How is the water at Augusta National so shiny? Masters rumoured to use cake ingredient in Rae’s Creek

The latest edition of golf’s most pristine tournament is fast approaching. The Masters, the first major of the year, is arguably the most iconic golf event in the world, and that prestige is matched by the stunning settings. The lakes and ponds across Augusta National are something else From the white bunkers to the absence of divots, the course at Augusta National is kept in perfect condition by the groundskeepers. Another striking characteristic is the clarity and shininess of the water. It appears to glisten in the sunshine, and there are a couple of reasons for that. How is the water at Augusta National so shiny? Well, it was revealed in 1996 that an American Golf Digest journalist took a sample from the water at the 15th hole at Augusta National to find out if there was anything untoward in it. Incredibly, his sample returned a positive match for a type of blue food dye. It is the type you would use in a cake as a food colouring. Of course, since then, there has been no official confirmation from the course if they still use it in Rae’s Creek. But given the secrecy around other elements of the course, it is hard to see why they would ever reveal if that still happens. The Creek is a ten-mile stretch of water that flows its way through Augusta National, and it is a key part of the course. The suggestion that organisers put blue dye into it and other water bodies on the course shows how obsessed they are with ensuring everything is perfect. There are even suggestions that the grass is sometimes painted if there is a bad spot, while the sand is pure quartz to ensure it is pearly white. The water at Augusta National has been found to have dye in it beforeGetty The Masters 2025: How to follow The 2025 Masters Tournament will get going on Thursday, April 10. It will take place at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia and will be played over four days until Sunday, April 13. talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage of all the action, with the event also set to be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK. To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM. Read more on The Masters All you need to know about 2025 Masters including talkSPORT coverage The favourites for Masters glory this year as stars do battle at Augusta Iconic green ‘completely destroyed’ as drama awaits at Masters’ toughest hole – hole-by-hole guide to Augusta National Exclusive: ‘You’re not going to believe this’ – I’ve covered The Masters for 40 years and this is the craziest rule golf fans don’t know about Scottie Scheffler speaks out as $108 Masters Champions Dinner decision receives backlash Exclusive: ‘The great disruptor’ – Bryson DeChambeau found his inner MrBeast to become Masters and YouTube fan favorite Exclusive: Nick Faldo hits out at ‘fail-free’ LIV Golf and says guaranteed millions has turned golfers ‘soft’ Sleeper picks to win The Masters include major champion, Scottish lefty and 125/1 shot Latest odds: talkSPORT BET welcome offer – Get £20 in free bets* Hot deal: Upgrade your style this spring with up to 70% off Castore golf wear

Apr 7, 2025 - 15:46

How is the water at Augusta National so shiny? Masters rumoured to use cake ingredient in Rae’s Creek

The latest edition of golf’s most pristine tournament is fast approaching.

The Masters, the first major of the year, is arguably the most iconic golf event in the world, and that prestige is matched by the stunning settings.

Masters 2018: Watch Jordan Spieth defy physics with incredible shot which skims off water — The lakes and ponds across Augusta National are something else

From the white bunkers to the absence of divots, the course at Augusta National is kept in perfect condition by the groundskeepers.

Another striking characteristic is the clarity and shininess of the water.

It appears to glisten in the sunshine, and there are a couple of reasons for that.

How is the water at Augusta National so shiny?

Well, it was revealed in 1996 that an American Golf Digest journalist took a sample from the water at the 15th hole at Augusta National to find out if there was anything untoward in it.

Incredibly, his sample returned a positive match for a type of blue food dye.

It is the type you would use in a cake as a food colouring.

Of course, since then, there has been no official confirmation from the course if they still use it in Rae’s Creek.

But given the secrecy around other elements of the course, it is hard to see why they would ever reveal if that still happens.

The Creek is a ten-mile stretch of water that flows its way through Augusta National, and it is a key part of the course.

The suggestion that organisers put blue dye into it and other water bodies on the course shows how obsessed they are with ensuring everything is perfect.

There are even suggestions that the grass is sometimes painted if there is a bad spot, while the sand is pure quartz to ensure it is pearly white.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 05: A general view from behind the ninth tee across the lake to the green during the par 3 competition prior to the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 05, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) — The water at Augusta National has been found to have dye in it before

The Masters 2025: How to follow

The 2025 Masters Tournament will get going on Thursday, April 10.

It will take place at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia and will be played over four days until Sunday, April 13.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage of all the action, with the event also set to be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.