You may think the seventh hole at your local golf course is a real heart-stopper, but you haven’t seen anything yet. There are some holes around the world that would put the shivers into even the most seasoned golfing pro. The golfing apparel experts at Function18 have compiled a list of the six most difficult golf holes from around the globe.
1. Royal Portrush
Where: Ireland.
Hole: 14th
Par: 3
Nicknamed Calamity Corner for reasons that will soon become obvious, this constantly uphill hole is sure to test your mettle. Your shots must be kept straight as a ruler in order to avoid all the thick rough overgrowth that’s peppered throughout the hole.
Once you finally get close to the green, you’re faced with a 100ft drop on its precipice. Be sure not to over-hit it at the finale or you’ll pull your hair out for undoing all your hard work to get there in the first place!
2. PGA National
Where: Florida, USA.
Hole: 15th
Par: 3
Pic source: pgatour.com
Made famous for the role it plays in the PGA Tour championships, this hole is the beginning of the trio known as The Bear Trap. This hole has been the undoing of many professional golfers. Winds are brutal and your ability to be able to play your game against them is key here.
Former PGA Tour winner Mark Wilson has said on the hole that, “Standing on the 15th tee, even with a six-shot lead, I’m going to be nervous still.”
3. Pebble Beach
Where: California, USA.
Hole: 8th
Par: 4
Pic source: intotherough.co.uk
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this hole is as much a battle of the elements as it is a game of golf. Susceptible to strong winds, the green is constantly sloping and littered with sand traps. We’ll tip our hats to you if you manage to make par, let alone keep your sanity, as you attempt this.
4. Legend Golf and Safari Resort
Where: South Africa.
Hole: 19th
Par: 3
Pic source: golfadvisor.com
This hole offers the chance of winning a cool million-dollar prize fund (£800,000) on just one condition: You have to sink a hole in one. You must take a helicopter ride to the top of the cliff to hit the ball into the hole in the ground below. Nobody has ever achieved a hole in one and only a handful of people in the world have ever got it in two.
5. Royal Melbourne
Where: Australia.
Hole: 6th
Par: 4
Pic source: golf.org.au
The perfect example of how to design a dogleg hole. You can either choose to play it safe and go the long way around, or shoot for glory to score a possible birdie. But, be warned, the hole is littered with so many sand traps you’ll feel like you’re playing in the Sahara Desert.
6. Cape Kidnappers
Where: New Zealand.
Hole: 15th
Par: 5
Pic source: capekidnappers.com
Definitely not for the faint of heart. This hole is called Pirate’s Plank and it earns its name – there is a 70ft drop to your left and a 500ft drop on the right. Better make sure your shots are as steady as your feet and remember: Don’t look down. Be sure to look around you though, as the views surrounding this hole are phenomenal.
Have you managed any of the trickiest holes in the world?
