I'm a struggling freelance golf writer trying to put together a survey of the "best" golf holes in the United States. Yes, I know, this list has been done. And yes, I know, you guys hate lists! However I'm trying to do this list a way that might be more relevant. The old Golf Digest list from March 1999 was arranged just by par-3, par-4 and par-5. I'm going to try to arrange this list by some slightly more narrow categories. I also thought to consult some truly qualified people to help me put this list together. I do not intend to turn this into a big discussion group, so I would like to do this via email. My email is archsurvey@hotmail.com Email me with your top 5 choices in each category, by name of golf course with hole number in parentheses (eg: Augusta National Golf Club (12) ) So, without further qualification, the categories:
Par-3s
1. Short
2. Medium
3. Long
4. Redan
5. Par-3 Defended by Water
6. Best Bunkered Par-3
7. Toughest par-3
8. Best hole location on any par-3
9. Most Asthetically Beautiful Par-3
10. Best Uphill Hole
11. Best Downhill Hole
Par-4s
1. Drivable
2. Dogleg Left
3. Dogleg Right
4. Cape
5. Short But Not Driveable (350-400)
6. Medium Length
7. Long (450+)
8. Most Difficult Drive
9. Most Difficult Approach
10. Par-4 Defended By Water
11. Hole location on a par-4
12. Best Bunkered Par-4
13. Most Asthetically Beautiful Par-4
14. Downhill
15. Uphill
Par-5s
1. Reachable With an Iron (For Average Professional Golfers)
2. Dogleg Left
3. Dogleg Right
4. Reachable With a Wood (For Average Professional Golfers)
5. Unreachable
6. Most Difficult 3rd Shot on a par-5
7. Best Bunkered
8. Most Difficult Second Shot (at the Green)
9. Most Difficult Layup on a Par-5
10. Par-5 Defended By Water
11. Hole location on a par-5
12. Most asthetically beautiful par-5
13. Uphill
14. Downhill
Overall
Best Green Complex
Most Difficult Green Complex
Most Penal Bunker
Most Difficult Hazard to Negotiate
Best hole that possesses a blind shot