5 Golf Holes You Must Play in Your Lifetime

[stephensafar]

1. Hole #12

Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta, Georgia

Par 3, 155 Yards

 

 

 

2. Hole #17, the Road Hole

The Old Course, St. Andrews Golf Links

St. Andrews, Scotland

Par 4, 455 Yards

 

 

 

3. Hole #17

TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium Course

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Par 3, 132 Yards

 

 

 

  4. Hole #18

Pebble Beach Golf Course

Pebble Beach, California

Par 5, 543 Yards

 

 

 

 

  5. Hole #19

Legends Golf & Safari Resort

Midrand, South Africa

Par 3, 853 Yards

 

 

 

 

[Bogey in The Woods]

1. Hole #12

Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta, Georgia

Par 3, 155 Yards

 

 

 

2. Hole #17, the Road Hole

The Old Course, St. Andrews Golf Links

St. Andrews, Scotland

Par 4, 455 Yards

 

 

 

3. Hole #17

TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium Course

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Par 3, 132 Yards

 

 

 

  4. Hole #18

Pebble Beach Golf Course

Pebble Beach, California

Par 5, 543 Yards

 

 

 

 

  5. Hole #19

Legends Golf & Safari Resort

Midrand, South Africa

Par 3, 853 Yards

 

 

 

Par 3, 853 yds????????????????????????????

[westy]

It's a bit downhill.....

 

http://www.legendgolfsafari.com/extreme-19th

[Bogey in The Woods]

It's a bit downhill.....

 

http://www.legendgolfsafari.com/extreme-19th

ok...still feels like I need a mortar to tee off with......

[revkev]

Well I've played two of those 5 and made par on each so I think I'll quit while I'm ahead.  What's the big deal about 17 at TPC anyway?  It's a short iron, just hit it in the middle of the green, two putt and move on.   

[Bogey in The Woods]

What's the big deal about 17 at TPC anyway?  It's a short iron, just hit it in the middle of the green, two putt and move on.  

       

[Kor.A.Door]

Well I've played two of those 5 and made par on each so I think I'll quit while I'm ahead. What's the big deal about 17 at TPC anyway? It's a short iron, just hit it in the middle of the green, two putt and move on.

Yes, but knocking close and making birdie would be more fun

[sp0rtsfan86]

Yes, but knocking close and making birdie would be more fun

I played the replica at his course in Vegas. First time hit a perfect 7 iron nearly over the green. Then next time dumped it in the lake. Holes like that are made for bragging rights.

[Txstcatman]

In the case of #12 at Augusta, #17 at The Old Course, and #17 at TPC Sawgrass, I think more comes into play than just "hit the middle of the green and two putt."

 

Augusta - First off, talk about hard to get on there... Don't think I'll ever sniff that course other than attending a Masters sometimes in the future.  Then think about all of the great champions that have walked that course and have played with thousands watching their every move.  Adds a twist to the mental imagery of the hole.

 

The Old Course - Not as hard to get on, but still a lot of mysticism and history with it being the home of golf and having hosted so many memorable Open Championships.  Plus the weather factor can severely distort one's game plan I'd assume.

 

TPC - While not anything but a short iron into the green, water wreaks havoc on even the pros.  I'll admit I get a kick when someone dumps one in the pond there.  Now think about your average player who gets 40 rounds in a year (averaging) and whose knees knock at the small creek running across 50 yards in front of a teebox.  17 at TPC would feel like trying to hit bullseye on a dartboard only with disastrous results if it lands anywhere outside that circle.

 

That hella-long downhill par 3 has always looked like fun.  If I'm ever in Africa, I might consider playing that course for the experience.  Playing Pebble would be nice in my lifetime too.

[DaveP043]

The 17th at the Old Course is wicked.  I've played it twice, hit two perfect drives (actually 3, hit one provisional perfect too), and made double both times.  The green is just so tough to get on, stay on, and putt on.  I've played the 17th at PGA West Stadium Course, which is a close cousin to The 17th at Sawgrass.  With the wind strong, helping and from the right, my SW  aimed at the right edge bounced once before splashing into the drink long and left.  The next one stayed on, for yet another double.  Apparently these holes are too tough for me.

[revkev]

I hope everyone realizes I was kidding.  17 at TPC and 18 at Pebble are the two that I've played.  18 at Pebble is ridiculously beautiful.  It's not actually that hard a hole so long as you trust your swing and play your shots.  17 at TPC is a great test because it should be as I described it, hit the thing in the middle, two putt, par, but what should be and what actually happens are often two different things.  For example if you want to try to make birdie you significantly increase the possibility of knocking it in the lake.  If there is wind and it's swirling you hit and hope.  If you don't like the number that day you might as well just toss your ball in the water, pick a score to record and get on with it.

 

I've played a replica of the Road Hole - since it's in Florida it couldn't possibly have played like the real thing - watching it on TV I don't think I'd want any part of it - discipline would be the key - Par 5 regardless of what the card says, take the 5, move on.

[Kenny B]

The talk about #17 at TPC Sawgrass got me to thinking about #14 at the Coeur d'Alene Resort in Northern Idaho, #14 is the famous floating island green.

 

 

There are 5 tee boxes ranging from 95 to 218 yards.  The island is 15,000 sq. ft. and what's unique about it is the ability to change the distance from the tee each day.  You get up to two attempts to hit the green, then the forecaddie makes you move to the "Putter" boat which transfers you to the island.  Besides the intimidating water, winds come up on the lake and make for very interesting shots.  Great course!!  Yes, you have to have a forecaddie (one per foursome) and you get a cart, but you have to stay on the cart path.  The forecaddie runs up to your ball and lasers the distance so you can bring the right clubs to your ball.  

 

A couple of weeks ago, TaylorMade hosted a "spirited" day of spring golf with tasting of select scotch whiskey throughout the course.  It's always sold out!