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Golfers are struggling with the 17th hole at The Open this weekend as they begin their opening rounds of the season’s final major. The hole, a Par 3, boasts a bevy of hazards around the green.
Slope, bunkers, and a tall rough have made this hole seem unplayable at times. Viewers are already seeing the difficulty midway through the tournament’s first day.
There was no surprise as to what golfers were dealing with upon entering the 2023 Open Championship. In fact, golf coach Pete Cowen went as far as to say, “It could ruin somebody’s career,” when talking about the course’s new addition. “Why would you make a 120- to 130-yard Par-3 impossible?” he asked.
For reference, Cowen has worked with superstars Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy. He’s no schlub.
Despite being the shortest hole on the course at just 136 yards, No. 17 is already proving to be one of the hardest.
On Thursday, we saw Lucas Herbert giving it a go. Herbert teed off at that 17th hole in a tie for The Open lead. He left with a triple-bogey.
What can happen on the 17th hole.
Lucas Herbert held a share of the lead on the tee.
He walked off the green with a triple-bogey. pic.twitter.com/8mte7POa5p
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2023
Fans have been quick to comment on the brutal play. Here’s what they were saying on social media.
One person wrote, “Golf is really cruel.”
Another said, “The 17th is a nasty little Par-3. My goodness.”
This account posted, “The 17th hole is brutal.”
Herbert won’t be the only one dealing with the difficult Par-3, and he sure won’t be the last to fall victim. Fans will be tuning in to see the struggles throughout weekend.