My Top Ten Holes in Professional Golf
I think most of us would make triple bogey on these
If you are reading this, thank you for tuning into my blog this week! After close examination and research, I am bringing you the official, Fairway Focus Top Ten Golf Holes. For my list, I set some criteria to keep it fair. First off, the golf course of this hole must have hosted a PGA event or Major Championship at some point in its history, even if that tournament is not currently going. Second off, there will only be one hole per golf course maximum. You could make a case that all 10 of these spots should go to holes in Augusta National. Finally, my criteria in grading were how generally iconic the hole is, the scenery, atmosphere, difficulty, and creativity of the golf hole. Without further adieu, at number 10…
10. Kapalua Resort Plantation Course, 18th Hole
Via Golf Magazine
This hole is the perfect combination of beauty and the beast. The beauty is the stunning scenery of the Pacific Ocean as this course is nestled right on the coast in Maui, Hawaii. The beast, the fact this is a finishing hole for the Sentry Tournament that is a monster 663-yard par 5. Few PGA golfers can go for the green in two, and the decision to do so makes their second shot a high-risk-to-reward choice. The most legendary shot on this hole was Bubba Watson's ridiculous driver off the deck shot from 305 yards out to get on the green in two. Even better, clutched up and sunk the putt for eagle.
9. Harbour Town Links, 18th Hole
Via USA Today
This lengthy 472-yard Par 4 is up there for the most iconic scenery to any finishing hole on the PGA. The famous red and white lighthouse watching over the 18th green adds to the aura of this charming beach town tucked on the coast of South Carolina. In addition, the grandstands of this hole lead to a great atmosphere with some rowdy fans.
8. Pebble Beach, 7th Hole
Via Pebble Beach Resorts
This one may get a little flack for being low on the list but hear me out. As far as scenery and overall recognizability this hole can’t be beat. I have heard rumors this is the most photographed golf hole in history, while hard to prove I wouldn’t be surprised. Perched right up against the water, this short 110-yard par 3 is one of the most beloved holes in the world. However, the short distance and lack of creativity in design do bring it a few slots down on my list. Also worth mentioning Dwyane Wade of all people made a hole-in-one on this hole just a couple of months ago, he can still make buckets on and off the court.
7. Bay Hill Club, 6th Hole
When a pro golfer sees a 580-yard par 5 on the scorecard, they are generally happy as in theory it should be an easy birdie or par for them. Bay Hill may only be 580 yards, but the massive lake in the middle leads to this being one of the most creative and fun holes in the PGA. This heavy of a dogleg left is extremely rare, and the ever-so-present water hazard adding pressure to this hole just makes it exhilarating to watch. Without a doubt, the most memorable shots on this hole belong to big hitter Bryson Dechambeau. Two rounds in a row he drove the lake on a 342-yard carry line, almost driving the green both times. The crowds there exploded both times leading to this all-time great PGA moment.
6. Cypress Point Club, 16th Hole
Drew Playing Hole 16
Up there with Pebble Beach hole 7, this par-3 is easily one of the most scenic holes in all of golf. This hole requires you to launch a long iron or wood over the rocky coast of the Pacific Ocean into a green that is 230 yards away. The fact that this hole forces golfers to carry their ball over crashing waves is just downright incredible. Being on the ocean too can add some extreme winds making this hole even tougher. Big shout out to my friend and avid golfer Drew who was able to get onto this luxurious course and tackle the 16th hole himself.
5. West Course at Wentworth Golf Club, 18th Hole
Ernie Els hits a shot on 18 via David Cameron
This closing hole of the BMW Championship is a mix of an incredible atmosphere and a well-designed difficult hole. This shorter 523-yard par-5 is the perfect ending letting golfers get risky if they need to by hitting the green in two. However, with a false front and water protecting the green, the consequence of landing short can be disastrous on the final hole. With a massive stadium-style grandstand surrounding the green, the BMW Championship closes on an electric note.
4. TPC Sawgrass, 17th Hole
Via Golf Digest
Talk about another all-time iconic par-3. While only 137 yards, an easy distance for PGA pros, this island green is completely surrounded by water. The island green in the middle of the lake not only leads to a nerve-wracking shot but also a gorgeous hole with a design that you rarely see. Also, hole-in-one here comes with some seriously great crowd reactions from around the lake. If I ever get to play this hole, I give myself around a 5% chance of hitting the green first try.
3. St. Andrews Old Course, 17th Hole
Via DeadSpin
St Andrews Old Course in Scotland, a course that many refer to as the home of golf. I struggled to decide on putting the iconic 18th hole here but I decided to go with hole 17 due to its extremely difficult nature and quirky yet legendary tee shot. This 495-yard par 4 is a beast with many pros calling it the hardest in the world. If this hole is playing into the wind, which it usually is, hitting it close on your second shot is nearly impossible. The tee shot on this hole also requires Golfers to hit a shot over the Old Course Hotel, leading to an equally memorable and freighting drive. Here is a great short documentary from The Open about the difficulty and honor of this hole.
2. Augusta National Golf Club, 13th Hole
Via Golf Magazine
As I said at the beginning, you could make a valid list with only holes from Augusta. This is undeniably the nicest and most private golf club in the world. Host to the Masters every year, the amount of golf history that has transpired on this course is immeasurable. Amen Corner, home to the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes is the most famous stretch of holes in the PGA. While choosing what hole to put on the list was hard, I ultimately decided to go with the 13th. This masterfully designed short 510-yard par 5 builds excitement in fans because anything can happen on this hole. Named Azalea, this hole has Rae’s Creek running up the left side of the fairway all the way up past the green. Going for this tight green in two can lead to an easy eagle, or a ball rolling into the water. This hole is just picture-perfect and on a Sunday at the Masters, there is nowhere else a golf fan would want to be.
1. TPC Scottsdale, 16th Hole
Via Golf Magazine
Call me a bit of a frat boy for putting this hole at #1, but I just could not in good conscience put what I think is the most exciting hole in golf anywhere else. This 163-yard par 3 is completely surrounded by massive grandstands and rowdy fans leading to an environment that is quite literally seen nowhere else in golf. Fans are constantly going crazy adding an element to the sport of golf that is so rare. On social media whenever this hole gets posted, fans are always commenting I wish every hole in golf was like this. PGA players must feel like a gladiator walking into the Roman coliseum on this hole, surrounded by raging fans screaming their names. Also, let's not forget about the hole-in-ones on this hole, without a doubt the best hole on the PGA to ace. Tiger Woods in 1997 aced this hole electrifying the crowd with one of the most famous golf commentary moments of all time, “Should be just a nice comfortable 9-iron for him…” Sam Ryder in 2022 holed his shot for glory with the crowd shaking the earth from excitement and beer flying everywhere. You just can’t beat this hole. On my short list of bucket list items I have to do before I die, attending this hole for the Waste Management Tournament is number one.