples of Rae’s Creek, the golden sunlight reflecting off its surface, and the iconic stone bridge that leads players toward destiny.
"I wanted to honor the precision of the course while letting the softness of watercolor do what it does best—evoke emotion," Bill explains. "The shadows under the trees, the flicker of light on the water, the blooming azaleas—every brushstroke was a nod to Augusta’s elegance and challenge."
The result is a piece that doesn’t just depict Augusta—it feels like Augusta. A quiet moment before the storm, a celebration of tradition, and a respectful nod to the history that lives between those Georgia pines.
Explore the Collection
If you love golf artwork and the artistry of the game’s most iconic courses, explore Bill Holkham’s growing collection of watercolor prints from legendary courses around the world. Each piece captures the soul of the fairway in timeless detail.