18 Toughest Holes on The Open Rota

There are 180 holes that comprise the historic rotation of the Open Championship, golf's oldest major. Each of the ten venues present a varying challenge to the best players in the world, securing their place in the fabric of the game. However, one of the great things about the Open is that the public has the opportunity - albeit often at a cost - to walk in the footsteps of legendary golfers and experience these courses for themselves. 

You only have to look back at previous Opens to discover how difficult the field found a particular layout or hole, but how about the average person? We have studied nearly a decade of statistics from the Golfshake Score Tracker, looking at rounds submitted by everyday golfers who have played these courses, to pick out some of the most testing holes. 

Each of the holes below are as they appear in regular play, rather than in their configuration during the Championship. For example, the 17th at Royal Liverpool was the 1st during the Open in 2006 and 2014. The yardage noted is also taken from the scorecard that the majority of golfers play, generally the yellow or mid-handicap tees. 

The statistics below are from Golfshake Members of any ability, so it's a reflection of the overall Community. 

So, without further delay, here are the 18 Toughest Open Rota Holes on Golfshake!

4th at Royal Portrush, Par 4, 455 Yards

Average Score to Par: +2.09

9th at Muirfield, Par 5, 505 Yards

Average Score to Par: +2.04

15th at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Par 4, 466 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.94

3rd at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Par 4, 432 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.93

1st at Royal Liverpool, Par 4, 411 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.89

17th at Royal Liverpool, Par 4, 407 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.80

18th at Carnoustie, Par 4, 421 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.79

1st at Royal Birkdale, Par 4, 430 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.71

18th at Royal Portrush, Par 4, 426 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.70

12th at Royal Liverpool, Par 4, 396 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.69

12th at Royal Troon, Par 4, 377 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.66

7th at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Par 5, 539 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.63

1st at Muirfield, Par 4, 446 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.63

2nd at Royal Birkdale, Par 4, 397 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.60

17th at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Par 4, 413 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.60

17th at St Andrews, Par 4, 436 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.59

17th at Carnoustie, Par 4, 421 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.58

7th at Royal Portrush, Par 5, 552 Yards

Average Score to Par: +1.57

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