Golf Club Atlas

GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Jeff_Brauer on October 31, 2014, 01:42:23 PM

Title: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Jeff_Brauer on October 31, 2014, 01:42:23 PM
Just saw this link.

Can't say I disagree with any.  Wondering if there are any more, such as 10 at Pine Valley you would put in.....

http://www.linksmagazine.com/best_of_golf/the-top-10-scariest-shots-in-golf
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: K. Krahenbuhl on October 31, 2014, 01:47:22 PM
The second shot (no matter the distance) at Riviera's 10th.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Josh Tarble on October 31, 2014, 01:49:51 PM
The drive on the 18th at TPC.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Chris Roselle on October 31, 2014, 01:54:49 PM
Just saw this link.

Can't say I disagree with any.  Wondering if there are any more, such as 10 at Pine Valley you would put in.....

http://www.linksmagazine.com/best_of_golf/the-top-10-scariest-shots-in-golf

Jeff, I find the tee shot on 14 much scarier than the tee shot on 10...
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Paul Gray on October 31, 2014, 02:30:38 PM
Having little experience of them I'm not best placed to judge perhaps but I can say that at face value at least none of these shots scare me.

Give me a 40 yard chip and run however on a seriously firm and fast course with something approaching a miniature mountain range to negotiate and I can certainly feel my heart racing. But then that wouldn't produce the right photos for the article.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Jon Wiggett on October 31, 2014, 02:32:00 PM
Looks more like a difficult shots at famous courses to me though agree that the odd one or two would be nerve racking. However, saying that the 17th at TOC is a scary shot ::) difficult to par yes but scary no. A 272 yard par four does not become any scarier as a par three either. 17 at Sawgrass I can see as scary though and Pine Valley certainly has its fair share.

Now the first tee shot at Whitefield, Dunbar is a scary shot.

Jon
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Ryan Coles on October 31, 2014, 02:32:55 PM
Having little experience of them I'm not best placed to judge perhaps but I can say that at face value at least none of these shots scare me.

Give me a 40 yard chip and run however on a seriously firm and fast course with something approaching a miniature mountain range to negotiate and I can certainly feel my heart racing. But then that wouldn't produce the right photos for the article.

Get the putter out Paul.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Paul Gray on October 31, 2014, 02:34:01 PM
Having little experience of them I'm not best placed to judge perhaps but I can say that at face value at least none of these shots scare me.

Give me a 40 yard chip and run however on a seriously firm and fast course with something approaching a miniature mountain range to negotiate and I can certainly feel my heart racing. But then that wouldn't produce the right photos for the article.

Get the putter out Paul.

I play links golf. I barely know how to use anything else.  ;D
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Cliff Hamm on October 31, 2014, 02:59:27 PM
11 at Pasatiempo - second shot

(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag284/Cliff_Hamm/IMG_2993_zps319ff15c.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/Cliff_Hamm/media/IMG_2993_zps319ff15c.jpg.html)



Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Mark McKeever on October 31, 2014, 03:00:05 PM
Just saw this link.

Can't say I disagree with any.  Wondering if there are any more, such as 10 at Pine Valley you would put in.....

http://www.linksmagazine.com/best_of_golf/the-top-10-scariest-shots-in-golf

Jeff, I find the tee shot on 14 much scarier than the tee shot on 10...

100% agreed CR!
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: David Whitmer on October 31, 2014, 03:49:53 PM
One that jumped out to me is the tee shot on the 8th hole at Butler National. Water short, right, and long, and overhanging trees and a bunker to the left. Long enough that I hit a 4 iron. I gotta say, that got my attention.

Also, the tee shot on #12 at Muirfield Village to a back-right hole location.

One more...the tee shot on #18 at Crooked Stick when you've been fighting an uncontrollable fade all day.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: John Connolly on October 31, 2014, 03:54:10 PM
I'd agree with Carnoustie's 6th - Hogan's Alley.

I stood on the tee and said to myself, 'don't go left, don't go left, don't go left'.

I hit it left.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Keith Grande on October 31, 2014, 03:59:12 PM
A greenside bunker shot with green sloping towards a water hazard (something like #17 at PGA National)...
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Mark McKeever on October 31, 2014, 04:07:29 PM
11 at Pasatiempo - second shot

(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag284/Cliff_Hamm/IMG_2993_zps319ff15c.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/Cliff_Hamm/media/IMG_2993_zps319ff15c.jpg.html)





Cliff, its probably not half as bad if you're not ten paces into the right rough!   ;)
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Thomas Dai on October 31, 2014, 04:10:44 PM
Surely a shot is only scary if there's no lay-up or alternative/option available? Or, I guess, if the alternatives/options are equal in the difficulty stakes to the shot initially considered to be scary.
Atb
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: J_ Crisham on October 31, 2014, 04:25:25 PM
11 at Pasatiempo - second shot

(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag284/Cliff_Hamm/IMG_2993_zps319ff15c.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/Cliff_Hamm/media/IMG_2993_zps319ff15c.jpg.html)




I was thinking the same thing- his third shot over the baranca is the dicey one!:) No way any nontour player goes for 11 from the spot of the picture.
Cliff, its probably not half as bad if you're not ten paces into the right rough!   ;)
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: J_ Crisham on October 31, 2014, 04:27:23 PM
The second shot (no matter the distance) at Riviera's 10th.
+1,   I think the 2nd shot into 8 at Prairie Dunes is much harder though. At Riv at least you will be in a bunker- at PD you can be in the shiite.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: William_G on October 31, 2014, 05:21:59 PM
very back tee Old Head #18 or very back tee at #12 Manele Bay   8)
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Cliff Hamm on October 31, 2014, 05:30:54 PM
Why would anyone think that a picture is taken only from where a ball has landed?  Is this better?  And no this is also not necessarily where a ball landed, simply a photo of a great hole...

(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag284/Cliff_Hamm/IMG_2994_zpse1995ae5.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/Cliff_Hamm/media/IMG_2994_zpse1995ae5.jpg.html)

Best drive of the day.  Made the second not nearly as intimidating as from the right rough ;D

(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag284/Cliff_Hamm/IMG_2995_zpse6874c19.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/Cliff_Hamm/media/IMG_2995_zpse6874c19.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Bill_McBride on October 31, 2014, 05:35:35 PM
10 and 11 back to back at Pasa, as tough as it gets. 

I have never hit a shot at the 11th green except from the far side of the barranca.  Nothing good lurks on the right side of that green!
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Howard Riefs on October 31, 2014, 05:38:38 PM

Cliff, its probably not half as bad if you're not ten paces into the right rough!   ;)


It's still scary from the left side of the fairway.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/14884927011_d2fb2a8306_c.jpg)


(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3840/14864988986_4beab2ab45_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Kevin_Reilly on October 31, 2014, 06:06:21 PM
Not on the list, but hard to feel comfortable with this one, as demonstrated by a GCAer.

(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a168/carrera993/tee.jpg)
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Patrick Kiser on October 31, 2014, 06:21:03 PM
Not on the list, but hard to feel comfortable with this one, as demonstrated by a GCAer.

11th or 12th there Kevin?  I'm guessing the 12th.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Mark Chaplin on October 31, 2014, 06:42:32 PM
10 at PV is a pretty comfortable shot with an 8 iron. I'd say the 3/4 wedge to the left green on 8 at PV and the approach to 18 on Olympic Lake again with a short iron are far scarier.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Tim Martin on October 31, 2014, 07:05:26 PM
Tee shot on 17 at Kiawah Ocean
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Brian Finn on October 31, 2014, 08:32:06 PM
Tee shot on 17 at Kiawah Ocean


+1
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Jason Topp on October 31, 2014, 09:07:01 PM
The most scared I have been of a shot was when I realized in a practice round for a qualifier that on one hole  I was not going to be able to carry a bunch of weeds and water to reach the fairway if the wind was out of the North.  Of course on the day of the qualifier the temperature was cold and the wind was out of the North.  I spent 13 holes wondering how embarrassing it would be to chip to the forward tee.  When I got to the hole I was very relieved to see the tee markers were moved a box forward.

Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Kevin_Reilly on October 31, 2014, 10:12:07 PM
Not on the list, but hard to feel comfortable with this one, as demonstrated by a GCAer.

11th or 12th there Kevin?  I'm guessing the 12th.

Yes, 12 from the way-back tee.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Matt MacIver on October 31, 2014, 10:29:13 PM
Have to say the pictures accompanying the article were the worst ever - more than half didn't show the "scary" shot in question.

My friend (24 HC, short knocker) would say the opening tee shots on T-Road and Black Mesa - he hated both vehemently.

Sawgrass 17 easily for me. 18 is no picnic either.

#1 at The Old Course...for different reasons than this article is mentioning.

Agree with 17 at Kiawah.

For me it might be the drive on #13 at Augusta....if I ever got the chance....once in a lifetime...can get there in two if I nut it...just have to turn it over a touch... but not too much...love it.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Howard Riefs on October 31, 2014, 10:33:39 PM
A few scary shots that come to mind...

Pasatiempo, #7 tee shot
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/14885533924_21e6aa790b_c.jpg)


Streamsong Blue, #4 approach
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/13356804094_bb4aac820c_z.jpg)


Whistling Straits, #17
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/13386211345_586fc50c63_z.jpg)


Kingsley, #2
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/15678046345_477f42aac1_z.jpg)


Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Michael Felton on October 31, 2014, 11:23:53 PM
Two shots that spring to mind for me.

2nd shot on #13 at Pine Valley. Death short, left or long and nothing but bail out to the right. I cannot hit it at the green there (in the 3 goes I've had).

Tee shot on the 9th at Brancepeth Castle in England. Played there a lot while at university and never got comfortable with that shot. 200+ yard par 3 with no bail out anywhere. Tree blocking the left side and a serious side hill green. Let me see if I can find a picture
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Joey Chase on November 01, 2014, 02:58:04 AM
The scariest shot for me has to be the 16th at Port Royal.  From the tips, it plays around 230 yards.  That is basically all carry with the prevailing wind coming off of the sea.  If you have spent time in Bermuda, then you know the wind always blows there.

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/843/4twh.jpg)
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: JC Jones on November 01, 2014, 07:18:31 AM
The drive on the 18th at TPC.


This is the correct answer.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Carl Rogers on November 02, 2014, 07:29:00 AM
My 2 are:
1. Opening tee shot at Ballyhack
2. Opening tee shot at Tobacco Road
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Josh Tarble on November 02, 2014, 08:57:11 AM

Kingsley, #2
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/15678046345_477f42aac1_z.jpg)


This is one seriously scary 9 iron.  The target is so small and it's pretty easy to make a giant number.  At least TPC #17 is quick and painless if you miss...

Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Jeff_Brauer on November 02, 2014, 09:03:49 AM
Two thoughts-

Seems like there has to be a do or die carry to count.  Am wondering if things like Hell's Half Acre were formerly among the scariest shots, now sort of mundane.

Second, agree on 2 at Kingsley, but only the second play when you know how narrow that green is at front.  I was no more than 12 feet from the pin, but bunkered left, followed by the back and forth outs, and finally my 4th shot to the fattest part of the green followed by a few putts.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Scott Wintersteen on November 05, 2014, 08:23:07 PM

One more...the tee shot on #18 at Crooked Stick when you've been fighting an uncontrollable fade all day.

The 18th at Crooked Stick is a very underrated finishing hole.  The fade is big trouble where you will end up in the water but missing left is almost just as bad with a large drop down from the fairway and very deep rough.  There is a slim chance to get to the green in that position.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: jeffwarne on November 05, 2014, 08:37:37 PM
The scariest shot for me has to be the 16th at Port Royal.  From the tips, it plays around 230 yards.  That is basically all carry with the prevailing wind coming off of the sea.  If you have spent time in Bermuda, then you know the wind always blows there.

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/843/4twh.jpg)

+1

 honorable mention tee shot #11 Shinnecock-the SECOND time you play the hole
150 yards,can't lose a ball
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Matthew Lloyd on November 05, 2014, 08:41:59 PM
my vote goes to Wolf Run #16

(http://s44.photobucket.com/user/mwlloyd/media/wolfrun16_zps9946d018.jpg.html?filters[user]=141853531&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0)
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Matthew Lloyd on November 05, 2014, 08:42:56 PM
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f35/mwlloyd/wolfrun16_zps9946d018.jpg)

wolf run #16 --- should work this time
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Chris DeToro on November 05, 2014, 08:54:30 PM
When I first saw that green at Wolf Run, I couldn't believe that it was actually a green on the course.  Thankfully it's a short hole. 

16, 17 and 18 at Sawgrass might be the scariest three hole stretch.  Along with much of PGA West. 

#2 at Kingsley is a great nominee though once you realize how much room there is in the back of the green, it becomes less so. 
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Brad Hill on November 05, 2014, 09:50:58 PM
#9 at Erin Hills.
#7 at Lawsonia Links
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: MClutterbuck on November 05, 2014, 10:02:08 PM
The approach shot to a front pin position at #1 ANGC. And the approach after that one, from the other side.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Jeff_Brauer on November 06, 2014, 07:54:07 AM
Two old jokes come to mind....for the struggling golfer, the answer is obviously "the next one."  And the story about the hack who whiffs his tee shot on no. 1 at (name any tough course) and says, "What they say is true....this IS a tough course!"

FWIW I have heard some tour pro guys mention 16 at Wolf Run as the scariest shot they have seen.  It's not just the water, its that the target size is smaller than their statistical average spray pattern.  At least 17 TPC is a large green with sub-sections.  I wonder between green size and shade of surrounding trees, if that green is a maintenance problem?  It's one of those deals where you could double the green size to the right, and the Sunday pin left would still be just as hard (and scary) but the hole and maintenance easier.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: JLahrman on November 06, 2014, 10:38:47 AM
Not on the list, but hard to feel comfortable with this one, as demonstrated by a GCAer.

(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a168/carrera993/tee.jpg)

Gettin' a lot of mileage out of this one!

I stepped back here just to try the shot. The tees we were playing were up by where my father-in-law was standing on the left.

Two notes about this:
- While I'm not a fan of the hallway look, the only players who should be playing from this set of tees should be good enough ball-strikers to make it through the chute.
- Those of you who have played with me know that hitting a tree is not a scary thought for me. It's actually right in my comfort zone.
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Chris DeToro on November 06, 2014, 11:06:45 AM
What a scary pic!  ;)
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Chris DeToro on November 06, 2014, 11:12:10 AM
Two old jokes come to mind....for the struggling golfer, the answer is obviously "the next one."  And the story about the hack who whiffs his tee shot on no. 1 at (name any tough course) and says, "What they say is true....this IS a tough course!"

FWIW I have heard some tour pro guys mention 16 at Wolf Run as the scariest shot they have seen.  It's not just the water, its that the target size is smaller than their statistical average spray pattern.  At least 17 TPC is a large green with sub-sections.  I wonder between green size and shade of surrounding trees, if that green is a maintenance problem?  It's one of those deals where you could double the green size to the right, and the Sunday pin left would still be just as hard (and scary) but the hole and maintenance easier.

Does anyone know just how big (or small) that green is at Wolf Run?
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Ian Andrew on November 06, 2014, 11:36:53 AM
Some that come to mind:

2nd shot to 5th at Bethpage
2nd shot to 10th at Shinnecock Hills
tee shot for 5th at Pine Valley
second shot to 13th at Prestwick
second shot to 12th at Yale

tee shot on 14th (?) at Island club (skinny short four coming back)
second shot on 15th at Garden City (fade lie, draw approach? what do you do?)
tee shot on 3rd at Prairie Dunes (in any high wind)
approach shot to par five 3rd at Indian Creek in Florida
tee shot on 5th at Lost Farms
Title: Re: Links Magazine - scariest shots in golf
Post by: Rich Goodale on November 06, 2014, 11:53:09 AM
What is really scary is the incompetence of the photos they chose to "complement" the vaccuous text.