Most difficult Golf Courses in US
For years, the debate has been ongoing about which is the hardest course in the US. Although that question may never be definitively answered, there are some courses that fall into the category of ‘difficult.’
Based on various factors, RunRex has decided upon these golf courses. Not only are they beautiful, but they also have a breathtaking view. Many factors have been used in determining this list.
The International
The Pines course at The International has been ranked as one of the most difficult in the world. It has a par-73 layout built in 1954 and redesigned in 1972. It has long held the record as one of the longest in the world.
The course playing to 8,325 yards from the Gold tees and has three par-4 holes that are more than 530 yards. The par- finisher is estimated to be 656 yards. However, there is a longer par-5; a 674-yard third hole.
The course also has a par-6 hole, which is 715 yards. Those who have played from the back tees claim that it is among the most difficult courses in America. The course has a Bogey rating of 112.2, a slope rating of 155, and a course rating of 81.7. Although there are simpler tees on this course, those who need a real challenge and super long hitters need to play the back tees.
Pikewood National
The Pikewood National is rested atop a mesa in the mountains close to Morgantown, West Virginia. The course has been designed by renowned architects such as Alister MacKenzie and Donald Ross.
Not only is this course challenging but it is also quite picturesque. It features relaxing walks through mature forests. There are also immense rock outcrops that are quite a sight to behold. One of the most challenging holes at this course is the “On The Rocks” hole. There are also other equally challenging holes such as “Old Bastard” and “Audacity.” Even winners of tournaments such as the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship have ranked it among the most challenging courses they have ever faced.
Kiawah Island Resort Kiawah Island, S.C.
The Ocean Course at this resort is renowned by golfers all around the world. Pete Dye designed the course just in time for Ryder Cup Match of 1991. The course is so tough that it has been speculated no one could break 80 if it hosted a stroke play event.
In the past two decades, Pete Dye has been called upon to soften its layout. However, it has not lost its reputation as one of the toughest course for golf pros in the world. The par-73 course has a 79.2 rating, and a slope of 155.
Rich Harvest Farms
The property was initially a six-hole backyard course for Jerry Rich, a computer billionaire. The course, which hosted the Solheim Cup in 2009, is now ranked as among the most difficult in America.
Rich designed the club. He interviewed five architects to do the job, but it hit him that he could design the course. The course is also home to the Northern Illinois golf teams. It is also an active course for amateur golfers. For instance, it hosted the Palmer Cup in 2016 and the NCAA national championships of 2017.
The course has a slope rating of 155, a Bogey rating of 108.4, and a course rating of 79.1.
TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla
The Players Stadium course is designed by Pete Dye and Marquis de Sod. Although the course has been softened since it was first opened for golfing, it remains quite difficult for most players. It features a mix of numerous water hazards, grassy moguls, semi- blind spots, hollows, and waste bunkers.
The course features 18 varied greens and 17 fairways. One fairway has been converted into an island green par-3, 17th. You would be hard pressed to find another course in the world that gives you so many stomach churning moments. It has a 155 slope rating, and a course rating of 76.8.
Bethpage, Farmingdale, N.Y.
The Black course has a sign warning players that it is only for the highly skilled. It is a testament to how the course is. Tiger Woods once referred to the course as hard. The course is a fearsome, waking-only test of even the toughest golfers on earth.
It has a course rating of 76.6 and a slope rating of 148.
Winged Foot, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
The West course at Winged Foot is also quite difficult. Even PGA champions have said that this course has some of the most impossible holes on earth. The course is highly contoured with pear shaped greens, huge bunkers and a collection of rugged par-4s. Jack Nicklaus once ranked it as a 12 on a scale of 1 to 10 on a difficulty scale.
It has a course rating of 76.1, and a 145 slope rating.
Whistling Straits, Haven, Wisc.
The Straits course on this course is undoubtedly difficult. The course was designed by Pete Dye in 1998 on the shores of Lake Michigan. It features over 1,000 bunkers. The course has a rating of 77.2, and a 152 slope rating.