Torrey Pines’ South Course, #12th is a pain, but ever tried hitting a perfect shot over a hotel? That’s the challenge at St. Andrews’ Road Hole. Some of the brutal courses are where dreams are materialized, and nightmares are real. One such field is TPC Sawgrass. “If there’s ever going to be a fifth major, it’s already here,” these wise words from Rory McIlroy describe how The Players Championship is for the golfers.
Well, it’s not just the player’s roster that makes it tough, but the difficulty of the course adds up to it too. Designed by Pete Dye, it offers a pushing layout with many tough holes to pass for the championship. But out of the 18, here are the five that could become a nightmare for the golfers.
1. Hole 14, Par-4, 481 Yards
This is one of the toughest holes in the course, only accuracy can save the golfers from staying below par. With sand and water on the left, deep grass on the right, the ideal trajectory and precision hitting will make the score move. The scoring average on the hole is +0.258, conceiving only one eagle and 33 birdies. In 2019, Keegan Bradley achieved the longest drive on this hole of 363 yards.
2. Hole 4, Par-4, 384 Yards
4th hole on The Players since the start has a water hazard parallel to the fairway. The entire holes look majestic for drone shots, but for the golfers, it is nothing less than a trap. The short par-4 requires accuracy with each hit. A well-struck long iron or fairway wood from the tee would help the players overcome the final water obstacle before reaching the greens. But if hit too hard to cross the obstacle, the ball will end up on the bunkers surrounded. Until now, there is only one eagle recorded, while 76 bogeys and 26 double bogeys make the difficulty level clear.
In 2019, Charles Howell III recorded a great feat with his eagle two at the hole during the first round. Well, it will be interesting to see how the golfers will overcome this year at The Players 2025.
3. Island Green Par-3 17th
Unlike the name, which sounds like a paradise, it is a total nightmare for the players. The 150-yard hole has an average of 3.077. Even though the hole ranks on the 7th as per the PGA Tour in difficulty, but with just one eagle and 80 birdies, the scoring wouldn’t be as easy as it seems. Apart from the course, the weather needs to support The Players, as high winds could lead the ball left or right into the water. Check it out!
Well, Scheffler & Co. could take learning from Ryan Moore’s 2019 historic hole-in-one.
4. Hole 18, Par-4, 462 Yards
Ahead on The Players, An easier-looking hole as compared to the 17th, but with a water hazard on the left and mounds and trees on the right. The constant accuracy would be required to finish with the final shot. Even to take note of the grass bunkers in the front right, which will make things difficult. Unlike the other holes listed above, the 18th is a breather with a -0.292 scoring average, but the pressure on the final hole will take the test for the golfers.
The hole has 46 eagles and 849 birdies. However, 567 bogeys and 96 double bogeys are also part of the stats. So, the hole might be easy if precision is persuaded.
5. Hole 5, Par-4, 471 Yards
The longest par-4 hole of the course would add to the difficulty, as accuracy with long distances would be the key. Well, the greens would have fewer water hazards for the pros, but the grass bunkers could become a hassle to pass. A par at this hole is a welcome score. The average at this hole is +0.081, which is just above par. However, having 67 bogeys and 12 double bogeys till now adds to the proof of its difficulty. Even zero eagles is what ensures it’s not an easy scoring hole.
Coming off from the Bay Hills, this might seem like an easy course to play at, but in reality, the challenge for the golfers will be immense. Battling with the tough competition, course, and weather would be a great challenge to overcome.
Who, according to you, will be the one taking the great lead from the first tee shot? Will Scottie Scheffler create history with his three back-to-back victories at The Players Championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
The post 2025 PLAYERS Championship: 5 Toughest Holes That Will Make Scottie Scheffler & Co. Sweat at TPC Sawgrass appeared first on EssentiallySports.
