PGA WEST’S Bold Holes: 5 of the Toughest

Golf legend Arnold Palmer once said that “Success in [the] game depends less on strength of body than strength of mind and character.” However you’ll want to bring all three into play when you tee off at PGA WEST’s five championship resort courses. With multiple sets of tees, the courses offer something for all ages and ability levels. While a fantastic outing for all, even the most driven golfers will need to put their best foot forward as they make their way through a round.

Check out the formidable five holes below that put even the best to the test:

PGA WEST® Pete Dye Stadium Course | #17 Alcatraz

This exciting and challenging course—host venue for The American Express™ final round— has achieved its share of notoriety through the years, at times intimidating even the game’s greatest, but five sets of tees make the course playable for golfers of all levels. A phenomenal restoration by Dye protégé Tim Liddy has brought Dye’s original vision back to life. Although all three finishing holes can bring on an adrenaline surge, par 3 Alcatraz delivers just that. The hole plays downhill to an island green surrounded by imposing boulders and water.

PGA WEST® Nicklaus Tournament Course | #15 Long Island

Signature Jack Nicklaus with plenty of elevated greens and some drop offs into the rough areas, this course plays 7,204 yards from the back tees. Set against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and one of two island greens, this scenic par 5 requires a straight drive to avoid the deep fairway bunker off the tee. Keep your lay up shot down the right for an approach shot that will need to carry over water onto the green.

PGA WEST® Greg Norman Course | #6 Didgeree Doom

Not quite as nerve-wracking as it sounds, but this hole on the desert-inspired design is still considered the toughest par 4 on the course. Play from the back tee at 481 yards over the narrow fairway. The shot is often into the wind and you’ll face some challenging bunkers. If you get caught up in one of those, you still have a 250-yard bunker shot into the green.

PGA WEST® Pete Dye Mountain Course | Hole #2

Set at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, this course is popular for its design, playability, and incredibly scenic views. The well-bunkered course features plenty of rock formations and rolling terrain. Hole 2 is considered one of the most challenging par 3s in the desert, with water all the way down the left side and around the green to the left. If you miss the green, bail out to the right side for the best possible chance to get up and down.

PGA WEST® Pete Dye Dunes Course | Hole #17

With its well-guarded greens and railroad tie wrapped water hazards, Dye employed a links design with a Scottish feel for this 72-par course. Featuring intricate rolling mounds, bunkers and narrow fairways, this course demands concentration and accuracy. Hole 17 is one of the most difficult on the course, a long dogleg par 4 with water hazards on the left side all the way up to the green. Tee off to the right center of the fairway to set up your approach to the green.

Play where the pros play and book your PGA WEST resort tee time today.