The tee box of the fifth hole at Augusta National Golf Club was moved back about 15 yards, closer to the fourth green. The fairway was shifted to the right, and the bunkers were moved forward about 90 yards. ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER/STAFF

Major renovations to the locker room and grill portion of the clubhouse are under way at the same time as the announced lengthening of the par-4 fifth hole.

An aerial survey of the course exposed the details of the fifth-hole renovation overseen by golf course architect Tom Fazio, the last of 13 holes that have been lengthened and strengthened since Hootie Johnson took over as chairman in 1998. Overall, 350 yards have been added to the course since the 1998 Masters, bringing the total yardage to about 7,285.

The fifth tee, tucked tightly between the fourth green and Berckmans Road, was moved back approximately 15 yards while the fairway bunkers were moved forward about 80-90 yards and to the right, the primary landing area for most of the game's long hitters. The entire fairway will be shifted to the right, creating a more significant dogleg left.

The resulting hole, which should measure 450 to 455 yards depending on the alignment of the fairway, is expected to play with more difficulty than in recent years, when the scoring average inched closer to par. It was the seventh most difficult hole in 2002, with a 4.158 scoring average a year after it played more easily than ever at 4.061. Historically, the fifth ranks fourth all-time, with a scoring average of 4.25.

Neither club officials nor Mr. Fazio will comment on the renovations until Mr. Johnson is ready to release the details publicly at the completion of the project. But the changes reflect the intent Mr. Johnson had in April when he said, "We are going to address the weakness of the fifth hole."

Mr. Fazio said then that "bunker placement is the biggest issue," noting the space restrictions caused by Berckmans Road and the fourth green.

The old fairway bunkers were obsolete, with only a 225-yard carry as golfers favored the left side. The new bunkers will require about a 315-yard carry, forcing most golfers to play short and to the right of them. That will leave an approach of 150 to 180 yards into a severely sloped green that is among the least receptive on the course.

The fifth hole is the 13th to be altered since 1998, leaving the four par-3s and the short par-4 third as the only holes untouched in the series of lengthening and strengthening projects under the leadership of Mr. Johnson. Nine holes were lengthened a total of 285 yards last year, and two holes were pushed back a total of 50 yards in 1998.

In addition to the course changes, a stretch of the clubhouse between the original structure and the current pro shop was razed and is being rebuilt to house an expanded locker room and grill.

Staff Writer Johnny Edwards contributed to this article.

Reach Scott Michaux at (706) 823-3219 or scott.michaux@augustachronicle.com.