The Scariest Holes in Golf
It’s spooky season in America, and we’ve got a list of the five “scariest” holes in golf to help get you in the Halloween spirit. Keep reading to discover the most frightening, teeth-chattering, bone-chilling holes in the country … if you dare. You’ve been warned.
Augusta National: No. 12
First up, is Augusta National Golf Club’s par-3 12th, also known as the innocent-sounding nickname of Golden Bell.” This famous par 3 has ended more than one run for the green jacket in its long, storied history. Standing on the tee, it’s not hard to see why this hole has such a scary reputation. With unforgiving Rae’s Creek cutting menacingly across the front of the narrow green — as well as three sinister bunkers lurking close by — it’s OK to feel a little spooked. Top the hole off with unpredictable winds demanding anything from a 6- to a 9-iron and you’ve got some high-grade nightmare fuel.
Pebble Beach: No. 8
Pebble Beach Golf Links is synonymous with dramatic seaside play, inspiring in golfers equal parts awe and fear for over a century. No. 8 kicks off what has simultaneously been called golf’s “three finest par 4s in a row” by the brave and “the cliffs of doom” by the less optimistic. Not only is there the fear of hazards and lost balls to contend with, but you will also need to face your fear of heights. This hole and the two that follow are situated atop 70-foot cliffs (which, if you recall Jordan Spieth’s second shot at this year’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, makes it even more frightening).
TPC Sawgrass: No. 17
TPC Sawgrass’ 17th plays about 137 yards, sure, but most of that distance is over water — so there’s not much in the way of playable surfaces between the two. The island green is surrounded by nearly 360 degrees of water, eagerly waiting to punish players laying up long, short or wide. It’s hard not to feel the pressure when you’re facing down pretty much nothing but a water hazard. Combine that with a notoriously nasty northern wind that tends to catch and push otherwise stellar shots off their trajectory, and it’s easy to see why this hole has a spooky reputation. Even the pros struggle, as the PGA Tour average is nearly a quarter-stroke above par.
Bethpage Black: No. 4
No. 4 at Bethpage State Park’s infamous Black Course is the unassuming, unexpected kind of scary. In fact, at first glance, you might think you’ve found a quick respite from the famously punishing holes on the Black Course. But, like a giant Venus flytrap that dines on innocent golfers, the 517-yard par 5 hides a devious, unnerving nature beneath its genial appearance. A small green with wicked slope and lightning speed, and deep, ravenous bunkers turn majestic layups into fantastic flubs on a daily basis.
Whistling Straits: No. 18
We saved the most sinister for last. To its credit, No. 18 at Whistling Straits (designed by the legendary Pete Dye) is at least upfront about its terror-inducing design, proudly bearing the nickname “Dyeabolical.” At the end of a round, facing down snaking bunkers, a 20-foot-deep crevice and extensive roughage, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking “diabolical” is too kind of a term for this hole — wicked, cruel and psychopathic actually jump to mind. Don’t be fooled by the downhill approach and relatively short fairway: the swirling winds around the green are famous for punishing greedy and aggressive approach shots.