New photos show BIG changes at Augusta National

Amen Corner could look very different by the time next year’s Masters rolls around.

New aerial pictures shot by Augusta-based Eureka Earth appear to show work under way to make changes to the par-five 13th.

In the images, which were posted on Twitter, what appears to be a new tee box can be seen under construction, while the hole has had the turf stripped.

• Billy Foster reacts to US Open win

• Boris Johnson leads Fitzpatrick tributes

The pictures show a square area behind trees at the back of the existing tee, while there is also evidence of an attempt to recontour the fairway, which would significantly change the dynamic of the second shot.

Recontouring was carried out at several holes ahead of this year’s tournament, most notably the 11th.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley this year described making changes to the hole as a “possibility”, but gave no timeframe for alterations taking place.

However, it appears they have already begun.

Concerns have been raised in recent years about the lack of challenge posed by the hole, which has played around 510 yards. Longer hitters have been able to cut the dogleg and leave themselves short irons in.

Ahead of this year’s tournament, Ridley admitted that is “not really how it was designed”.

• 8 things Matt Fitzpatrick gets for US Open win

• Matt Fitzpatrick makes history with major win

Should it be a new tee box being built, it would add around 50 yards to the hole.

Augusta National has a policy of not commenting on changes until much closer to the tournament.

However, Eureka Earth captured changes to the 11th and 15th holes last year, which were then announced officially in February.