For me, all of them. Luckily for everyone tuning in I won’t be competing for the Claret Jug this week. As Royal Troon, notoriously, throws up one of the most challenging back nines in major golf, what are the toughest holes the best in the world will have to overcome. So, let’s take a look and dissect the terrors of Troon.
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It probably comes as no shock to you that, according to Shot Scope the four hardest holes at this year’s Open Championship come on the back nine. Despite the challenges of the Postage Stamp, the journey back in will test every inch of love you have for the game. Whether it is the shivering tee shot that awaits at the 11th tee box or praying that hole 13, Burmah, hasn’t succumbed to the prevailing wind of the Scottish coast.
Shot Scope says the average score to par—for an eight handicapper—is +5.31 on the back nine and +4.31 on the front. In the Open, where the course plays longer, and the par is lower, the difference is even more extreme. This stat from Justin Ray shows the difference in back- and front-nine scoring during the 1997 and 2004 Open Championships.
However, this isn’t always the case. Due to a switch in wind direction, the back nine actually played 1.5 shots easier in the 2020 AIG Women’s Open.
What are the hardest holes on the golf course?
We know the back nine is tougher, but which holes are causing the players the most problems?
Royal Troon – 10th hole
Known as Sandhills, the average score on Royal Troon’s 10th hole is 4.78 for an 8-handicapper as tracked by Shot Scope. That earns it the ranking of the hardest hole on the course. Named because of the ever bearing Sandhills that guard the entrance to the fairway.
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The tee shot causes most of the peril, with players having to hit a blind shot up the hill to a narrow undulating fairway with gorse bushes waiting to catch any errant shots.
Despite the deep bunkers dotted around the course, the 10th only boasts two which avoiding disaster are really not in play for the pros.
It’s not hard to understand why so many struggle to make par. The elevated green slopes uphill, made even more challenging on entry by the undulating fairway.
It’s not the hole you want if you are coming off a torrid front nine.
Hole 12
Despite being slightly easier than Royal Troon’s 10th hole, hole 12—the fox—doesn’t offer much reprieve. As is often the case with links courses, the wind will play a huge factor in the severity of the challenge. Usually, players will have a crosswind—although the forecast suggests things may switch up a touch—to tackle, which can make the tight dog-leg fairway seem like an impossible target at times.
Standing at 451 yards – its not a brutishly long hole by any means. A touch of class with your approach shot is what will be required of the players this week, rather than brute strength. Finesse will be the order of the day to keep the scorecard looking strong with more challenges on the horizon.
However, the green still offers a challenge. The heightened two-tier green, which rolls from back to front, will be tricky for players to negotiate this week, and the surrounding swales can leave some interesting chip shots.
Royal Troon – Hole 13
Adding to a tricky run of holes, the Burmah, can make things go from bad to worse.
With a scoring average of 4.65 for the average eight handicappers, Royal Troon will truly be testing the world’s best. Again, there is no layup from the tee box. The tight fairway could lead for plenty of trouble, with a big stick in hand.
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There is some rest bite for those who do manage to find the fairway, however, as the 13th doesn’t boast any bunkers. Something for the players to cherish, one less hazard to boggle the mind.
The green is tight and raised so accuracy is key if a birdie is to be made.
Forget being unlucky for some, 13 could be unlucky for the masses this week.
Royal Troon 15th Hole
Another daunting tee shot awaits on the Crosbie. The various hazards in view from the tee box will almost certainly get the blood pumping, if it isn’t already.
Sitting at 502 yards, the 15th is the longest of the par fours the players will play this week. The bigger hitters can utilise the room down the right, but that’s really the only play. Left looms danger. If the scattering of fairway bunkers doesn’t trap you, the heavy rough might just.
Hole 15, Crosbie, doesn’t relent its peril if the players find the short grass, as often a blind second shot restricts access to the green.
Players average a score of 4.74. Par really isn’t a bad score.
With only three holes left upon completion, Sunday’s leaders will hope to avoid an easy slip-up.
NOW READ: How are The Open cracking down on slow play?
What hole do you think will cause the most trouble this week? let us know on X.
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