One of the most popular holes at Augusta National Golf Club was left untouched during the most recent round of changes to the course, but the spectator area surrounding it did change.

The par-3 16th hole, a gallery favorite for decades, has a new, larger spectator area this year. Many patrons seeing the changes for the first time during Monday's practice round seemed to approve.

Patrons have gained another vantage point with a larger spectator area on No. 16. Storm damage in 2006 cleared trees, allowing more space on the hill just left of the pond between the 16th tee and green. (Rainier Ehrhardt/Staff)

"I think it's absolutely gorgeous," said Barbara O'Neill, of Aiken. "I absolutely love the landscaping. The dogwoods, the azaleas, even the grass. I've never seen such beautiful grass." The new spectator area was created on the hillside just left of the pond that splits the 16th tee from its green. Patrons have sat near the banks of the pond on that side for years, but a hill filled with trees and azaleas rose above the seating area up to the sixth tee.

A storm in July 2006 cleared some of the hill and gave way to the idea of additional seating. The extra elevation still provides a good seat for action at the 16th hole and adds the bonus of a higher, better view of the 15th and sixth greens.

"Other years I've sat here on the hillside farther down, but this is much nicer up here because it's elevated," said Al Herazo, from Pittsburgh. "I like that you can see the tee box and the 15th green from up here. You could always see the 15th green, but now you can see the ball. It's a great idea."

The extra space means more patrons have a chance to witness the famous skip-shots that bounce off the water during practice rounds at 16. The gallery begs for the trick shots every time a group passes through, and most of them oblige.

Mike Weir, the 2003 Masters champion, succumbed to the peer pressure and succeeded in reaching the green Monday afternoon. He also said the hillside addition is an improvement.

"I think it opens up that whole area," he said. "You can see the 17 tee better now and 16 green, so I think it's a nice change there."

Reach Billy Byler at (706) 823-3216 or billy.byler@augustachronicle.com.