THE SCARIEST HOLES IN THE WORLD OF TROON
Its “Scary Season” and the time of year where you hear the music theme from Halloween all around the neighborhood and people are double checking the sewer systems to make sure IT isn’t going to pop out! To carry on the tradition we began last year, here are more scary shots, scary holes and moments that raise your heart rate. A few more of the “Scariest Holes” within the World of Troon:
Purgatory Golf Club | Nobelsville, IN | Hole 17
The signature hole at Purgatory Golf Club is their visually intimidating 17th hole which is known as “Hell’s Half Acre.” It is an island green that uses sand instead of water. So the glass half full with it being sand instead of water, you still get another shot. But any course that has the name Purgatory or uses the phrase “Hell’s Half Acre,” should be scary in and of itself.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hole 16
Sea View, the 16th Hole on Gary Player’s designed masterpiece at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, is aptly named for its magnificent view on the Arabian Gulf’s turquoise waters. Don’t be swayed by its majestic surroundings as this Stroke Index 1 488 yard Par-4 is scary. With bunkers strategically placed along the left side of the fairway and completely encompassing the right-hand side of the hole, accuracy off the tee is imperative. A direct facing strong sea breeze makes the hole that much tougher with a longer iron essential to reach the green in regulation, coupled with one of the many natural run-off areas surrounding the green, you’ll do well not to get frightened off the tee.
Champion Hills Club | Hendersonville, NC | Hole 9
The par 3 9th at Champion Hills can definitely be seen as a scary hole. It has a drop of 125 feet and the club selection can change by as much as 2-3 clubs. This dramatic elevated tee box also has bunkers that are oh-so-conveniently placed on the front right and back left of the green. Good luck! Muah ah ah ah!
Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai | Dubai, UAE | Hole 18
Many a golfer over the past 20 years have succumbed to what is commonly known across the region as the scorecard wrecker. 13 is unlucky for some, it’s also a score that is not uncommon on this hole! With water lining the fairways both left and right for the entire hole, this island style Par 5 measuring 656 yard from the back tees at Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai is one not to be messed with. It really is a heart in mouth moment on every shot until you reach the green……. and you’ll be lucky if that was in 3 shots! If you think you are brave enough it’s time to head to Dubai and see what you’ve got!
Mauna Lani | Kohala Coast, HI | Hole 17
While many shiver with the thought of hitting over the water on the oceanfront par three’s at Mauna Lani’s South Course, the North Course at Mauna Lani has one of the scariest shorter par threes around…and one that comes near the grand crescendo of one’s round…the 132 yard par three 17th. This hole has been honored by Golf Advisor as one of the country’s best short par three holes and for good reason. Playing slightly uphill into a green protected by creative bunkering and an amphitheater of lava…this hole is scary. Add in a lava outcropping inside the middle of the bunker that one must navigate and you have a golf hole that will give you “chicken skin”, as they say in the islands.
PGA National Czech Republic | Prague, Czech Republic | Hole 12
From the back tees, this is probably the PGA National Czech Republic’s toughest hole with the long fairway narrower than most on the course. It’s best to drive towards the left bunker, opening the green up for your approach. Then aim at the large tree left of the green to either use the slopes or leave an easier chip. Par is a great achievement for any player. Cut through the woodland, this long par 4 is the most demanding drive on the course. If you can pass through the “eye of the needle”, the 2nd shot opens up on the left side of the green. Good luck!
Thanksgiving Point Golf Club | Lehi, UT | Hole 17
This par 3 at Thanksgiving Point Golf Club is one intimidating tee shot. Its set up like an island green. With the elevation you will need to club down a club or two. Direction will be key, it is the biggest green on the course. So if you’re off a little, you could be facing the longest putt you’ve ever seen. Plus, see that mound in the middle of the green? Legend has it that someone or something is buried under there…but don’t shoot the messenger.
Madinaty Golf Club | Cairo, Egypt | Hole 8
A par 5 that plays like a par 6 is the only way to describe the 8th at Madinaty Golf Club. Index 1 on the scorecard and repeatedly a card wrecker, at 556 yards from the tips, it’s not monstrous in length, but the problems start on the second shot where the choice is to ‘lay up’ or take on the ‘Wadi’ with a long carry!