America's 10 Toughest Golf Holes

Anyone who’s ever stood over a three-foot putt with a round of drinks on the line can scarcely imagine the pressure of facing such a putt when there’s $1.2 million at stake—and ten or twenty million people watching on television, some of whom are secretly hoping you choke. As if that wasn’t enough weight on the pro golfer’s shoulders, the holes that the pros play are not known for being pushovers.

The factors that make for a difficult golf hole are as countless as the ways a once-a-week player can duff a shot. Ominous water carries and endless deserts of sand can intimidate. Deep rough and glass-like greens can frustrate. And sometimes, certain holes just seem destined to come between the player and a decent score. As six-time PGA Tour winner Steve Pate said, “There are certain holes that just get me every time. On face value, they shouldn’t be difficult, but for me they always are.”

See the Forbes slideshow of America’s Ten Toughest Golf Holes.