Five Toughest PGA Tour Holes
Golf course difficulty often depends on the player, but on the PGA Tour, data shows which holes consistently challenge even the pros. We’ve analyzed the stats to reveal the five toughest PGA Tour holes, where scoring becomes a true test of skill.
5. No. 12 at Torrey Pines (South Course)
The 504-yard par-4 12th hole at Torrey Pines South invites bold tee shots with its wide fairway, but only a well-executed drive gives players a shot at reaching the green in two. The green, stretching 35 yards deep, rewards those who miss short, setting up easier uphill chips. Precision off the tee is crucial here, as anything less means scrambling to save par.
This hole sees fewer rounds than others due to the Farmers Insurance Open splitting play between Torrey Pines’ two courses. Despite the reduced play, the 12th still proved difficult in 2024, with an average score of 4.406 and 10 double bogeys.
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4. No. 9 at TPC Twin Cities
At 502 yards, the par-4 ninth at TPC Twin Cities demands both accuracy and distance. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the hole tempts aggressive play, but its subtle challenges make it a scorecard wrecker. Only 28 birdies were recorded at the 3M Open this year.
Though TPC Twin Cities as a whole isn’t considered one of the most challenging PGA Tour courses, the ninth hole is a different story. Players who fail to execute their shots find themselves scrambling to recover, resulting in an average score of 4.415. This hole consistently disrupts rounds, leaving many players frustrated.
3. No. 11 at Royal Troon
The par-4 11th hole at Royal Troon is one of the most feared in major championship golf. As players step up to the tee, they must deal with the railway that runs along the entire right side of the hole, just waiting for any errant shots. A hooked drive lands in thick gorse, nearly guaranteeing a lost ball. The second shot is just as tricky, with the railway remaining a constant threat just yards from the green.
Rated the toughest hole in the 2024 Open Championship, the 11th hole demands absolute precision and nerve, leaving little room for error. Even seasoned professionals often struggle to manage a safe par here.
2. No. 10 at Vidanta Vallarta
The Greg Norman-designed Vidanta Vallarta course is generally known for being enjoyable, with wide fairways and large, undulating greens. But the par-4 10th hole turns fun into frustration. Though the layout looks forgiving at first glance, cavernous bunkers and unpredictable winds make it a constant challenge.
At the 2024 Mexico Open, this hole caught many players off guard, with 24 scores of +2 or worse recorded during the tournament. The wide fairways may offer a sense of security, but the second shot demands precision, and the greens are no easy task to navigate. The 10th hole at Vidanta Vallarta makes sure that players stay sharp throughout the round.
1. No. 18 at Quail Hollow Club
The par-4 18th at Quail Hollow is infamous for its punishing design. Measuring 492 yards, it features a creek that runs the entire length of the hole on the left side. This creek forces players to aim right, but a bunker 290 yards out punishes any tee shots that stray too far in that direction. Those who aim left take on the creek, which can derail a round in an instant.
The second shot is no less dangerous, as the green’s angle favors shots coming from the right side of the fairway. Players who attempt a riskier left-side approach rarely benefit. With an average score of 4.5, the 18th at Quail Hollow is statistically the hardest hole on the PGA Tour, regularly dashing players’ hopes for a strong finish.
Conclusion
These five holes stand out as some of the biggest challenges in professional golf. Each one tests a player’s precision, power, and mental toughness, offering little room for mistakes. Do you agree with our list of the five toughest PGA Tour holes?
