Mixed feedback from Woods, Els after early Augusta visits

LOS ANGELES, Mar 14 (Reuters) Tiger Woods had mixed feelings and Ernie Els liked what he saw after making their first visits to the lengthened Augusta National, venue for next month's US Masters.

The famous par-72 layout has been stretched 155 yards to 7,445 yards for the April 6-9 tournament, making it the second longest course in major championship history.

''It will be a big challenge if the golf course plays fast,'' world number one Woods was quoted as saying on his official website today, having played at Augusta two days earlier.

''If the fairways are firm and they're running, then I can see it being a great test.

''But if they're soft, then I think it eliminates a lot of guys that have the skill to play but they just don't hit the ball far enough.

''You just need to make it fair for all the rest of the competitors, as well.'' Six holes have been lengthened since Woods clinched his fourth Masters title last year, with the tees at the par-four first, par-three fourth, par-four seventh and 11th, par-five 15th and par-four 17th all moved back.

NEW TEE Woods, who visited the course on Sunday with his financial adviser Christopher Hubman and Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz, said he failed to reach the green with a three-iron from the new tee at the 240-yard fourth.

His best drive came at the 15th where he reached the green in two, using a five-iron for his second.

South African Els enjoyed two days of practice at Augusta National last week.

''I'd already read some of the press coverage and chatted with a few guys who've been there recently, so I kind of knew what to expect,'' the three-times major winner said on his website.

''But it was great to see it for myself. I must say I love the changes they've made and, as you'd expect, it was in great shape, too.

''I really had a great couple of days there, and the weather was perfect.'' Reuters SK VP0156